Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting

Meeting Date:

Summary
This summary is generated by AI and may contain errors. It does not form part of the official minutes.
Exciting developments are underway with Mulberry Homes starting construction on 52 new houses on Hunston Road soon. Residents can also look forward to a proposal for the revamped playing field, which includes fewer parking spaces and two courts. Additionally, expect a special event as church bells will ring to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Present
Councillors Roy Woodfine, Nick Harvey, Will Draper and Roger Castro. District Councillor Richard Winch attended for part of the meeting only. One member of the public attended.

In the absence of the Chairman and Vice Chairman, Councillor Draper agreed to chair this meeting.

Public Forum

  1. None
  2. None
  3. CCllr Andy Mellen’s report had been circulated to the Councillors ahead of the meeting.
  4. DCllr Winch’s report had been circulated and he highlighted that MSDC had added 86 new council houses during 2024 bringing their total to 3373. RW highlighted that council tax on second and empty homes would increase significantly from April 2024. MSDC were also inviting site submissions for new residential land to be put forward for consideration.

Apologies

Richard Morris (Chairman), Stephen Russell (Vice Chairman), and Bill Woodhall. CC Andy Mellen.

Declarations of Interest and Requests for Dispensation

  1. None
  2. None

Minutes

  1. The Minutes of the meeting held on 12 December 2023 were signed by Councillor Draper in the absence of the Chairman and Vice Chairman.
  2. None.

Clerk’s Report and Correspondence

The Clerk indicated that, due to a significant number of Councillors being absent, this meeting would just deal with urgent matters and the remainder of the agenda items would be taken forward to the February meeting.

  1. The Clerk had received and acknowledged a letter of resignation from Cllr Maciej Siarkowski and his contributions during his tenure had been much appreciated.
  2. The co-option of Mr Roger Castro was formalised this evening and his forms will be sent through to MSDC. The Parish Council look forward to working with him going forward.

Environment

  1. No report but Cllr Draper had been asked by the consultants running the NP Plan for other Parish Councillors to join the Steering Group as it was unusual to just have one Councillor on the Group. No nominations were forthcoming this evening.
  2. Deferred.
  3. Cllr Draper had circulated an email outlining his update. No further discussion this evening.
  4. Cllr Harvey provided an updated plan for the playing field showing the reduced number of car parking spaces and just two courts rather than three. It was suggested that the next step would be to submit a proposal to the village in the next Broadsheet gaining their approval. Cllr Harvey to prepare photos and Cllr Draper to supply the text.
  5. Mulberry Homes due to start work on the 52 houses on Hunston Road on 5 February.
  6. Deferred.
  7. Deferred.
  8. The Clerk outlined a request received from SALC for the church bells to be rung on at 6.30pm on 6 June 2024 to mark the 80th anniversary of D Day. The Clerk to forward to the Churchwarden.
  9. Stage 2 playground to be commenced when ground conditions allow.

Planning

  1. To consider a planning consultation request letter relating to planning application DC/23/05797 37 Richer Close, Badwell Ash IP31 3ET. Parish Council unable to comment as expiry date for comments expired on 16 January.

Finance, Governance and Policies

  1. To consider and confirm the issue of payments for the following:
    • £889.65 – Clerk’s wages
    • £170.00 – P Hebditch (Orchard footpath)
    • £72.00 – printing plastic bus timetables
    • £60.00 – Village Hall hire fees
    • £2074.03 – Q3 tax and NI
    • £56.40 – Gipping Press (ALG memorial field sign)
    • £94.93 – Clerk’s expenses
    • £5.00 – Bank charges
    Resolved: It was resolved that these payments could be made. Councillors Draper and Harvey signed an approval for these to be paid by BACS.
  2. Budget still in draft form – to be approved and finalised at February meeting.
  3. After discussion the Councillors agreed to opt for a 5% increase in Precept this year which would take account of the rising prices and costs levied on the Parish Council by its contractors and suppliers and keep us in line with inflation. APPROVED

Next Meeting

Dates of Meetings in 2024 - 3rd Tuesday in the month
16 January, 20 February, 19 March, 16 April, 21 May, 18 June, 16 July, 20 August (if needed), 17 September, 15 October, 19 November, 17 December.

Carole Rose – Parish Clerk
01359 259045
26 January 2024

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