As new Chairman of the committee Mr J Rogers, welcomed all Members to the meeting in addition, as a point of Protocol Mr Rogers asked that Members noted that when wishing to speak during meetings they address him John, Chairman or Councillor and not Chair. 

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 13 March 2007.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 13 March 2007 were confirmed as the correct record and signed by the Chairman.  

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Mr P Duigan, Mr R Childerhouse and from the vacant Labour or Independent Member still to be nominated. 

[Note:  A correction to this minute to include an apology for absence from Mr A.P. Joel was recorded at the subsequent meeting of the Panel held on 24 July 2007.

To note the names of any non-members wishing to address the meeting.

Mrs D Irving, was in attendance for information only and did not wish to speak at the meeting. 

Mr Clive Morris of ‘One’ Railway will be in attendance to address the meeting.

The Chairman introduced Mr Clive Morris a representative from ‘One’ Railway who had been invited to attend the meeting.

Mr Morris, the Director of Rural Transport for the railways of the east of England, updated Members on the ‘One’ Railways service provision across the district and beyond.  Mr Morris advised Members that ‘One’ Railways was part of a 10 year National Express franchise that had been running for three years.   Members were advised that the railway franchise was operating at a cost of £450 million a year with a premium of £500 million being paid to the Government.  A Member asked whether the Government were investing the £500 million premium being paid by ‘One’ Railway back into the rail network for the region.  Mr Morris confirmed that although he was unsure of the percentage of money that was being paid back to the region the Government were investing all the money back into Network Rail. 

Mr Morris advised Members that three years ago there were only six trains a day to Brandon and now they were thirty three trains a day which ‘One’ hoped would help to lift the environment of the train station.  Members were informed that children in the local schools in Brandon were getting involved in smartening up the station. 

Members expressed their delight that there was an hourly service to Brandon and felt that this would benefit the local people hugely with the regular service helping tourism in the area in addition; the improvement in service would encourage local people and tourists to visit the Brecks area.   A member asked how the new service to Brandon was being promoted; it was confirmed that a double sided flyer with all the new service information was available highlighting the increased parking availability and the installation of CCTV and the ‘Brandon Life’ publication was running promotions to travel from Brandon and receive two tickets for the price of one on the ‘One Day Ranger’ ticket.  In addition, ‘One’ had the Press taking photos at Brandon train station waving off the first additional train in the new service which Mr Morris hoped would help raise great awareness to local residents in turn spreading to potential tourists to the area.  A Member asked whether there was any plan to expand the car park in response, Mr Morris advised Members that once it was in ‘One’ Railway’s remit they will be increasing the parking by an additional 25 – 30 spaces. 

In addition to the increased service from Brandon there were more Sunday services to Lakenheath where three trains were stopping each way on a Sunday.  A Member asked whether this service on a Sunday would be stopping any more.  In response, it was stated that if this service was to be increased the running and operating costs would increase for example, the timetable would have to be changed and therefore, with the increased cost it was unlikely this service would be stopping any more than it was currently. 

Mr Morris  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

Members are asked to consider any additional items or topics for inclusion on the future Work Programme.

The Scrutiny Officer explained that with today’s meeting involving One Railways, the Panel’s Local Transport Review had now concluded.  He also indicated that the work programme item concerning the Review of Development Control had been concluded.  The Local Development Framework was ongoing and a report was expected at the Panel’s next meeting.  The Scrutiny Officer asked that Members gave consideration to additional issues or topics that they wished to explore and add to the panel work programme.  Members raised the following areas for future review:

• Royal Mail – Mr J Rogers explained that there were 16 roads within his ward which the Post Office had the addresses under Watton however, they were within the Carbrooke Parish.  The definition of the addresses being Norfolk - Watton or Carbrooke – Watton was required.  Members were advised that the query of address had caused problems for pupils not being able to attend their local school.  Mr Rogers advised Members that he had taken this issue up with Trading Standards.  The Scrutiny Officer advised Members that he would contact Royal Mail in the interim.    [Note:  At the subsequent meeting of the Panel on 24 July 2007, the Chairman corrected this item to clarify that all the addresses concerned were in the parish of Carbrooke but with the exception of one, all were classified as Watton for postal purposes.  It also gave rise to children being sent to Watton schools instead of to the local school in Carbrooke.]

• New Planning Regulations - when developed. 

• Regional Framework and how it would interrelate to the Local Development Framework to ensure that the policies run smoothly together. 

Members stressed that it was imperative that Breckland had the infrastructure in place to cope with the Local Development Framework. 

Members are asked to note that the next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 19 June 2007 at 10.00 am, Breckland House, Thetford.

The arrangements for the next meeting on Tuesday, 19 June 2007 at 10.00 am, Breckland House, Thetford were noted.