Bits n Bobs

Limited Edition Plates

You may be interested to know a number of plates were distributed by Decor Art Creations Ltd that feature scenes from Nocton Village. There were only 50 sets made, each containing six plates. Each plate features an individual scene and is finished with an 18-carat gold border. These appear to have been sold circa 1999 under The Canterbury Collection. The scenes are of Nocton Hall, All Saints Church, Vicarage, Primary School, Village Hall and Old Ten Row.

Nocton Hall plate

North Kesteven residents five times more likely to be in serious road crash

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/North-Kesteven-residents-times-likely-road-crash/story-16105985-detail/story.html

Craft and Pamper Evening

Don't forget to buy your tickets.

Annual Parish Meeting

Don't forget your Annual Parish Meeting is being held tomorrow in the Village Hall at 7.00 pm. This is your opportunity to have your say and to discuss openly any topics brought up for discussion.

Wine and nibbles will be available.

Nocton Hall

Abandoned to the vandals, the Grade II-listed former military hospital that treated generations of servicemen

'At risk: Preservationists are worried about the desperate state of the Grade II-listed Nocton Hall, in Lincolnshire, which once was the site of a key military hospital.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2123612/Abandoned-vandals-Grade-II-listed-military-hospital-treated-generations-servicemen.html

It is very interesting that the Daily Mail have chosen this day of all days to highlight the deterioration of Nocton Hall to the nation.

Only yesterday I was contacted by a lady who mentioned she had a family connection with Nocton Hall - her father had attended the Preparatory School in the 1930's.  This lady had carried out some research on the Hall and discovered from the web that I am interested in the history of this once fine property.  Locating my email address and learning that I was actively seeking any internal views, she decided to contact me.  I was extremely excited to learn that this lady had a number of items, one of which contained three pages torn from an old unidentified publication, showing various rooms inside the Hall.  I asked if her if she would mind scanning these images and sending them to me by email... and they arrived today.  Thank you so much Ann!

You can view these below, courtesy of Ann Sampson:

If you are interested in reading more, you can search this blog for other entries about Nocton Hall (see the 'Search' facility on the right hand side).

You may also like to see the summary of actions taken over the years to protect this heritage property.
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Planning Reforms

Six key questions hanging over the final NPPF

'The key document central to the Governments planning reforms, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), will be published on Tuesday 27 March.'

http://www.farminguk.com/news/Six-key-questions-hanging-over-the-final-NPPF_23206.html

Hands Off Our Land: ordinary countryside to get more protection in revised planning rules

'England's countryside will be recognised for its "intrinsic value and beauty" under planning reforms, ministers will announce today.'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/hands-off-our-land/9168036/Hands-Off-Our-Land-ordinary-countryside-to-get-more-protection-in-revised-planning-rules.html

Planning Reforms: Conservationists Fear Urban Sprawl As New Reforms Published

'The government will today publish long-awaited reforms to the planning system which have been the focus of a bitter dispute with countryside campaigners.'

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/03/27/planning-reforms-conserva_n_1381552.html?ref=uk

NPPF threatens our nation’s heritage - CLA

The CLA has criticised the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) for failing to get heritage policy right.

http://www.farminguk.com/news/NPPF-threatens-our-nationrsquo;s-heritage-CLA_23234.html

Anaerobic Digesters

Government plans renewable energy relaxation

Government plans to exempt small-scale renewable energy generators on farms from planning regulations will be a boost for the rural economy, said the NFU today.

http://www.farminguk.com/news/Government-plans-renewable-energy-relaxation_23141.html

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

You may like to read this report from Allan Butler of the Centre for Rural Policy Research, University of Exeter. The conclusion is quite telling:

'The policy of increasing biogas plants across the UK is at present not being impeded by the planning system.'

So why is the relaxation of planning regulation really necessary?
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Peter Willes in the news... again

Farmer builds mega slurry lake in protected landscape

'A MASSIVE slurry lagoon has been built without planning consent on farmland near the South West Coast Path.'

http://www.thisisdevon.co.uk/Farmer-builds-mega-slurry-lake-protected/story-15294939-detail/story.html

Nocton farmer in hot water over giant slurry lake

'THE Devon farmer, who was at the forefront of unsuccessful plans to build a large-scale dairy unit at Nocton, now faces another fight on his own doorstep.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/nocton-farmer-in-hot-water-over-giant-slurry-lake/45166.article

If you wish to view this retrospective application, the planning reference is: 1/0046/2012 FULM. It falls under the jurisdiction of Torridge District Council - you can search for it here: http://www.torridge.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1047.

You may also like to know there is another retrospective application [1/1110/2010 FULM] for a slurry lagoon and channel at Higher Alminstone Farm, which appears to be pending consideration too - it can be viewed on the same website.

For Information

• There is a Plans Committee meeting on 1st March at Torridge District Council (but neither application appears on the Agenda).
• The next Plans Committee meeting is scheduled for 15th March (but the Agenda hasn't yet been published).

Just to demonstrate there is a real alternative to the intensive regime of milking a mega-dairy full of Holsteins.

Shift to simple dairy system breeds profitability

'Less stress, less work and more profit is how Ian Sharman describes life since switching to milking Montbeliardes. Angela Calvert visited him at his farm in Newark to find out more.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/livestock/livestock-features/shift-to-simple-dairy-system-breeds-profitability/44747.article
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Planning Applications

Dunston Quarry

You may like to know about a couple of applications relating to the quarry on the main Lincoln to Sleaford road (B1188).

You can view these applications by clicking on the links below:

N26/0144/12

N26/0152/12
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Planning changes

Countryside threatened by planning changes - CPRE

'MORE than half of England’s countryside could be at increased risk from development as a consequence of the Government’s reforms of the planning system, a major report has warned.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/latest-news/countryside-threatened-by-planning-changes-cpre/44655.article

Stunning new maps show countryside at risk

'The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) today launches a report with detailed new maps showing that 55 per cent of England’s countryside could be at increased risk from development as a consequence of the Government’s reforms of the planning system.'

http://www.farminguk.com/news/Stunning-new-maps-show-countryside-at-risk_22747.html

A plain English Guide to the Localism Act 2011

You can read about the planning changes on page 11:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/localismplainenglishupdate

Localism Act 2011

A little light reading for bedtime. If you require the actual statute, you can find the detail here:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2011/20/contents/enacted

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Small World

Nocton Nurseries

Since the sale of the Nocton Ltd nursery site to Munk Agricultural Services (http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/story-14267645-detail/story.html), I have been told another company, Winchester Growers Ltd are now leasing the site (http://www.winchestergrowers.co.uk/index.html).

If this is indeed correct, it is interesting to discover that it was the previous owners, Paul and Anne Clarke, who first established the company Winchester Bulb Growers Ltd way back in 1974. Paul and Anne then sold this highly successful company in 1994, prior to purchasing the Nocton Estate in November 1995. Winchester Growers Ltd was then established in 1995... from Winchester Bulb Growers Ltd.

It's a small World isn't it?

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Planning Application

What: Erection of single storey side extension & erection of pitched roof to existing extension.
Where: Rose Garden The Avenue Nocton Lincoln Lincolnshire LN4 2BN

Ref. No: 11/1442/HOUS
Received by NKDC: Thu 15 Dec 2011 & Validated: Thu 29 Dec 2011
Status: Pending Consideration

More information online here:

http://planningonline.n-kesteven.gov.uk/online-applications/

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Roger Helmer MEP

Guido reports: Tory MEP Roger Helmer No Longer Resigning

Read Guido's report

To welcome in the New Year

Read the Dunston Dossier for January 2012

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Dairy and other issues

I still find it hard not to look at the farming press, even though the Mega-dairy campaign is over. The following may be of interest if you were sympathetic to the CAFFO stance.

Farmer seeks support for Free Range Dairy project

'A SOMERSET farmer is seeking the support of like-minded producers to push forward a Free Range Dairy initiative to promote the benefits of pasture-based dairy herds.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/livestock/farmer-seeks-support-for-free-range-dairy-project/43571.article

EU rules to give power back to dairy farmers

'European MPs have agreed rules to give dairy farmers more power to negotiate fairer prices for their milk.'

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/06/12/2011/130414/EU-rules-to-give-power-back-to-dairy-farmers.htm

Spelman: Attitudes to water usage must change

'Britain faces a future of water shortages and lasting environmental damage with some rivers running dry....'

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/08/12/2011/130463/Spelman-Attitudes-to-water-usage-must-change.htm

Business, Innovation and Skills: Water White Paper

Stephen Phillips comments.

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debate/?id=2011-12-08a.406.2

What your local MP is doing for you

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/stephen_phillips/sleaford_and_north_hykeham

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Roger Helmer MEP

UKIP steal Tory candidate and Helmer's last CCHQ battle

'unless Matthews is anointed his successor he won’t be resigning after all…'

http://order-order.com/2011/11/25/ukip-steal-tory-candidate-and-helmers-last-cchq-battle/

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Dairy news

Big rise recorded in farm antibiotic usage

'Last week the European Commission unveiled a five-year action plan to address the problem of antimicrobial resistance in human and animal medicine.

At the same time an alliance of the Soil Association, Compassion in World Farming and Sustain published a report linking the rise in ‘superbugs’ like MRSA caused by drug resistant bacteria to misuse of antibiotics in ‘factory farming’.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/livestock/big-rise-recorded-in-farm-antibiotic-usage/43207.article

No agreement on milk contracts but Paice hails progress

'FARMING Minister Jim Paice said the dairy industry is moving closer to agreeing new voluntary contract arrangements, following a meeting of supply chain representatives on Wednesday.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/business/no-agreement-on-milk-contracts-but-paice-hails-progress/43203.article

Price rise needed as UK dairy farmers languish in bottom quarter of EU milk league table

'The NFU dairy board has called for milk buyers to come forward with a milk price rise before the New Year.'

http://www.farminguk.com/news/Price-rise-needed-as-UK-dairy-farmers-languish-in-bottom-quarter-of-EU-milk-league-table_22199.html

Call in the Powys Mega-Dairy decision

'Compassion is being joined by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) in contesting controversial plans for a 1,000-cow mega-dairy in Powys after Councillors recently conditionally approved them.'

http://www.ciwf.org.uk/news/beef_and_dairy_farming/call_in_the_powys_megadairy_decision.aspx

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More News

Nocton Festival 2012

There is a new website to help further publicise what is going on in Nocton:
http://noctonfestival2012.vpweb.co.uk/

Nocton Village Planters

 

I am writing on behalf of the residents of Nocton Village to thank you all for helping in our Nocton Planters Project.

 

The wish for a prettier village and some planters was highlighted by a recent CLAN (Community Led Action for Nocton) questionnaire, the project was executed by the Nocton Festival 2012 Group with donations from:

• Branston Potatoes:  Boxes and washed soil
• The Mansfield Sand Company:  Fertiliser and Soil
• Nocton School and Parish Church:  Hardcore
• Park House:  Additional Soil
• Bell Brothers Nurseries Boston:  All the Plants
• Nocton Parish Council:  Funding

and of course all the willing hands that moved, filled and planted all three planters.

 

Thank you all for your generosity and enthusiasm.

 

Regards

MaryAnn Williams

Nocton Parish Council

 

 

 

Councillor Marianne Overton

The following is an extract from Marianne's November 2011 newsletter:

'Planning
A joint committee of 12 voting people from 4 councils NKDC, WLDC, Lincoln & LCC have been planning where to allow 45,000 houses and 86,000 more people (over 5 new North Hykehams). The plan is designed to increase development over 20 years, but we saw how fast land was allocated once the permissive rules were in place, and then more was taken. That led to a boom and bust as many over-borrowed and house values fell. People tell me they want small amounts of development, in keeping with the roads, facilities and community. There will be formal consultation www.central-lincs.org.uk . The 160 new houses suggested commercially for Navenby have received overwhelming objection.'

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Nocton 200 Club

For more information, visit: Nocton 200 Club

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Sustainability

Jim Paice is using this term more frequently with the 'intensive' argument, so perhaps we need to find out what it really means in the farming context:

Sustainability in Modern Farming

Farmers Weekly - videos

Part 1
http://youtu.be/sGgx65zOQ_k

Part 2
http://youtu.be/bh5ct1CsjKk

Part 3
http://youtu.be/KiqED8sTQaE

Part 4
http://youtu.be/6wrlDa0IM90

Part 5
http://youtu.be/cKCz9JUXfe0

Part 6
http://youtu.be/VSUOiJfWzUM
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Power and planning

You may recall that Government is looking to simplify planning regulation, thus making it easier for developers to gain permission for their developments.  At the same time there is a move to devolve 'power' from central Government to District and Parish Councils.  It therefore makes it all the more important for our local representatives to be well briefed on matters and able to respond to challenges when they arise, especially so when you read the following articles.

I'm sure the controversial Nocton Dairies' application is still fresh in villagers' minds and I believe the local community should not become too complacent.  It would not surprise me if a similar application were to emerge, once the changes in planning legislation have been approved.

UK ‘will lead way on sustainable intensification’

'FARMING Minister Jim Paice has pledged that the UK will lead the way in promoting the sustainable intensification model of food production.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/arable/uk-‘will-lead-way-on-sustainable-intensification’/42644.article

New concerns over Foston pig farm proposal

'The Soil Association has renewed its calls for plans to build a 2500-sow pig farm to be scrapped after concerns were raised over the unit's impact on local residents' health.'

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/01/11/2011/129822/New-concerns-over-Foston-pig-farm-proposal.htm

'Obnoxious' pig farm plan fails to win backing from councillors

'PLANS for an "obnoxious" pig farm in Foston have taken a blow after South Derbyshire councillors agreed to voice their objections to the scheme.'

http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Obnoxious-pig-farm-plan-fails-win-backing/story-13731331-detail/story.html

Powys 'super dairy' is set for approval

'Controversial plans for a "super dairy" in Powys are likely to be approved after councillors ignored advice to reject it.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-15522600
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Stephen Phillips QC MP

Written Answers

You may be interested in your local MP's recent activity:

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/search/?s=speaker%3A24836+section:wrans&o=d

They Work For You

This is the main page for your local MP, giving you access to many functions:

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/stephen_phillips/sleaford_and_north_hykeham
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Tragic loss

Van driver jailed after head-on crash which killed soldier in Lincolnshire

'A promising soldier who survived two tours of duty in Afghanistan lost her life when a white van driver hit her car head-on – just seconds after using his mobile phone to update his Facebook page, a court was told today.'

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/Van-driver-jailed-head-crash-killed-soldier/story-13674265-detail/story.html
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Neighbourhood Planning

Doubts over bid to give Lincoln residents more say on local planning

'CITY residents could have greater influence on what is built in their communities by creating neighbourhood plans.'

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/Doubts-bid-Lincoln-residents-say-local-planning/story-13572967-detail/story.html

Don't miss the chance to help shape village

'RESIDENTS living in a village near Sleaford are being given the chance to shape the way it will look in the future through the creation of a Neighbourhood Plan.'

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/Don-t-miss-chance-help-shape-village/story-13597790-detail/story.html

Neighbourhood Planning

'The Government has said that it wants to return planning powers to local people, and so is creating a new neighbourhood planning tier, that will be led by the community, rather than the relevant district, county or unitary council.'

http://www.planninghelp.org.uk/planning-system/neighbourhood-planning

Neighbourhood planning

'Neighbourhood planning will be taken forward by two types of body - town and parish councils or 'neighbourhood forums'.'

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/inyourarea/neighbourhood/

Hands Off Our Land: Councils given extra time to put in place protections from developers

'Planning reforms are to be delayed for up to two years to allow communities to develop local plans to protect them from the developers’ bulldozer.'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/hands-off-our-land/8837097/Hands-Off-Our-Land-Councils-given-extra-time-to-put-in-place-protections-from-developers.html

Planning reforms 'are confusing'

'The government's planning reforms are "contradictory and confusing", a Commons committee has said.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-15704312

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