To Elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman for 2022/2023
Cllr Bradley welcomed everyone to the meeting, including the members of the public. To accommodate CC Cllr Fleming who needed to attend multiple meetings this evening, Cllr Bradley proposed moving straight to agenda item 7.2. Approved unanimously.
7. To Adjourn the Meeting for Public Participation
7.2 To Receive Reports from the District and County Councillors
CC Cllr Fleming sent her Annual report prior to the meeting; Appendix 1. CC Cllr Fleming summarised the County Council’s view of the National Grid’s East Anglia GREEN Energy Enablement consultation. She advised that whilst the County Council is heavily involved in green renewable energy, it would like more transparency from National Grid as to their reasons for rejecting the underground and offshore routes, with comparative costings for each.
CC Cllr Fleming advised that the lifespan of pylons is much shorter than marine cable, and the cumulative impact with other energy sources such as solar farms like Sunnica needs to be considered because the land does not have an unlimited carrying capacity.
The County Council will be meeting on 6th June 2022 to agree their response. CC Cllr Fleming encouraged all residents to submit individual responses by the 16th June 2022 deadline for the non-statutory public consultation.
Cllr Bradley proposed moving to item 7.1 to allow the members of the public to participate before CC Cllr Fleming had to leave. Approved unanimously.
7.1 To Receive Resident’s Questions or Comments
All members of the public were in attendance regarding East Anglia GREEN, and a lengthy discussion ensued, with everyone present declaring their objection to the overhead pylon proposal. They expressed concern that it seems like a ‘fait accompli’, however CC Cllr Fleming stressed the importance of submitting individual responses to the consultation, and not giving up on being able to influence the decision making. She encouraged residents to also write to the Rt Hon Greg Hands MP, who is the Minister for Energy, Clean Growth and Climate Change, and ultimately responsible for the final decision and government policy. Several members of the public commented that they had not received the consultation feedback form, despite living in the affected area, and that not everyone was able to access the form online.
8:10pm public participation ended.
Cllr Bradley thanked CC Cllr Fleming, and proposed moving to item 13. Approved unanimously.
To Consider and Discuss the National Grid East Anglia GREEN Energy Enablement
National Grid is consulting on proposals to reinforce the high voltage electricity transmission network from Norwich Main substation in Norfolk to Tilbury substation in Essex, as well as a proposed connection substation to connect new offshore wind generation. This is by way of approximately 180km of mainly overhead 400kV pylon lines directly affecting Wortham and Burgate.
Councillors discussed the consultation with Cllr Bradley asking each councillor for their feedback. Cllr Wright suggested that the Village Hall, which the council has booked for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations on 2nd June 2022, could be used by residents to fill out the feedback forms if they have not yet received one. Cllr Baker expressed concerns that the consultation forms are very leading and designed to be computer read. Cllr Williams said he feels that the land cost quoted is not accurate, and a full break down of comparative costs is needed for both the pylons and the offshore cables. After discussing further, Cllr Williams proposed that the Council responds to the consultation objecting to the overhead pylon proposal, stating preference for an undersea option. Cllr Hovey seconded and approved unanimously.
Action: Clerk to prepare objection letter based on councillor’s discussion, to send for email approval, before submitting to National Grid. Clerk to ask National Grid to send more feedback forms in time for 2nd June 2022, and request clarification on how they process the forms once received.
8:28pm CC Cllr Fleming and the members of the public left, and the meeting was reconvened.
Cllr Cole was elected as Chairman for 2022/23 – proposed by Cllr Williams, seconded by Cllr Grocott, and approved unanimously.
Cllr Bradley was elected as Vice Chair for 2022/23 – proposed by Cllr Williams, seconded by Cllr Thornton and approved unanimously with one abstention (Cllr Bradley).
Cllr Bradley signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office which was witnessed and signed by the Clerk. The Clerk will arrange for Cllr Cole to sign the Declaration of Acceptance of Office at the next meeting.
To Consider Accepting Apologies for Absence
Apologies were accepted unanimously for Cllr Cole who was on holiday, Cllr Piper who was unwell, and Cllr Odams who was working.
8:30pm DC Cllr Warboys arrived.
To Approve the Minutes of Previous Parish Council Meetings
- Annual Parish Meeting held on Tuesday 5th April 2022 - Proposed by Cllr Williams, seconded by Cllr Wright and approved unanimously.
- Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 5th April 2022 - Proposed by Cllr Williams, seconded by Cllr Hovey and approved unanimously.
To Record Declarations of Interest from Members in Any Item to be Discussed
None declared
To Consider Dispensations from Members in Any Item to be Discussed
None declared
To Appoint the Committees/Sub Committees/Working Groups
- Planning Committee
- Susan Wright, Ian Hovey, Jenny Piper, Chris Williams, Nick Castle
- Commons Committee
- Chris Williams, Jacky Bradley, Chris Grocott, Ian Hovey, Jenny Piper, Richard Thornton
- Playing Fields Committee
- Mike Odams, Jacky Bradley, David Ling, Jenny Piper
- Employment Committee
- Jacky Bradley, David Ling, Susan Wright
- Finance Representative
- Susan Wright
- Village Hall Representative
- Jenny Piper
- Footpaths – Burgate
- Chris Williams
- Footpaths – Wortham
- Chris Grocott
- Tree Warden
- David Appleton
- New Village Hall Working Group
- Susan Wright, Ian Hovey, Mike Odams
Cllr Grocott proposed approving the appointments en bloc as above. Seconded by Cllr Wright and approved unanimously.
To Adjourn the Meeting for Public Participation
8:36pm
7.1 To Receive Residents' Questions or Comments
Already received as above.
7.2 To Receive Reports from District & County Councillors
CC Cllr Fleming’s report already presented as above.
DC Cllr Warboys sent his report in advance of the meeting; Appendix 2.
There were no questions from councillors. Cllr Wright summarised the public discussion on East Anglia GREEN for DC Cllr Warboys.
Cllr Bradley thanked DC Cllr Warboys.
To Reconvene the Meeting
8:40pm
8:41pm DC Cllr Warboys left the meeting
To Receive the Chairman’s Report
Cllr Cole had sent apologies for being unable to attend the meeting.
To Receive the Clerk’s Report & Outstanding Actions from the Last Meeting (For Information Only)
A reply has been received from Stefan Henriksen regarding the vehicles filmed dangerously overtaking a tractor with trailer. He has spoken to the three companies involved who are aware that in usual circumstances this would be a prosecutable careless driving offence. They will speak to the individual drivers.
David Chenery, SCC Speed and Safety Manager has confirmed that the School Flashing Lights project will go ahead and connect with the ‘live box’ on the edge of the common.
Following Cllr Wright raising the issue of signs in need of repairs/replacement at the April meeting, the Clerk will start a full audit of signage in the parish.
To Consider, Discuss and Review Meeting Locations and Dates for the Remaining Part of 2022
It was agreed unanimously to hold the following meetings in Burgate Church Hall, following which the location will revert to Wortham Village Hall (dates to be confirmed).
- Tuesday 21st June 2022 at 7:30pm
- Tuesday 26th July 2022 at 7:30pm
- Tuesday 6th September 2022 at 7:30pm
To Consider, Agree and/or Note New Planning Applications
- To receive an update on Oak Trees, Burgate – No update.
- To receive an update on APPLICATION FOR OUTLINE PLANNING PERMISSION (Access points to be considered, Appearance, Layout, Landscaping and Scale reserved) Town and Country 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 – Awaiting decision.
- To receive an update for 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: Honey Pot Farm Caravan Park, Bury Road, Wortham, Suffolk, IP22 1PW – Awaiting decision.
- To consider, discuss and agree to APPLICATION FOR RESERVED MATTERS – DC/22/01863 Submission of details (Reserved Matters) and Discharge of Conditions 4 (Bins), 5 (Parking/manoeuvring), 7 (Land contamination), 8 (Ecology) & 9 (Archaeology) under Outline Planning Permission DC/19/03712. Appearance, Layout, Scale and Landscaping to be considered for erection of 4 no. detached single storey dwellings. Land at Howards Close, Mellis Road, Wortham, Suffolk – Councillors had no comment against this application.
To Consider and Discuss the National Grid’s East Anglia GREEN Energy Enablement
Already discussed as above.
To Consider and Discuss the Community Governance Review First Stage Submission
MSDC are carrying out a Community Governance Review of Parishes, Town Councils and Unparished areas. 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.
After discussing, councillors agreed that they are happy with the current parish arrangements. Proposed by Cllr Wright, seconded by Cllr Williams and approved unanimously.
Clerk to respond to first stage of the review as above.
To Consider Adopting the Local Government Association (LGA) Model Councillor Code of Conduct 2020
Deferred to next meeting.
To Receive an Update on a Speed Survey for the Mellis Road
Cllr Grocott reported that he has spoken to CC Cllr Fleming who has advised an approximate cost of £5,000.00 to extend the 30mph limit south to a point beyond the existing new houses. This cost includes the Traffic Regulation Order, and can be funded with CIL monies and/or CC Cllr Fleming’s Local Highways Budget.
After discussing, Cllr Grocott proposed proceeding with extending the speed limit, conditional on the position of the 30mph sign being on the south side of the Sycamore View junction. Seconded by Cllr Thornton, and approved unanimously.
Action: Clerk to confirm new location of 30mph with SCC before proceeding further.
To Consider, Discuss and Agree to the Placement of a Sign from the Tennis Club on A143
The Tennis Club Secretary has advised that they would like a sign attached to the existing road sign at the junction of the A143/Church Road (which directs people to Wortham Church and Roydon). They would like a brown direction sign below the existing sign on the same post.
After discussing councillors agreed that they support the request unanimously.
Action: Clerk to find out costs for sign.
Confirmation/Approval of Bouncy Castle Hire Arrangements for Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
Cllr Ling reported that the company supplying the bouncy castles is unable to provide public liability insurance cover as they will not be manning the castles during the event. The Clerk has confirmed that the council’s insurance provider will not provide cover because it is considered too high risk, and no other one-off event cover has been found. Cllr Ling said that unfortunately there is no option but to cancel the bouncy castles, which councillors agreed with unanimously. A meeting of the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations Working Group will be arranged to look at alternative options within the budget already agreed for the bouncy castle.
Training
SALC New Councillor Training – it was approved unanimously for Cllr Castle to book the training as soon as suitable dates are announced. There are six modules in total costing £26 plus VAT each.
Accounts
20.1 Account Balances as at 12th May 2022
- Current Account £48,132.01
- Reserves Account £53,388.40
- Commons Account £7,378.45
20.2 Account Payments
- Jane Challis May Salary 369.95
- HMRC NIC Payment 92.40
- Jane Challis Expenses 29.44
- Niki Hinton May Salary 97.50
- RMJ Bradley Digger Hire Cycle Track 259.20
- RMJ Bradley Digger Hire Remove sleeper bridge 120.00
- RMJ Bradley Digger Hire Willow Corner pipe 240.00
- Tim Gaddis Mowing April 165.00
- Tim Gaddis Mowing May 165.00
- NGF Play Play Equipment Maintenance 816.22
- Family 3 Steel Band Steel Band QPJ 540.00
20.3 Direct Debit Payments
- O2 Mobile Phone (May) 29.62
- HSBC Bank Charges 8.00
- EON NEXT Pavilion Electricity (April) 298.07
20.4 Account Receipts
- MSDC Precept 1,546.82
- MSDC Precept 7,653.18
- MSDC CIL 18,387.09
Any additional payments/receipts received prior to the meeting:
- Starwings Brewery Bar Hire 180.00
- Wortham Village Hall Hall hire March & cleaning of Pavillion windows 58.50
Proposed by Cllr Williams that all payments be approved en bloc; seconded by Cllr Hovey and approved unanimously.
To Receive and Discuss Items from Committees / Working Groups
21.1 Playing Field Committee
NFG Play have said they will do their best to service the zip wire before the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
21.2 Commons Committee
Nothing to report.
21.3 Finance Representative
Nothing to report.
21.4 Employment Committee
Nothing to report.
21.5 Planning Committee
Already discussed on the agenda; nothing to add.
21.6 New Village Hall Working Group
Nothing to report.
21.7 Platinum Jubilee Celebrations Working Group
See item 18
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
Nothing to report.
Correspondence Received
All covered elsewhere on agenda.
To Receive Items for the Next Agenda
Cllr Grocott requested that the speed limit in other areas of the parish be included on the next agenda, and also the missing signs on Magpie Green.
Date and Time of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 21st June 2022 in Burgate Church Hall at 7:30pm.
Meeting Close – 9:33pm
Appendix 1
Wortham & Burgate Parish Council
Cllr Jessica Fleming, Hartismere Division, Suffolk
Jessica.fleming@suffolk.gov.uk Tel: 07714-597980 Twitter: @jesstfleming
Looking back to May 2021, the new administration under Leader Matthew Hicks announced its priorities as: supporting vulnerable residents, strengthening Suffolk’s economy, the environment, and value for the taxpayer. Since that time much has happened, most notably we are emerging from the worst of the pandemic and are also profoundly affected by the war in Ukraine and by steep rises in energy costs and inflation pressures.
In addition to Central Government grants, Suffolk Public Sector Leaders (SPSL) has invested almost £10m to support Covid-19 through Suffolk’s Strategic Recovery Plan, including:
- The Local Economy - £2.05m towards Suffolk’s businesses recovery and the potential Haughley Junction rail upgrade
- Communities - £2.6m towards housing projects, improve literacy levels, and families and young people in need of support
- Engagement – £0.139m towards Youth Healthwatch projects and community engagement
- Climate Change - £1.5m to implement the Suffolk’s Climate Emergency Plan
Other strategic investments committed over the year include:
- Highways Flooding and Footpaths - £10m to improve highways flooding and £10m to upgrade pavements and footpaths.
- Waste Recycling Centres - £14.5m in upgrades and a new Ipswich waste recycling centre.
- New Special Educational Needs & Disabilities School Places - Continue investing £45m in building or extending facilities to offer 800 new SEND school places
Suffolk’s Highways contract with Kier is due to end in September 2023, and the council has started the two-year process of tendering for a new Highways Services partner. The approach is to use one contract for the majority of highways functions with separate contracts for streetlighting and traffic signals. Following a rigorous tendering process, the council plans to award the new contract in early 2023 with the new service provider beginning in October 2023.
The council appointed a new Chief Fire Officer and Executive Director for Fire and Public Safety in August 2021. Jon Lacey now leads the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and is also responsible for SCC’s Trading Standards and emergency planning services.
On the same theme, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service acquired three new state-of-the-art response vehicles in 2021 equipped with the latest technology, to support firefighters at complex emergency incidents. The new vehicles will typically be used as a hub and where field coordination is required.
Budget for 2022/23 - The council approved a budget for 2022-23 which includes a 4.5% increase (from £598.2 to £625.4m), generated by a 2.99% increase in Council Tax, and an increase in grants received from the Government. The proposals were approved at full council in February.
Suffolk has experienced its worst ever Bird Flu Epidemic which is still active and has greatly affected poultry rearers both large scale and small. Poultry and other captive birds may be let out as of 2nd May 2022 except within a 3 km Protection Zone. But there are some precautions which should be taken, details https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-latest-situation-avian-influenza-prevention-zone-declared Protection Zones are posted on APHA's interactive map: https://defra.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html If you live within a 3 km Protection Zone birds must remain housed.
Commencing last June, the council commissioned an external review of its Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services by Lincolnshire County Council. The findings are now available and an action plan is in place. You can read the report and action plan here. Currently there are approx. 6,000 children with a care plan and a further 12,000 pupils have special educational needs not needing a care plan. The Council has formed a SEND Accountability Board which is providing oversight for implementation of the Action Plan.
Infrastructure Required to support Government’s 2050 Net Zero Target – In October the Offshore Electricity Grid Task Force (OffSET) was set up to respond to the Government’s Offshore Network Transmission Review (OTNR) and to deliver 40GW of Offshore Wind by 2030. The group includes regional MPs and councillors chaired by Sir Bernard Jenkin MP and is responsible for ensuring that related Planning is effectively scrutinised in East Anglia. New transmission infrastructure includes added capacity linking Bramford to Twinstead, and Anglia Green.
National Grid’s East Anglia GREEN is a 400 Kv new power transmission project, the preferred route runs just west of the Thornhams and east of Gislingham then up through Burgate and Palgrave to Norfolk. Public consultation started as of 21st April and runs until 16th June There is a public session in Needham market on 27th May 1.00 – 7.00 pm. This is a very substantial project which will affect communities along the route. Further information is available on the website www.nationalgrid.com/east-anglia-green
Other Infrastructure under Consultation include the proposed Sunnica Solar farm (a 2,792-acre 500-MW scheme on the Cambridgeshire border) and numerous smaller (non NSIP) solar projects. Drax/Progress Power gas fired peaking plant, for renewables back-up, commenced development near Eye in 2021. There is also Anglian Water’s new pipeline project (Bury to Colchester).
Platinum Jubilee Events - To mark the celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, celebrations are planned over the four-day Bank Holiday weekend, between 2 and 5 June 2022. Sunday 5 June 2022 is referred to nationally as the ‘Big Jubilee Lunch. The following website has been set up for events organisers: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/PlatinumJubileeEvent.
Ukraine and Refugees – The council has responded promptly to the Government’s ’s policy on hosting Ukrainian refugees, and many have already arrived in Suffolk. Please refer to the webpage. https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/communities/community-engagement/supporting-afghan-ukrainian-refugees/policy
Appendix 2
District Councillor Report
Full Council Meeting 21/03/22
At present there will be support for tenants’ electricity bills – only for those tenants who pay by direct debits, 8,500 do not pay by direct debt, this will be resolved however.
There will be a new code of conduct in place after May’s council meeting.
Out of 120 parishes in Mid Suffolk, 15 have adopted Neighbourhood Plans, 15 being prepared, nationally that’s good but we can do better.
The council passed a motion to adopt and promote the “Net Zero Toolkit” as a guide to developers. A link to a copy: https://www.levittbernstein.co.uk/site/assets/files/3694/net-zero-carbon-toolkit-v2.pdf
Six Bells, Gislingham
At a Development Committee on 23/3/2022 the application to convert the Public House to a Veterinary Surgeries and Pet Supplies was rejected. Gislingham has successfully applied for the Six Bells to be registered as an Asset of Community Value. Gislingham have formed an action group to develop a strategy to reopen the Six Bells as a Public house. At present the owners are said to be appealing the decision.
Peer Reviews
A report on the Corporate Peer Challenge will be made the end of April and an action plan produced by mid June. A member working group has been formed to respond to the Planning Peer Review. Joint member training is needed for the new planning regulations.
Housing
£95k per week extra funds have been raised towards refurbishment of council houses as a result of raising rents. At present (05/04/2022) there have been no significant increases in arrears seen but the situation is being monitored and areas where the impact of rising costs of living identified. A new Rent, Service Charges and Business plan is coming forward, probably for the May council Meeting.
Gateway 14/Freeport Eastern
A Business Case has now been passed by Cabinet and will be submitted. And if accepted will release £6m of government “seed” money towards the development of the Skills and Innovation Centre. As part of Freeport East it is hoped that government support in terms of NI relief and development allowances will attract tenants to the site. Overseas Investors are being targeted. The site overall is to be an exemplar net zero development. Infrastructure work has commenced – the sign has been approved.
MSDC Parking Strategy
A series of meetings and consultations is planned with stakeholders to essentially produce a strategy for the enhancement of the current parking provision in order to ensure that access to our towns and villages is maintained into the future. On street parking, wear and tear to verges, access to EV charging are some of the issues. At present Debenham has the highest occupancy rates, reaching peak occupancy Saturday mornings, at present rates Eye and Needham Market will effectively run out of parking at times by 2032. This supports the need for more support for active travel and public transport use
National Grid Consultation
Public Consultation runs to 16th June 2022 and there is a public “event” on Saturday 14th May 10am-4pm at The Palgrave and district Community Centre, 10 Rose Lane, Palgrave. Link to Interactive map: www.nationalgrid.com/east-anglia-green
MSDC Councillor Rowland Warboys rowland.warboys@midsuffolk.gov.uk Tel. 01379 783412 Mobile: 07484 186121