WBPC Minutes

Chair’s Welcome and to Consider and Approve Apologies for Absence

Cllr Cole welcomed everyone to the meeting, and apologies were accepted unanimously for Cllr Odams, Cllr Hovey, and Cllr Thornton (all on holiday).

To Approve the Draft Minutes of the Previous Parish Council Meeting

Annual Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 17^th May 2022 – Cllr Ling requested an amendment to add Cllr Baker as a member of the Playing Field Committee (item 6). Approval proposed by Cllr Ling to include above amendment, seconded by Cllr Baker and approved unanimously with two abstentions (councillors who were not present at the meeting).

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

Cllr Cole proposed moving to item 9 which the member of the public was present for. Agreed unanimously.

To Consider, Agree and/or Note New Planning Applications

7:36pm Cllr Williams arrived

To consider, discuss and agree to APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMISSION – DC/22/02774. Full Planning Application – Erection of 3 no. dwellings including new vehicular access, with associated garages and parking. Land North of Willow Corner Cottage, Church Road, Wortham. Cllr Wright said that the Planning Committee sees no reason to object to this application, feeling there is a need for new 3-bedroom properties in the parish, and therefore recommends the Council supports the application. Cllr Wright proposed the Council support the application; seconded by Cllr Castle and approved unanimously.
To consider, discuss and agree to APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMISSION – DC/22/02881. Householder Application – Erection of infill extension and installation of dormer window to and conversion of garage to form new annexe. 1 Cherry Tree Close, Wortham, IP22 1QR. Cllr Wright proposed the Council support the application; seconded by Cllr Williams and approved unanimously. Action: Clerk to add support comment to MSDC planning portal for above applications.
To receive an update on Oak Trees Burgate – NO UPDATE
To receive an update for 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 - GRANTED
To receive an update for 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

Cllr Bradley said that there were no details regarding access within the documents on the planning portal for DC/22/01863, and asked the Clerk to speak to the Planning Officer. Action: Clerk to speak to Planning Officer re DC/22/01863 as above.

To Adjourn the Meeting for Public Participation

7:44pm

To receive residents' questions or comments – no further comments or questions.
To receive reports from District & County Councillors –

CC Cllr Fleming read highlights from her report, which had been sent to councillors in advance of the meeting; Appendix 1. CC Cllr Fleming reported that David Chenery, SCC Speed and Safety Manager, is dealing with the request to move the sign on Mellis road to extend the 30mph speed limit. It will cost approximately £6,000.00 which includes the Traffic Regulation Order. As previously reported, it can be funded with CIL monies and/or CC Cllr Fleming’s Highways budget. CC Cllr Fleming is also looking at replacement of the missing signs on Magpie Green. Cllr Bradley said it is very important that these are replaced because emergency services find it very difficult to find the location. Cllr Piper commented that the cost to move the sign on Mellis road was very high. CC Cllr Fleming said that signage is something to bear in mind with future planning applications, because it can potentially be included as part of the development. Cllr Cole thanked CC Cllr Fleming for her report, and also for attending the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations on Thursday 2^nd June, and opening the new play equipment.

DC Cllr Warboys read highlights from his report, which had been sent to councillors in advance of the meeting; Appendix 2. DC Cllr Warboys advised that there was still funding available for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations from his locality grant. Cllr Cole thanked DC Cllr Warboys for his report. Action: Clerk to submit application for funding from DC Cllr Warboys against the QPJ Steel Band.

8:00pm CC Cllr Fleming and the member of the public left the meeting.

To Reconvene the Meeting

8.01pm

To Receive the Chairman’s Report

Nothing to report; Cllr Cole thanked councillors for making the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration such a success.

To Receive the Clerk’s Report & O/S Actions from the Last Meeting (For Information Only)

BMSDC have created a draft Parking Strategy which outlines on street and off-street parking provision for the next 20 years. They are inviting feedback via an online survey which is open from 14^th June – 31^st July 2022. NGF Play Ltd have sent a revised quotation today for the repairs to the zip wire. At the meeting held on 17^th May 2022 payment of £816.22 was approved. This invoice has not yet been paid because after the meeting NGF visited the site, and realised additional parts were required so no work was carried out. The new quotation is £1,080.22. Cllr Cole proposed approving up to £1,200.00 for the repairs to cover any additional labour required, so NGF can proceed with the repairs which are now urgent. Seconded by Cllr Piper and approved unanimously. An email has been received from the architect regarding the initial plans previously sent for the proposed new Village Hall. Cllr Wright said that the New Village Hall Working Group needs to arrange a meeting to discuss if/how the project is to be progressed. Action: Clerk to instruct NGF to proceed with repairs. Clerk to arrange meeting of the NVHWG.

Update on National Grid East Anglia GREEN Energy Enablement

The Council’s objection response was submitted to John Pettigrew CEO of the National Grid, and also copied to Jo Churchill MP, Richard Bacon MP, James Cartlidge MP, Sir Bernard Jenkin MP, Dr Dan Poulter MP, Kemi Badenoch MP, and the Rt Hon Greg Hands MP. Acknowledgements of receipt have been received, and Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council cabinets have confirmed their objection to National Grid’s non-statutory consultation. Cllr Cole commented that although the non-statutory consultation has finished, it is very important to keep up the pressure against the proposal. Parish Council’s objection letter; appendix 3.

To Consider Adopting the Local Government Association (LGA) Model Councillor Code of Conduct 2020

Proposed by Cllr Grocott; seconded by Cllr Wright and approved unanimously. Action: Clerk to update and publish.

Update on Extending the 30mph Speed Limit on the Mellis Road

Updated within CC Cllr Fleming’s report (item 5.2).

To Discuss Speed Limits within Wortham and Burgate

There was a discussion about the position of speed limit signs being a consideration with planning applications for developments. Councillors agreed for the Clerk to send an email to CC Cllr Fleming thanking her for her help with the sign on Mellis Road, and asking if the speed limit signs could be considered with the planning application on Church Road (DC/22/02774). It was also agreed for consideration of the speed limit signs to be included in the council’s comment of support on the planning portal. Cllr Grocott said all three roads into Magpie Green should be considered and mentioned to CC Cllr Fleming too. Action: Clerk to contact CC Cllr Fleming as above, and include speed limit signs in the planning portal comment of support for DC/22/02774.

To Discuss Missing Signs on Magpie Green

Updated within CC Cllr Fleming’s report (item 5.2).

To Consider, Discuss and Agree to the Placement of a Sign from the Tennis Club on A143

At the meeting held on 17^th May 2022 councillors agreed that they support the Tennis Club’s request. The Clerk has investigated suppliers and costing and will forward these details to the Tennis Club for them to progress the sign. Action: Clerk as above.

To Receive the Internal Audit Report 2021/22 from Trevor Brown

A copy of the report was sent to councillors prior to the meeting. There were two recommendations:

To review the Standing Orders to ensure they are up to date and reflect the latest NALC version.
To review the online banking procedure to include online approval by at least one councillor.

Councillors discussed the recommendations; the online banking procedure will be looked at to create a system where the Clerk sets up the payments online, which are then authorised online by either the Chair or Cllr Wright (Finance Representative). Cllr Wright proposed approving the Internal Audit Report 2021/22; seconded by Cllr Baker and approved unanimously. Action: Clerk to update Standing Orders for approval at a future meeting, and look at the online banking system as above.

To Appoint an Internal Auditor for 2022/23

Cllr Wright proposed appointing Trevor Brown; seconded by Cllr Grocott and approved unanimously. Action: Clerk to instruct Trevor Brown to act as Internal Auditor 2022/23.

To Approve the Parish Council Accounts 2021/22

The Accounts were sent to councillors prior to the meeting. The Clerk advised that the period for the Exercise of Public Rights will be notified as 25^th June to 5^th August 2022. Cllr Williams proposed approval of the Parish Council Accounts 2021/22; seconded by Cllr Grocott and approved unanimously with one abstention (councillor who had not had sight of the Accounts). Action: Clerk to publish all required Accounts documents by 1^st July 2022.

To Complete and Sign the AGAR Sections 1 and 2 2021/22

The completed sections 1 and 2 of the AGAR were circulated to councillors. Cllr Williams proposed approving sections 1 and 2 of the AGAR 2021/22; seconded by Cllr Wright, and approved unanimously. Cllr Cole and the Clerk/RFO signed the relevant parts of the documents. Action: Clerk to publish by 1^st July 2022, and send to the external auditor with the Internal Audit Report, bank reconciliation, explanation of variances, and notice of Public Rights, by 30^th June 2022.

To Sign the Completed Neighbourhood CIL Expenditure Report

Deferred to next meeting.

Accounts

Account Balances as at 16^th June 2022

Current Account £44,977.80
Reserves Account £53,390.67
Commons Account £7,378.76

Account Payments

Jane Challis June Salary 369.95
HMRC NIC payment 92.40
Niki Hinton June Salary 97.50
RMJ Bradley Digger Hire Clear/burn brash 64.80
MSDC Litter/dog bin emptying 446.80
Tim Gaddis Mowing 165.00
Tim Gaddis Mowing 165.00
Safe & Sound Mole Control 300.00
B-Active Fit Club QPJ pony rides & zorb balls 300.00
Westcotec New SID device 3,360.00
Running Imp Ltd QPJ mugs/medals 421.21

Direct Debit Payments

O2 Mobile Phone (June) 29.62
HSBC Bank Charges 8.00
EON NEXT Pavilion Electricity (May) 348.77

Any additional payments/receipts received prior to the meeting:

Trevor Brown Internal Audit 260.00
Jane Challis Expenses 20.68
Tim Gaddis Mowing 165.00
Burgate Church Hall Hire June meeting 24.00

Proposed by Cllr Ling that all payments be approved en bloc, including retrospective approval for 21.2.11 as below; seconded by Cllr Piper and approved unanimously.

21.2.11 – Running Imp Ltd invoice no. 390294 was paid on 24^th May 2022 following consultation with the Chair and the Internal Auditor. The items were required for the QPJ on 2^nd June 2022, and part of the QPJ budget agreed at the meeting held on 27^th July 2021 (minute reference 13.6).

To Receive and Discuss Items from Committees / Working Groups

Playing Field Committee – Cllr Ling said the Bowls Club have passed on details of someone who may be able to help with rabbit control. Cllr Bradley reported that Redgrave Football Club may wish to use the playing field. Cllr Baker said that Palgrave Youth Football Team have also expressed interest, but the pitch is not playable at the moment. There are companies who can assess the pitch and provide a report on the best way to make it usable. After discussing councillors agreed they are happy for Cllr Baker to contact these companies for advice.
Commons Committee – Cllr Williams said he has received reports of concern from residents regarding the dead willow tree opposite the Manor House, overhanging the pavement and road. The Clerk will open a report with Suffolk Highways.
Finance Representative – nothing further to report.
Employment Committee – nothing to report.
Planning Committee – Already discussed on the agenda; another meeting will be arranged when all members are available.
New Village Hall Working Group – Further to item 8, Cllr Wright proposed calling a meeting at 7pm on Wednesday 20^th July 2022, to be held in the pavilion, and asked the Clerk to advise Cllr Hovey, and members of the Village Hall Committee.
Platinum Jubilee Celebrations Working Group – Cllr Bradley expressed huge thanks to Cllr Ling and his wife, and Cllr Baker, Cllr Castle, and Cllr Wright. Bruno Peek the Pageant master has requested photographs from every event held. After discussing, and further to item 5.2, it was agreed to request £540 from DC Cllr Warboys against the Steel Band.
VHMC – Nothing to report.
Rights of Way – Cllr Grocott said that there are some areas which need mowing, he is looking into someone to do this. Cllr Piper reported that Mellis Corner needs to be cut which the Clerk will report whilst reporting the willow tree. Cllr Baker said that SCC have not cut the verges yet and asked the Clerk to contact them. Cllr Castle reported that some of the footpaths in Burgate are not being maintained as they were previously by the landowner. Cllr Grocutt said he will speak to the landowner.
Councillors: - Nothing to report.

Correspondence Received

An email has been received from an MA student at Norwich University of the Arts requesting permission to film on the Ling. The Ling is not owned by the Parish Council so a reply will be sent redirecting the student to the landowner. Action: Clerk as above.

To Receive Items for the Next Agenda

Cllr Wright requested National Grid’s East Anglia GREEN proposal stay as an agenda item.

Date and Time of Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 26^th July 2022 in Burgate Church Hall at 7:30pm.

Meeting Close – 9:29pm