There were no declarations of interest.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Smith and Pratt.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 12 December 2017 were confirmed subject to the amendments that the Baker Street item should state and also the Norfolk County Councillors Pay increase should have stated 11.5% and not 10.5%.

(i) Tree outside McColls, High Street  - Councillor Wright reported that Norfolk County Council have responsibility for the tree outside McColls and that the metal cage around this would be tidied up and that if the tree was no better next year if was agreed that this would be replaced.

(ii) Cemetery Loge, Shrublands Way - It was reported that Cemetery Lodge accommodation in Gorleston was currently under review.  The property is in significant need of repair and as such a detailed condition survey is to be undertaken to identify requirements for any refurbishment and then therefore options for the Council.

(iii) Bus Diversions due to the Weatherspoons Public House Work

Chris Speed the Head of Operations for First Eastern Counties Buses Ltd reported that the High Street would be closed until 14 March 2018 and that they were disappointed that the High Street was closed as they had seen a reduction in the number of passengers.  They had tried to relocate the temporary bus stops as close to the High Street as possible.

The Chairman praised First Buses for keeping the buses running during the recent severe weather.

(iv) Burgh Road, Dykes

Residents from properties 28-38 Burgh Road spoke of the blocked dykes that run behind Burgh Road through to Southtown Common and how these were blocked with sheds and shopping trolleys.  It was reported that it had been agreed that a tanker would be on site within 36 hours to empty 4,500 gallons of water and take it away before arranging to clear the dykes for a permanent solution.

Councillor Fairhead spoke of the Inland Drainage Board (IDB) and it was pointed out that if the Council were paying towards the IDB they should query what their money is being spent on. 

(v) Beach Huts 

The Committee spoke of the proposal for 70 beach huts for the southern end of Gorleston Promenade.  It was reported that this application would be presented to Development Control. The public asked if the Development Control Committee could put on an exhibition/ consultation in the Library.  Conditions for the use of the huts would be considered.  Concern was expressed about vandalism and it was reported that CCTV covers the Seafront. 

(i) Leasehold and Freehold land on Shrublands Estate - concern was expressed at small pieces of land having been sold off asking if it was likely that this would be built on.

(ii) New Bollards have been installed in Recreation Road and Kennedy Avenue.

(iii) The Committee spoke of speeding and illegal parking around Cliff Park Infant and Middle School in Orde Avenue.

(iv) It was reported that there were big lorries carrying all the building materials to the Former Claydon School Housing Estate on Beccles Road where 92 houses were currently being built and concern was expressed that this could potentially damage the road.