- Present
- Councillors Stephen Russell (Vice Chairman), Will Draper and Bill Woodhall. District Councillor Richard Winch also attended and County Councillor Andy Mellen attended for part of the meeting only.
Whilst the Parish Council meeting was inquorate, it was agreed to continue with the meeting for discussion purposes although no voting could take place. All matters requiring Councillors’ votes would be taken forward to the December meeting.
Public Forum
- None
- Litter bin for Long Thurlow
- CC Andy Mellen highlighted that three quarters of SCC’s annual budget is spent on Adult Social Care. The public are being asked to complete a survey highlighting the important issues they perceive for the remaining quarter of the budget. Any houses or residents experiencing recent flooding should report the facts to SCC for support. The A1088 bridge rebuilding work will take place in 2024 and the road will be closed for approx. 4 months – work should start in late May but will be dependent on the roadworks situation on the A14 at the time. The Walsham school bus collection and drop off point in Badwell Ash is likely to be altered very soon for safety reasons.
- Cllr Winch’s report had been previously circulated to the Parish Councillors and he highlighted MSDC’s initiative entitled ‘Cosy Homes’ comprising loft and wall insulation to eligible homes. MSDC were also focussing on their council housing stock which had received a very low level of maintenance service in the past.
Apologies
Councillors Richard Morris (Chairman), Roy Woodfine, Nick Harvey and Maciej Siarkowski.
Declarations of Interest and Requests for Dispensation
- None
- None
Minutes
- The Minutes of the meetings held on 12 September and 10 October were signed by the Vice Chairman.
- In connection with Item 5.2 on 10 October 2023, it was reported that residents were using the closed footpath 11 and trespassing on Mulberry Homes’ land due to their proposed delayed start. Comments were also made about the ugly steel Heras fencing on Hunston Road.
Clerk’s Report and Correspondence
The Clerk reported she had received a request for grant funding from the local WI for their centenary event in 2024 – this was approved. Cllr Woodhall stated that he would liaise with Tony Brewer regarding extra signage for Neighbourhood Watch and would initiate a second group in the Wilding Road area.
- The Clerk had received the digitised Deeds from Suffolk Archives. The Councillors are in the process of having these original Deeds analysed by a pro bono solicitor for clarification.
- Both Mulberry Homes and Esmera have stated they will defer building works until 2024 with no firm start date. Developers have also requested phased development from 3 to 2 houses in Dovedale. All the above probably due to the current economic situation.
- Pride in Your Place (grant of £250) was completed and a report submitted to MSDC. Thanks to the Parish Councillors who voluntarily took part. Tasks completed – all road and street signs washed and clean; playground cleaned and checked; entrances to all local Footpaths trimmed back; war memorial tidied; bus shelters completed. Still to do (weather permitting) re-paint defibrillator box, re-varnish both noticeboards, re-site pub grit bin.
- One Councillor had requested an alternative date for the 2024 PC meetings – it could be either the 2nd or 3rd Tuesday of the month – deferred for final decision until December meeting.
- The Clerk reported the purchase of the village hall drive was now complete – final paperwork awaited from the solicitors.
- The Clerk was asked to put the list of Emergency Contacts on our website and in the Broadsheet.
Environment
- Cllr Russell gave an update on the inaugural meeting of the Neighbourhood Plan and outlined two drop-in sessions proposed for 20 and 22 January. He hoped more volunteers would join the sub-group and get involved (see Broadsheet and website for more details).
- Co-part had withdrawn their application for a large used car parts site at Stanton which was good news although an alternative planning application might follow.
- Only 5 responses had been received re the 20mph suggestion within the village centres. Four ‘against’ from Long Thurlow and one ‘for’ in Badwell Ash. It was proposed to undertake a survey in the New Year on this subject which would also be relevant to the Neighbourhood Plan thoughts.
- The Village Hall Trustees gave their approval for Stage II of the playground to go ahead and so the Parish Council can take this small project forward using existing CIL monies. In addition small grants had been applied for through MSDC. No planning permission is required on the playing field as this is considered ‘permitted development’.
- See 1.3 above.
- No appetite for an Autumn/Winter litter pick in the run-up to Christmas. Will stick to our annual Spring event.
- Cllr Draper gave a brief report on his liaison meeting with the Chairman of the Village Hall and it was hoped that both bodies could work in parallel towards improvements for the village in general. The Village Hall had themselves identified future projects totalling about £90,000. With grants, they have approx. £45,000 and thought that the PC might like to fund the remainder. The Chairman of the Trustees was in agreement with the Parish Council’s future plan to increase the car park size and reinstate the patio but had not yet put this proposal to his Committee. Further meetings would take place as and when required.
- The SID data from both ends of the village showed an increase in the volume of traffic entering and exiting the village which could be attributable to the current major roadworks on the A14. When compared with previous SID reports, the percentage of ‘fast’ drivers remains low, albeit annoying and illegal, but the Police unlikely to take any remedial action on the current readings.
- M&TJs who undertook our playing field maintenance throughout 2023 are withdrawing from commercial grass cutting in 2024 so an alternative supplier would be needed. The Clerk to investigate.
- An unknown source had cut down trees, shrubs and other vegetation in the Orchard Way alleyway but had left the debris behind. The Clerk was asked to get a contractor to tidy up this unloved area and make the surface safe for pedestrians despite the landowner being unknown.
Planning
Progress of recent planning applications:
DC/23/04576 Brook House, Richer Road, Badwell Ash IP31 3DQ (tree works) – APPROVED
- To consider a planning consultation request letter relating to planning application DC/23/05107 Land West of Richer Road, Badwell Ash IP31 3EU (23/11) – The Councillors requested that the 23 Conditions applied to the Outline Planning Permission were carried forward to this Reserved Matters application as they were all still relevant. The Councillors particularly wanted to focus on the re-siting of the 30mph sign to the South of the site; also the potential flooding from the culvert alongside Richer Road and the construction of a pavement to join the proposed site to the existing walkways. The Councillors also rejected the new approval to change the existing outline for bungalows – which are needed – to double storey 3 & 4 bedroomed houses – which are not. The Clerk would submit their Objections to the Planning Dept at MSDC.
- To consider if prior approval is needed for a building for agricultural and forestry use – DC/23/05182 – Moat House, Badwell Green, Badwell Ash IP31 3JG (7 days). The Councillors had no objection to this application.
Finance, Governance and Policies
- To consider and confirm the issue of payments for the following:
- £603.48 – Oct salary
- £49.80 – Hanford Green
- £77.40 – installation of benches (bus shelters)
- £96.00 – M&TJs grass (last one)
- £42.12 – metal dog signs for playing field
- £50.00 – P Hebditch war memorial
- £10.89 – NP copying
- £81.00 – NP hall hire
- £131.04 – Clerk’s expenses
- £5.00 – Bank charges
The next Parish Council meeting would be held on Tuesday 12 December at 19.00 in the Village Hall.
Carole Rose – Parish Clerk
01359 259045
21 November 2023