Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting

Held on Tuesday 11th January 2022 at Wortham Village Hall at 7.30pm

Councillors present
Barry Cole (Chair), Jacky Bradley, Chris Grocott, Ian Hovey, David Ling, Mike Odams, Jenny Piper, Richard Thornton, Tom White, Chris Williams and Sue Wright
Councillors absent
Carl Baker
In attendance
1 member of the public and Jane Wright (Clerk)

1. To consider accepting apologies for absence

Apologies were received from Councillor Fleming and Councillor Warboys.

2. To approve the minutes of previous Parish Council meetings

  1. December Parish Council Meeting - Proposed IH, seconded CW - Unanimously approved

3. To record declarations of Interest from members in any item to be discussed

None

4. To consider dispensations from members in any item to be discussed

None

5. To adjourn the meeting for public participation - 7.33pm

  1. To receive residents' questions or comments - A representative from Howards Nurseries raised his increasing concerns about speed on A143. Tractors turning into the nurseries are being dangerously overtaken and an accident had occurred involving an employee. It was suggested by Councillors to move the SID to the far end of the village as an interim measure. The Clerk had spoken to Stefan Henrikson, Community Engagement officer prior to the meeting and he reiterated that speeding on A143 is a persistent problem. The A143 is classed as a Red Zone, but unfortunately resources are an issue. The Parish Council will continue to keep the police informed, speed data is downloaded monthly, but sadly there is no ‘quick fix’. The possibility of purchasing a second SID device. Also mentioned were the signs placed in Roydon informing drivers that it is a Residential Area. Clerk to make enquiries about a second SID and to contact Jessica Fleming regarding the Residential Area signs.
  2. To receive reports from District & County Councillors - Councillor’s Fleming and Warboys sent their reports which were circulated to Councillors prior to the meeting. See Appendix 1 & 2.

6. To reconvene the meeting - 7.50pm

7. To receive the Chairman’s report

Councillor Cole had nothing to report.

8. To receive the Clerk’s report & o/s actions from the last meeting (For information only)

The application to nominate The Manor House as an Asset of Community Value has been approved. 2 new litter bins have now been received as part of the Welcome Back Fund. These have been installed at the Sports Pavilion and Wortham Primary School. A total of 18 litter pickers, hi-viz and rubbish bags were also received.

9. To consider, agree and/or note new planning applications

  1. To receive an update on Oak Trees, Burgate - Clerk contacted MSDC, but no reply has yet been received.
  2. To receive an update on application for planning permission - DC/21/06123 Householder application - New balcony to existing first floor studio to outbuilding Hegelians Barn, Little Green, Burgate, Suffolk IP22 1QQ - GRANTED
  3. To consider, discuss and agree to comments for Application for planning permission - DC/21/06787 Proposal: Full Planning Application - Use of land for the siting of 4no. 'Off-Grid' Holiday Units and Erection of replacement Stores/Housekeeping building; Installation of PV Panels, Upgrading of existing Access and Track; New low-impact Parking Area and Foul Drainage (re-submission of DC/20/05763). Location: Land At, Ling Road, Palgrave, Suffolk - This application is a re-submission of an application that the Parish Council previously objected to. Only minor changes have been made and therefore the Parish Council continues to OBJECT to this application Proposed SW, seconded CW - unanimously agreed.
  4. To consider, discuss and agree to comments for Application for prior approval - Enlargement of dwelling by construction of additional storeys - DC/22/00072 Proposal: Application for prior approval of a proposed: Enlargement of a dwellinghouse by construction of additional storeys. Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development)(England) Order 2015 (as amended) - Schedule 2, Part 1, Class AA - Erection of a first floor extension. (Max height 8.4metres) Location: Willowdale, Low Road, Wortham, Suffolk IP22 1SQ - The application was discussed and it was agreed that the Parish Council SUPPORTS this application. Proposed SW, seconded RT - unanimously agreed

10. To consider, discuss and agree to adopt the Budget for 2022/2023

It was unanimously agreed to adopt the Budget for 2022/2023 Proposed CW, seconded JB

11. To consider, discuss and agree the Precept for 2022 and complete the Precept Upon Charging Authority form

The precept of £18,400 was agreed and the Precept Upon Charging was duly signed by Councillor Cole and Clerk, Jane Wright. - Proposed SW, seconded JP unanimously agreed.

12. To consider, discuss and agree on the renewal of SALC Subscription for 2022/23

It was agreed to renew the SALC Subscription for 2022/2023. Proposed SW, seconded TW 1 abstention.

13. To consider and discuss any Donations to be given by the Parish Council

A request had been received from The Community Bus Project for a donation. After a brief explanation by Councillor Grocott of the work that bus provides it was agreed to donate £200 to this project. Proposed CG, seconded DL unanimously agreed.

14. To receive an update on Speeding on the A143 and Mellis Road

See item 5.1 The clerk contacted both Yaxley and Mellis Parish Councils regarding the increase in HGV’s since the upgrading of the A140. This is an issue that both these Parish Councils are currently discussing and they will keep the Wortham & Burgate Parish Council updated on any developments.

15. Accounts

  1. Account Balances as at 03.01.2022
    • Current Account 20405.57
    • Reserves Account 79445.52
    • Commons Account 6046.74
  2. Account Payments
    • Burgate PCC Churchyard S137 400.00
    • Wortham PCC Churchyard S137 400.00
    • Niki Hinton January Salary 97.50
    • Jane Wright December Expenses 85.69
    • Jane Wright January Salary 395.50
  3. Direct Debit Payments
    • O2 Mobile Phone 27.48
    • Eon Next Sports Pavilion 329.86
  4. Account Receipts
    • Defra Rural Payments Agency 2381.00

Proposed JB, seconded SW that all payments be approved en bloc - unanimously agreed

16. To receive and discuss items from Committees / Working Groups

  1. Playing Field Committee - The installation of the new play equipment should begin in February (weather permitting). The clerk contacted the internal auditor regarding the Parish Council purchasing floodlights on behalf of WLTC. Unfortunately, this is not possible, as the floodlights would have to be a Parish Council asset in order to reclaim VAT. Clerk to contact WLTC
  2. Commons Committee - Various options have been considered regarding the crossing from the Common to the Playing Field. Councillor Thornton contacted the Environment Agency for advice regarding the size of pipe etc. Another suggestion was that a drainage consultant review the work required, but this would cost in the region of £600 plus VAT. After a lengthy discussion it was agreed that quotes be sought. Councillor Williams to be the contact for contractors to visit the site.
  3. Finance Representative - Nothing to report
  4. Employment Committee - Staff reviews to be carried out in January. The vacancy for Parish Clerk has been advertised and to date one response has been received.
  5. Planning Committee - None
  6. New Village Hall Working Group - Nothing to report. Still awaiting feasibility study to be carried out.
  7. PIIP Working Group - It was agreed to approve and adopt the Parish Infrastructure Investment Plan. Proposed IH, seconded SW 1 Councillor abstained. Clerk to forward to Mid Suffolk District Council.
  8. Platinum Jubilee Celebrations Working Group - The beacon is to be lit at 9.45pm on the day of the celebration. An open-air cinema was suggested. A meeting of the working group if to be arranged to discuss further.
  9. Post Office Track Working Group - The working group met with Peter and Chris from Wortham Post Office Stores. More discussions are needed so this will be deferred to the next meeting.
  10. Wortham Primary School Parking - Specifications need to be agreed by the Parish Council before tenders can be organised. Further options need to be considered and a site meeting was suggested. Funding and residents issues need to be resolved, along with Section 38 approval. The All Saints School Trust may also need to be consulted. Specification to be forwarded to all Councillors.

17. To receive and discuss items / reports from Committees, Groups and Councillors

  1. VHMC – Nothing to report
  2. Rights of Way – Nothing to report
  3. Councillors - Sadly Mike Erith, a former member of the Parish Council passed away recently. Our condolences are to be sent to the family. Councillor White advised that the residents along the Post Office Cottage track have been carrying out repair work at their own expense and the track is much improved.

18. Correspondence Received

An email has been received to advise that the Dog and Litter Bin emptying charges are to remain the same for the forthcoming financial year.

19. To receive items for the next agenda

Update on a further SID, Speeding on A143.

20. Date and time of next meeting

Tuesday 22nd February 2022 at 7.30pm at Wortham Village Hall

Meeting Close- 9.08pm

Updates to this page

Published