ES07/22/23 – Election of Chair
Cllr Gillett declared the meeting open.
Cllr Stanford proposed that Cllr Gillett be elected as Chair, which was seconded by Cllr Glasse. Decision – Cllr Gillett was duly elected Chair.
Cllr Gillett signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office and then took the Chair for the remainder of the meeting.
ES08/22/23 – Election of Vice-Chair
Cllr Wilkinson proposed that Cllr Turner be elected as Vice-Chair, which was seconded by Cllr Stanford. Decision – Cllr Turner was duly elected Vice-Chair.
ES09/22/23 – To Receive Apologies of Absence
None had been received.
ES10/22/23 – To Receive Declarations of Interest
None had been received.
ES11/22/23 – To Receive Applications for Dispensation
None had been received.
ES12/22/23 – To Approve the Minutes of the Meeting Held on 7th March 2022
It was AGREED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 7th March 2022 be approved as a true record and signed by the Chairman.
ES13/22/23 – To Appoint Representatives to Outside Bodies
- Suffolk Association of Local Councils (SALC) – Decision – All Cllrs.
- Village Hall – Decision – Cllr Glasse was appointed representative to the Village Hall.
- Church – Decision – Cllr Stanford was appointed representative to the Church.
- Community Emergency Village Hall Key Holders – Decision – Cllr Turner and Cllr Gillett were key holders for the Village Hall.
- Earl Stonham Trustees – Decision – Cllr Budd, Cllr Wilkinson and Tony Turner were appointed representatives to the Earl Stonham Trustees.
- Recorder Publication – Decision – Cllr Turner was appointed representative for the Recorder Publication.
- Recorder Distribution – Decision – Cllr Wilkinson was appointed representative for the Recorder Distribution.
- Carols on the Green – Decision – Cllr Stanford and Cllr Glasse were appointed representatives for the Carols on the Green.
- Footpaths – Decision – Cllr Budd was appointed representative for the Footpaths.
ES14/22/23 – Authorisation of Annual Subscriptions
It was AGREED: That the annual subscription of £268.39 be paid to the Suffolk Association of Local Councils in order to renew the Parish Council’s membership.
ES15/22/23 – Public Forum
Two members of the public were present.
ES16/22/23 – To Receive the County Councillor’s Report – Cllr Hicks
It was NOTED: That the County Councillor submitted a report to the Annual Parish Meeting that was held prior to this meeting.
ES17/22/23 – To Receive the District Councillor’s Report – Cllr Morley
It was NOTED: That the District Councillor submitted a report to the Annual Parish Meeting that was held prior to this meeting.
ES18/22/23 – To Receive the Clerk’s Report and Financial Matters
a) Clerk’s Report
The Clerk reported that the Asset Register had been reviewed and updated in line with the end of year accounts and had circulated the Asset Register prior to the meeting.
It was AGREED: That the Asset Register be approved.
b) To Receive the Clerk’s Financial Report
The Clerk reported on the Council’s current financial position and movements since the last meeting. It was reported that the balance in the accounts on 26th April 2022 was £9,791.38.
c) To Authorise Payments and Note Receipts
The Clerk reported the following payments be authorised:
- Jennie Blackburn - Clerk's Pay (Apr) - £265.25
- Jennie Blackburn - Clerk's Office Allowance/Exp (Apr) - £26.00
- Jennie Blackburn - Clerk's Pay (May) - tbc
- Jennie Blackburn - Clerk's Office Allowance/Exp (May) - £34.78
- Jennie Blackburn - Basket Ball Nets Reimbursement - £12.98
- SALC - Annual Subscription - £268.39
- Great Bricett PC - Contribution towards Box of Paper (1/5) - £4.49
- Great Bricett PC - Contribution towards Ink Cartridges (1/5) - £111.07
- Glasdon - Brackets for Dog Bin Post - £58.99
- Lindsey Stone - Refreshments for APM & FP Walk - £30.00
It was AGREED: That payments totaling £811.95 be approved.
The following receipts were also noted:
- MSDC - Recycling Bin Credit - £343.45
- Kevin Hollings Kitchens - Recorder Advert Fee - £30.00
- David Cook - Recorder Advert Fee - £30.00
- Zoe Hyde - Recorder Advert Fee - £30.00
- MSDC - Precept (1st instalment) - £3,404.00
- MSDC - CiL payment - £13.36
ES19/22/23 – Planning Applications
Ref: DC/22/01854 - Full Planning Application - Erection of 2no. detached bungalows, provision of parking and new vehicular access - Lime Tree Cottage, Stowmarket Road, Earl Stonham
Members were concerned that the site would be overdeveloped with the plots being very small.
Another two dwellings on Wicks Lane would increase traffic on a very narrow lane with an already dangerous access/exit onto the A1120.
Also, the drainage and sewage were already an issue for properties on Wicks Lane so the development would only add to those issues.
Members felt very strongly that the Planning Officers should consider the similarities between this proposal and that of DC/2200846, which was refused by the Planning Department.
It was AGREED: That the Parish Council Object to the planning application. Clerk to action.
Ref: DC/22/02179 - Planning Application - Reinstate the dwelling to its original state of 2no dwellings - Works to include demolition of single storey rear extension and garage - Erection of a two-storey rear extension - Lime Tree Cottage, Stowmarket Road, Earl Stonham
Members had the same concerns with this application as that of the above. The site would become overdeveloped especially as the applicants had also applied for two dwellings to be built in the grounds of Lime Tree Cottage (as above).
Again it would increase the dwellings on Wicks Lane which would increase traffic on a very narrow lane with an already dangerous access/exit onto the A1120.
Drainage and Sewage again would be compromised.
It was AGREED: That the Parish Council Object to the application. Clerk to action.
ES20/22/23 - Planning Decisions
The following decisions were noted:
Ref: DC/22/00781 - Application to determine if Prior Approval is required for a Proposed: Erection, Extension or Alteration of a Building for Agriculture or Forestry Use. Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development)(England) Order 2015 as amended Schedule 2, Part 6, Class A - Erection of barn for grain and straw storage - Moat Farm, Middlewood Green, Earl Stonham – Not Required
Ref: DC/22/00280 - Householder Application - Erection of garden building, boundary wall, fencing and gates. Chapel Farm, Fen Lane, Earl Stonham – Granted
Ref: DC/22/00802 - Householder Application - Erection of two storey side and rear extension and alterations to porch - 9 Weylands Close, Earl Stonham – Granted
Ref: DC/22/00453 - Householder Application - Erection of a single storey side extension. White Horse Cottage, Angel Hill, Earl Stonham – Granted
Ref: DC/22/00846 - Full Planning Application - Severance of garden and erection of single storey dwelling including new vehicular access - Kinclaven, Wicks Lane, Earl Stonham – Refused
Ref: DC/22/00167 - Application for Listed Building Consent - Uncovering of brick twin bread ovens and internal alterations as per Schedule of Works - Limes Cottage, Chapel Lane, Earl Stonham - Granted
ES21/22/23 – To Adopt New Code of Conduct
The Clerk explained that a new Code of Conduct had been produced with all local councils being required to adopt the new Code of Conduct, which had been circulated prior to the meeting.
It was AGREED: That the Code of Conduct be adopted.
ES22/22/23 - The East Anglia Green Energy Enablement (East Anglia Green) from the National Grid
Following a brief discussion members felt a Public Meeting was required where the plans for a new pylon corridor could be discussed and commented on as a village.
It was noted that some Parish Councillors had registered for the online information session in relation to the proposals.
It was AGREED: That the Clerk liaise with Cllr Turner in relation to setting a date.
ES23/22/23 - Dog Fouling in the Village
Cllr Wilkinson reported that a complaint had been received in relation to dog fouling of the public footpaths and whether anything could be done.
It was AGREED: That Cllr Gillett would put an article in the next Recorder asking for people to clear up after their dogs and a message would also be circulated via the Village List.
ES24/22/23 - Update on Blacksmiths Lane
Cllr Gillett reported that following liaison with County Cllr Matthew Hicks, it had become clear that unfortunately, a 30mph speed limit for the whole length of Blacksmiths Lane would be very unlikely to be agreed due to the criteria not being met.
ES25/22/23 - Community Governance Review
Following a brief discussion members present felt it was important for the Parish Council to remain as it was.
It was AGREED: That the Clerk submit comments stating the above.
ES26/22/23 - Update on Footpaths
It was reported that the recent footpath walk went well. It was noticed that footpaths were becoming overgrown.
ES27/22/23 - Update on Quiet Lane Status for Broad Green Lane and Chapel Lane
Prior to the meeting the Clerk had informed members that unfortunately the Quiet Lane Initiative was no longer open for new applications.
ES28/22/23 - Update on the Community Speedwatch Team
Cllr Gillett reported that all volunteers, eight in all, had been approved and training would take place next month.
ES29/22/23 - Update on the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
It was reported at the Annual Parish Meeting, prior to this meeting, that the celebrations would include the lighting of a beacon on the evening of Thursday, 2nd June, a 1950s themed Pub Night on the evening of Friday, 3rd June and a bring and share picnic on Sunday, 5th June 2022.
ES30/22/23 - Update on the Multicourt Signage and Nets
Cllr Wilkinson reported that new nets had been purchased and the signage had been completed. He confirmed he would send a template for the signage round for Members to view.
ES31/22/23 - Update on the Village Hall
Tony Turner reported that a proposal had been made by the Village Hall Management Committee (VHMC) to the Trustees to lease the old Bowls Club – land and buildings in order to extend the car park and a use would be found for the buildings. He stated that hopefully the proposal would be accepted and plans could go ahead.
ES32/22/23 - Update on Tap Junction
It was noted that the land at the junction with the A1120 and A140 had been cleared.
ES33/22/23 - Update on the Magpie Sign
Members wished to receive an update on the Magpie Sign so it was agreed that the Clerk contact Stonham Parva Parish Council in order to obtain one.
ES34/22/23 - Update on Street Lighting and Consider the Way Forward
It was AGREED: That a Working Group be set up in order to discuss a way forward with the Street Lighting and possible replacement of the lights. Members of the Working Group would be Cllr Glasse, Cllr Mann, Cllr Stevens and Tony Turner from the VHMC.
ES35/22/23 - Update on the Stickers for Wheelie Bins
Cllr Mann reported that 30mph stickers for wheelie bins would cost the following:
- A4 x 300 = £358 plus VAT
- A5 x 300 = £328 plus VAT
He explained that the reflective stickers were too expensive.
It was AGREED: That A4 stickers be ordered and that Cllr Turner would email the village in relation to people using the stickers.
ES36/22/23 – Matters to be Brought to the Attention of the Council
Members had nothing further to report.
ES37/22/23 - Dates of 2022/23 Meetings
It was AGREED: That the followings dates be approved for the 2022/23 meetings:
- Monday, 27th June 2022
- Monday, 5th September 2022
- Monday, 7th November 2022
- Monday, 9th January 2023
- Monday, 6th March 2023
- Monday, 8th May 2023 – Annual Meetings
ES38/22/23 – Date of Next Meeting
Monday, 27th June 2022 at 7.30pm
The meeting finished at 9.45pm.
Chairman: …………………………………………… Dated: …………………………………………