Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting of Wortham & Burgate Parish Council
held on Tuesday 5th April 2022 at Wortham Village Hall at 7.30pm
- Councillors present
- Barry Cole, Jacky Bradley, Sue Wright, Chris Williams, Chris Grocott, Mike Odams, Richard Thornton, David Ling, Ian Hovey, Carl Baker
- In attendance
- 6 members of the public, DC Cllr Warboys and Jane Challis (Clerk)
The Meeting commenced at 7.45pm due to the Annual Parish (Village) Meeting being held first.
1. To consider accepting apologies for absence
Apologies were accepted for Cllr Piper who was unable to attend due to a hospital appointment. Apologies were also noted from CC Cllr Fleming.
2. To approve the minutes of previous Parish Council meetings
- February Parish Council Meeting - Proposed by Cllr Williams, seconded by Cllr Hovey and approved unanimously.
- March Playing Field Committee Meeting - Proposed by Cllr Odams, seconded by Cllr Bradley and approved unanimously.
- March Commons Committee Meeting – Proposed by Cllr Bradley, seconded by Cllr Grocott and approved unanimously.
3. To record declarations of Interest from members in any item to be discussed
None declared
4. To consider dispensations from members in any item to be discussed
None declared
5. To consider to co-opt a Councillor to fill 1 vacancy on the Parish Council (Wortham)
Cllr Cole introduced the member of the public who had put himself forward. Cllr Williams proposed co-opting the member of the public, seconded by Cllr Bradley, and approved unanimously. Cllr Cole invited new Cllr Nick Castle to sit with the Council. Clerk to arrange for Cllr Castle to sign Declaration of Acceptance of Office and Register of Interests forms.
6. To adjourn the meeting for public participation - 7.50pm
6.1 To receive residents' questions or comments
A member of the public raised their concern regarding planning application DC/21/05477 Honey Pot Farm Caravan Park. Their concerns include the increase in traffic and subsequent safety issues, from the additional vehicles which will be using the access road, the increase in noise and light pollution, and the detrimental effect to the view from neighbouring properties. A second member of the public added their concern regarding potential flooding issues. Cllr Wright advised that this planning application is due to be discussed by councillors under Agenda item 10.5, and that their comments will be taken into consideration.
A member of the public was present regarding Agenda item 11; Cllr Cole agreed for them to speak when Agenda item 11 was reached.
6.2 To receive reports from District & County Councillors
CC Cllr Fleming had forwarded her report in advance of the meeting, which can be found at the end of the minutes; appendix 1. DC Cllr Warboys gave a resume of his report, which had been circulated to Councillors prior to the meeting; Appendix 2. In addition, DC Cllr Warboys reported that the MSDC Public Rights of Way Officer has advised that a court order was served on the unauthorised encampment at Wortham Ling and the site has now been vacated. Operatives from Public Realm team have cleaned up the site.
In response to the MSDC 5-year Housing Land Supply Position Statement 2021 included within DC Cllr Warboys report, Cllr Bradley brought up the recent development of new houses in Wortham on the A143 which initially included 4 affordable dwellings. Additional costs incurred during the build due to archaeological finds resulted in these properties not being offered as affordable dwellings. Cllr Bradley felt the council was not adequately consulted and it was a disappointing loss for the community.
7. To reconvene the meeting - 8.10pm
8. To receive the Chairman’s report
Nothing to add to the report given at the Annual Parish Meeting; see Appendix 3.
9. To receive the Clerk’s report & o/s actions from the last meeting (For information only)
Nothing to report.
Cllr Cole proposed moving to Agenda item 11. Agreed unanimously.
11. To consider and discuss Furze Way, Burgate
The member of the public present for this item, reported that there have been problems with pot holes and the general condition of the road since 2008. The current condition of the road is causing damage to cars including scraping to the underside. Walking and cycling are hazardous, and poor drainage into the ditches has resulted in flooding issues. The brown bins are not always collected because access is difficult for the collection lorries. The resident circulated photographic evidence to councillors. The issues have been reported to SCC highways but no action has been taken. After discussing it was agreed to report the issues to CC Cllr Fleming. Clerk to forward issues with Furze Way, including photographic evidence, to CC Cllr Fleming, and request CC Cllr Fleming encourages Highways to take positive action to reduce the height of the crown in the middle of the road and reduce damage to vehicle.
10. To consider, agree and/or note new planning applications
10.1 To receive an update on Oak Trees, Burgate
No update.
10.2 To receive an update on 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 - NO UPDATE
10.3 To receive an update on APPLICATION FOR PRIOR APPROVAL - 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 – APPROVAL GIVEN
10.4 To consider, discuss and agree to an APPLICATION FOR OUTLINE PLANNING PERMISSION
(Access Points to be considered, Appearance, Layout, Landscaping and Scale reserved) Town and County Planning Act 1990 – Erection of 4 dwellings (re-submission of approved planning permission DC/18/05064). Location: Land at Honeypot Farm, Bury Road, Wortham, Suffolk. It was agreed that the Council has no reason to object but would like to raise a point of concern over the proposed disposal of waste water and sewerage as to date there is no mains drainage system available to householders in Wortham. Clerk to ensure comment is added to Planning Portal.
10.5 To consider, discuss and agree to an APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMISSION – DC/21/05477
Proposal: Full Planning Application – Use of land for stationing of 23 No holiday lodges and 1 lodge for site manager (renewal of planning permission DC/18/04377) Location: Honeypot Farm Caravan Park, Bury Road, Wortham, Suffolk, IP22 1PW. The application was discussed and it was agreed that the Parish Council OBJECTS to the application for the same reasons as previously given against DC/18/04377. Proposed by Cllr Williams, seconded by Cllr Wright and agreed unanimously. Clerk to add objection comment to Planning Portal.
12. To consider and discuss the Community Governance Review
MSDC are carrying out a Community Governance Review of Parishes, Town Councils and Unparished areas. The first stage of the review process will be a consultation, and the District Council will be inviting residents and other interested persons or organisations to submit their views. The deadline for submissions to the first stage of the review is Friday 27 May 2022. Full details were circulated to councillors in advance of the meeting. To be discussed further at the next meeting prior to the first stage submission deadline. Clerk to recirculate details of the Review to councillors, and include on the May agenda for the council to consider if it wants to make a submission on the first stage consultation.
8.45pm DC Cllr Warboys left the meeting
13. To consider and discuss the Electricity Meter at the Sports Pavilion
Eon have advised they can book a meter check appointment to ascertain whether the meter is faulty, however there will be a charge of £100.93, refundable should it be found to be faulty. After discussing councillors agreed they would prefer to see if it is possible to split the meter supply first, in order to provide separate readings for the Sports Pavilion and the Tennis Club. Clerk to contact to Eon and UK Power Networks as above.
14. To consider, discuss and agree to a new contract for the Parish Council Mobile Phone
After discussing, it was agreed to continue with the current contract. Proposed by Cllr Hovey, seconded by Cllr Thornton, agreed unanimously. Clerk to action as above
15. To receive an update on the Track at Wortham Primary School
Cllr Bradley advised there are no updates at the moment.
16. To receive an update on a speed survey for the Mellis road
To be deferred until further discussions can be had with CC Cllr Fleming.
17. To consider, discuss and agree to the placement of a sign from the Tennis Club on A143
After discussing it was agreed more information was required before agreeance could be given. Clerk to request more information from the Tennis Club, including the proposed location of the sign, and whether it could be attached to an existing roadside post.
18. To consider, discuss and agree to receiving Agendas via email
The Local Government act 1972 schedule 12, requires permission from members for summonses (agendas) to be sent electronically. Cllrs agreed unanimously that they give permission to receive agendas via email.
19. Accounts
19.1 Account Balances as at 29th March 2022
- Current Account 24,620.94
- Reserves Account 53,384.28
- Commons Account 7,377.84
19.2 Account Payments
- Jane Wright Amendment to March Salary to cover backdated pay increase 2021/2022. Payment approved £925.76 at Feb Meeting. 1,008.22
- HMRC Amendment to HMRC due to backdated pay increase 2021/2022. Payment approved £17.56 at Feb Meeting. 28.80
- Suffolk Cloud Support/hosting website. 110.00
- Wortham Village Hall January Meeting. 22.00
- Lee Garwood Clearing fallen tree. 150.00
- Niki Hinton April Salary. 97.50
- Gallagher Insurance PC Insurance for 2022. 1,055.17
19.3 Direct Debit Payments
- O2 Mobile Phone (March) 27.48
- EON Next Sports Pavilion Electricity (March) 496.32
- HSBC Bank Charges March 2022 9.00
- O2 Mobile Phone (April) 27.48
19.4 Account Receipts
- HMRC VAT Refund 7,102.63
- SCC – Jessica Fleming Contribution toward second SID device 1,500.00
Any additional payments/receipts received prior to the meeting:
- Jane Challis April Salary 369.95
- HMRC J Challis NI 92.40
- Jane Challis April Expenses 6.48
- SALC Annual membership subscription 393.57
Proposed by Cllr Hovey that all payments be approved en bloc; seconded by Cllr Bradley and approved unanimously.
20. To receive and discuss items from Committees / Working Groups
20.1 Playing Field Committee
The zip wire mechanism needs attention and the seat has come off. The wooden slats on the ramps also need looking at. Cllr Bradley will ask NFG Play to do a service before the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The BMX track plans are still being discussed.
20.2 Commons Committee
Flooding adjacent to the houses situated to the right of the village hall has now been resolved, which has also resulted in that part of the Common drying out. There is a tree that may require work due to the roots being unstable.
20.3 Finance Representative
A Finance review has taken place as of 31st March 2022, and everything is in order. The Clerk will arrange for the end of year accounts to be taken to the auditor.
20.4 Employment Committee
Cllr Bradley introduced Jane Challis as the new Clerk and welcomed her to the Parish Council.
20.5 Planning Committee
Already discussed on the agenda; nothing to add.
20.6 New Village Hall Working Group
Nothing to report.
20.7 Post Office Track Working Group
The group has been disbanded.
20.8 Platinum Jubilee Celebrations Working Group
Arrangements are progressing well; the new play equipment will be officially opened by Cllr Cole, posters advertising the event have been printed. Volunteers are needed for the village races and games, the lighting of the beacon, and the clean-up post event. Cllr Cole has agreed to light the beacon. Helpers are needed to man the bouncy castle. The steel band has been booked, Starwings Brewery will be providing refreshments from 1pm onwards, and a tug of war competition will end the afternoon. Cllr Bradley is sourcing a suitable rope for the event. Clerk to contact Tennis and Bowls Clubs to see if they will be putting a team together for the tug of war, and check whether the Council’s insurance will cover the bouncy castle for public liability.
21. To receive and discuss items / reports from Committees, Groups and Councillors
21.1 VHMC
Nothing to report; Cllr Piper not in attendance
21.2 Rights of Way
Nothing to report
21.3 Councillors
Cllr Wright raised the issue of road signs within the village which are in need of repairs/replacing. This does not help with speeding and needs addressing. Clerk to contact Highways to get them to replace and repair signs, especially the speed limit ones.
22. Correspondence Received
Email received from Sharon Berry as already mentioned by DC Cllr Warboys under Agenda item 6.2.
23. To receive items for the next agenda
Electricity at the Pavilion (PFC).
24. Date and time of next meeting
Annual Parish Council Meeting to be held on Tuesday 17th May 2022 in Wortham Village Hall at 7.30pm
Meeting Close - 9.47pm