Chair’s Welcome and to Consider and Approve Apologies for Absence
Cllr Bradley welcomed everyone to the meeting, and apologies received from Cllr Thornton were approved unanimously.
To Elect a Vice Chair of the Parish Council
Cllr Grocott proposed Cllr Castle who indicated he was willing to stand. Seconded by Cllr Williams and approved unanimously with one abstention (Cllr Castle).
Cllr Castle signed a Declaration of Acceptance of Office, also signed and witnessed by the Clerk.
To Approve the Draft Minutes of the Previous Parish Council Meetings
- Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 28th November 2023 – approval proposed by Cllr Williams, seconded by Cllr Castle and approved unanimously.
To Record Declarations of Interest from Members in Any Item to be Discussed
None.
To Consider Dispensations from Members in Any Item to be Discussed
None.
To Adjourn the Meeting for Public Participation
7:40pm
- To receive residents' questions or comments – Claire Hewett was present to answer any questions from councillors regarding planning application DC/23/05426. Cllr Grocott asked how the land underneath the solar panels is proposed to be managed? Claire Hewett advised as grassland and wildflowers which is the responsibility of the operator to manage, although they can sublet, ie to farmers, if they choose to. There will be planning conditions attached for this. Claire Hewett went on to advise that the life of the solar farm is 35 years, after which the panels will be removed, or a new planning application may be submitted. There was a further discussion, after which Cllr Bradley thanked Claire Hewett for her input and attending the meeting.
- The members of the public were all present regarding agenda item 11 flooding and drainage issues on Long Green. Mr Burgess who was present on behalf of the village hall, reported that it had recently suffered some internal flooding, which was due to a septic tank drainage issue in the area of the bottle banks. Cllr Grocott was aware of the incident, having helped to deal with the problem at the time. RMJ Bradley had been asked to carry out work immediately to pull out the pipe behind the bottle banks to free up the drainage, due to it being an emergency. Mr Burgess’s son in law and grandson had also assisted and it was agreed for the PC to send a letter of thanks. Whilst this work was being conducted, it was noted that there is a tree with roots encroaching into the chamber of the septic tank, and a fir tree that needs cutting as it is hindering allow access. Mr Burgess asked for confirmation as to whether the PC would pay for work to the trees. He also advised that there is a depression by the bottom of the ramp into the village hall, which affected access during the recent rainfall.
- The remaining members of the public were present regarding flooding on Long Green. Emails were received from three residents regarding these issues, and their comments shared with councillors prior to the meeting. One resident, who was not present, had raised questions regarding the PC’s responsibility for monitoring the way common owners maintain their land and ditches, details of the ditches in this area of the common and the re-instating/creation of ditches to improve drainage, and existing drainage surveys. Cllr Bradley confirmed that it is the duty of the landowner to ensure free passage of water by ensuring any ditches and waterways are maintained, as per Suffolk County Council’s guide to riparian ownership, which is available on the Storm & Flooding section of the PC’s website: Storm & Flooding help. The section of common in question is owned privately, and not by the Parish Council. Whilst the PC may politely remind riparian owners of their duties, Suffolk County Council has overall responsibility to manage the flood risk, and ensure these duties are carried out. Cllr Bradley said that there is an angled drainage grid in this area which may need attention, and could possibly be contributing to the issues. A resident shared details of a drainage survey instigated and paid for by the PC in 2012, and expressed strong feelings that the PC should pay for a new survey to be conducted on Long Green, regardless of who the landowner is. Councillors noted that CC Cllr Fleming had forwarded flood response information from Suffolk County Council prior to the meeting, which states that they will send an engineer to conduct an assessment of areas severely affected, although due to the volume of affected parishes, it may take a while to conduct.
After discussing further, Cllr Bradley summarised that the PC fully acknowledges resident’s concerns and will look at what it can do to help.
To Receive Reports from District & County Councillors
DC Cllr Warboys report can be found as an addendum at the end of the minutes; Appendix 1.
CC Cllr Fleming’s report can be found as an addendum at the end of the minutes; Appendix 2.
To Reconvene the Meeting
8:15pm
To Receive the Chairman’s Report
No report.
To Receive the Clerk’s Report & O/S Actions from the Last Meeting (For Information Only)
- A Waterfield & Sons Ltd have confirmed that the work agreed to the Post Office track will be started in the spring, once weather conditions have improved.
- Suffolk Highways have sent details of a statutory consultation in relation to the 30mph extension on Mellis Road. They advise that if positive feedback is received, the proposal will be legally advertised later in the year. Councillors did not feel this to be very satisfactory, considering previous advice that work would begin in April this year. The Clerk will share councillors’ feelings with Highways, and seek clarification.
- The Police and Crime Commissioner has sent details of a precept survey being conducted, which runs until 25th January 2024. Full details shared with councillors.
- The new Parish Council Facebook page is ready to be published. Cllr Castle has the log in details as well as the Clerk, to enable updates from the Redevelopment of the Pavilion Working Group to be added.
- The Rural Coffee Caravan has expressed thanks to the Parish Council for their support. The initial three meeting dates in the village hall that the Parish Council has agreed to fund, have been arranged for 14th February, 13th March, and 10th April 2024.
National Grid Norwich to Tilbury Update
National Grid have sent a December update which can be found at the end of the minutes; Appendix 3.
Flooding and Drainage Issues on Long Green
Following the discussion within public participation, Cllr Wright proposed the PC pay for the tree work to the septic tank and bottle bank area, by the village hall. Seconded by Cllr Grocott and approved unanimously. It was agreed to request Suffolk County Council send an assessor to conduct the flood assessment, and look at whether there is anything more immediate that would help such as any unblocking/repair work to the angled drainage grid. It was also agreed to send a letter to householders in this area of the common with details of riparian ownership.
Action: Clerk as above
To Consider D-Day 80 Plans 6th June 2024
It was agreed that the beacon will be lit at 9:15pm on 6th June, in accordance with the national lighting of the beacons being organised by Pruno Peek.
MSDC Pride in Your Place Grant
The grant, which has been successfully applied for by the PC, must be used to improve the appearance and/or cleanliness of the parish. It needs to be spent prior to the year end on 31st March 2024, with receipts to evidence the expenditure. After discussing, it was agreed to use the grant to pay for the common side of the pavement running the length of Wortham to be cleared. At the moment it is very overgrown, and a complaint has been received from a resident. Proposed by Cllr Wright, seconded by Cllr Williams and approved unanimously.
In addition, it was agreed to carry out a village maintenance survey for which a working party consisting of Cllr Wright, Cllr Leeds, Cllr Castle, and Cllr Williams will be formed. Proposed by Cllr Wright, seconded by Cllr Castle, and approved unanimously.
8:30pm – a member of the public left the meeting.
To Consider, Agree and/or Note New Planning Applications
- To consider – DC/23/05426 – Cross Boundary Planning Application – Installation of a solar farm comprising: ground mounted fixed tilt bifacial solar panels; access tracks; string inverters; transformers; electrical connection compound; storage containers; underground cables and conduits; perimeter fence; temporary construction compound and associated infrastructure and planting scheme. (EIA Development). Land North Of, Lion Road, Palgrave, Part In The Parishes of Wortham and Diss.
- To consider – DC/23/05551 – Proposal: Householder application – Erection of double cartlodge to provide covered parking & storage. Church barn, Long Green, Wortham.
- To consider – DC/23/05171 – Householder Application – Erection of two bay cartlodge. Holiday Let At, Old Marias Cottage, Long Green, Wortham.
It was agreed to call a Planning Committee meeting to allow committee members time to consider these applications.
Action: Clerk to arrange meeting as above, and request an extension for comments from MSDC if necessary.
- To receive an update - DC/23/04843 - Application for Listed Building Consent - Replace 7no casement windows retaining the existing frames, replace existing softwood door and frame with hardwood stable door and frame. Ivy Cottage Great Green Burgate IP22 1QL - GRANTED
- To receive an update on Oak Trees Burgate - NO UPDATE
- To receive an update – DC/23/01492 – Planning Application – Erection of replacement dwelling (following demolition of existing dwelling) (resubmission of withdrawn application DC/22/06381). Marsh Cottage, The Marsh, Wortham, IP22 1PN - NO UPDATE
- To receive an update – DC/23/01538 – Application for Outline Planning Permission (Access, Layout and Scale to be considered, Appearance and Landscaping to be reserved) Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) – Erection of 1No agricultural workers dwelling. Land East of Gibsons Farm, Furze Way, Burgate, IP22 1QG - AWAITING DECISION
- To receive an update - PLANNING APPEAL APP/W3520/W/23/3322783 – Full Planning Application – Erection of 3No dwellings including new vehicular access, with associated garages and parking, as amended by revised plans and reports received 20th July 2022. Land North of Willow Corner, Church Road, Wortham, Suffolk - NO UPDATE
Redevelopment of the Pavilion
Cllr Castle reported that a meeting of the working party is due to be held on 23rd January 2024, and that two additional locations have been consulted for advice/feedback on the development of their builds.
Common Land Outside Wortham Primary School; School Parking and Access Track
Cllr Bradley shared details of two quotations sought in addition to the one presented to councillors at the previous meeting. After discussing, it was agreed to ask for the quotations to be amended to reflect a grasscrete type system for the area of common land.
Action: Cllr Bradley to request amended quotations.
Wayleave Agreements
In addition to the existing wayleave with Open Reach, there are five new ones proposed by County Broadband. Once full details have been received from County Broadband, they will be presented to councillors for approval. The Clerk is checking whether the Open Reach wayleave was a one off, or ongoing.
Action: Clerk as above.
To Consider and Approve the Budget 2024/25
Following a meeting with Cllr Wright, the draft Budget 2024/25 was prepared by the Clerk and shared with councillors prior to the meeting. Approval proposed by Cllr Williams. Seconded by Cllr J Piper, and approved unanimously.
Action: Clerk to update and publish.
To Consider and Approve the Precept Request 2024/25
Cllr Wright proposed requesting a precept amount of £20,200.00 for 2024/25, taking into consideration the Budget just approved, which is an approximate 5% increase on the amount requested for 2023/24. Seconded by Cllr J Piper, and approved unanimously. The Clerk completed and signed the precept request form, which was also signed by Cllr Bradley.
Action: Clerk to submit completed form to MSDC by 31st January 2024 deadline.
To Confirm 2024 Meeting Dates
The following dates were unanimously approved:
- Tuesday 23rd April – Wortham Village Hall (PC meeting & Annual Parish meeting)
- Tuesday 21st May – Wortham Village Hall (Annual PC meeting)
- Tuesday 18th June – Burgate Church Hall
- Tuesday 23rd July – Burgate Church Hall
- August – no meeting
- Tuesday 17th September – Burgate Church Hall
- Tuesday 15th October – Wortham Village Hall
- Tuesday 26th November – Wortham Village Hall
- December – no meeting
Action: Clerk to update website and advise the booking secretaries for Wortham Village Hall and Burgate church Hall.
Accounts
Account Balances as of 11th January 2024
- Current Account £54,458.62
- Reserves Account £73,056.03
- Commons Account £9,926.06
Account Payments
- Jane Challis January Salary 511.05
- HMRC January NIC payment 127.77
- Niki Hinton January Salary 101.60
- Safe & Sound 9671 Mole control Nov 60.00
- Safe & Sound 9732 Mole control Dec 60.00
- Jane Challis Mileage expenses July 2023 to January 2024 46.80
- Jane Challis Expenses – copy paper 10.00
Direct Debit Payments
- HSBC Bank charges Nov 8.00
- HSBC Bank charges Dec 8.00
Receipts
- MSDC Pride in Your Place Grant 250.00
Additional payments received prior to the meeting:
- Wortham Village Hall November hire 22.00
- Wortham Village Hall Window cleaning – pavilion 75.00
- RMJ Bradley Expenses – copy paper 97.20
Approval of all payments en bloc was proposed by Cllr Castle; seconded by Cllr E Piper, and approved unanimously.
9pm – Cllr Judd left the meeting
To Receive and Discuss Items from Committees / Working Groups
- Playing Field Committee – it was agreed to hold a meeting on 6th February 2024, at 7:30pm in the pavilion.
- Commons Committee – it was agreed to hold a meeting on 6th February 2024, at 7pm in the pavilion.
- Finance Representative – Cllr Wright has conducted the 6 monthly accounts check to end September 2023, and all is in order.
- Employment Committee – Cllr J Piper has joined the committee, and Cllr Grocott has stepped down. Cllr Castle has joined the committee and will take over as Chair due to his election as Vice Chair to the Parish Council.
- Planning Committee – it was agreed to hold a meeting on 6th February 2024, at 6:30pm in the pavilion.
- New Village Hall Working Group, including confirmation of acting councillor – Nothing further to report.
- VHMC – no further update.
- Rights of Way – no update.
- Councillors: Cllr Castle raised the issue of the rotting frame around the village map located on the verge in front of Burgate Church. Cllr Williams advised that this matter is being dealt with by the Burgate Church Warden who has written to Suffolk County Council to ask them to replace it.
Correspondence Received
- Emails from residents regarding flooding/drainage issues; already discussed.
- Email from resident regarding overgrown state of the pavements; addressed within item 13.
To Receive Items for the Next Agenda
None.
The Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on 27th February 2024 at 7:30pm in Wortham Village Hall.
Meeting Close – 9:20pm