Minutes of the Meeting of Wortham & Burgate Parish Council held on Tuesday 29th November 2022 in Wortham Village Hall at 7.30pm
- Councillors present
- Barry Cole, Jacky Bradley, Chris Williams, Jenny Piper, Ian Hovey, David Ling, Nick Castle
- In attendance
- CC Cllr Fleming, DC Cllr Warboys, Jane Challis (Clerk), and four members of the public
1. Chair’s Welcome and to consider and approve apologies for absence
Cllr Cole welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies were accepted unanimously for Cllr Wright, Cllr Thornton, Cllr Odams, (all prior commitments), Cllr Baker and Cllr Grocott (both unwell).
2. To approve the draft minutes of the previous Parish Council meeting
- Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 18th October 2022 – Approval proposed by Cllr Williams; seconded by Cllr Hovey and approved unanimously.
3. To record declarations of Interest from members in any item to be discussed
Cllr Ling declared a non-pecuniary interest against agenda item 8; Aura Power Solar Farm. Cllrs agreed unanimously that Cllr Ling could remain present for the discussion but abstain from voting.
4. To consider dispensations from members in any item to be discussed
See agenda item 3.
5. To adjourn the meeting for public participation – 7:35pm
- To receive residents' questions or comments – Cllr Cole proposed moving to agenda item 8 as the Chairman of Palgrave PC, Cllr Neil Weston, was present to discuss the Aura Power Solar Farm proposal and ascertain whether councillors are interested in creating a united Working Group. Approved unanimously.
8. Aura Power Solar Farm
Cllr Weston explained that the Aura Power Solar Farm proposal is in addition to the Pace Solar Farm planning application, and if both go ahead it will result in 360 acres of land being covered with solar panels in between the two parishes. The Aura Power site visit which was held on 2nd November 2022, was attended by Cllr Piper, who advised that it had highlighted how much land is included within the proposal, but also Aura Power’s lack of knowledge of the geography of the site.
Cllr Cole asked CC Cllr Fleming for her view on the proposal. CC Cllr Fleming said that she does not support the proposal because the energy gained from solar in this latitude is minimal, and the panels have a negative ecological footprint and visual impact. A discussion ensued with Cllr Cole concluding by asking councillors to give serious consideration to the proposal before the next meeting, and whether they would like to establish a joint Working Group with Palgrave PC. He thanked Cllr Weston and confirmed the Clerk would contact Palgrave PC regarding the Working Group.
Action: Clerk to liaise with councillors and Palgrave PC re Working Group.
Cllr Cole proposed moving to agenda item 12.5 for which a member of the public was present. Approved unanimously.
12.5 To consider and discuss – Application for Consent to Carry Out Works to Tree(s) Protected by a Tree Preservation Order – DC/22/05825. The Chestnuts, Long Green, Wortham, Diss, IP22 1RD.
The member of the public explained that the trees need pollarding because they are diseased and becoming dangerous. After discussing, councillors agreed that they have no objection to this planning application.
Action: Clerk to add no objection comment to MSDC Planning Portal.
- To receive reports from District & County Councillors –
CC Cllr Fleming read through her report, a copy of which can be found at the end of the minutes; Appendix 1.
In addition, CC Cllr Fleming provided the following updates:
- Extending the 30mph speed sign on Mellis Road: following a site visit with Suffolk Highways this will definitely go ahead, but the new location still needs to be agreed. There is also a speed survey arranged for 7-16th December.
- School flashing light units on A143: this is progressing and should be in effect in the New Year.
- East Anglia Green EIA Scoping Consultation: Jo Churchill MP has advised that National Grid have conceded they did not include the viable alternatives such as the offshore option in their initial non statutory consultation earlier this year. Jo Churchill MP believes that in light of this admission it is not the right time to be conducting a scoping consultation, and CC Cllr Fleming suggested this be included in the PC’s response.
Cllr Cole thanked CC Cllr Fleming for her report and updates.
DC Cllr Warboys read through his report, a copy of which can be found as an addendum at the end of the minutes (Appendix 2).
Cllr Cole thanked DC Cllr Warboys for his report.
6. To reconvene the meeting – 8:08pm
7. EN020027 East Anglia Green EIA Scoping Notification and Consultation
The Planning Inspectorate has issued a Scoping Opinion request for National Grid’s East Anglia GREEN proposal. This is the first statutory part of the proposal with a deadline of 5th December 2022 for responses. The Clerk prepared a draft response which was circulated to councillors prior to the meeting. After discussing councillors agreed to add mention of the Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylon Group’s map, (which pin points locations in the proposed swathe visually and environmentally affected by the pylons), and that they consider the timing of the consultation to be inappropriate in light of National Grid’s admission that the viable alternatives were not consulted on. A copy of the PC’s letter to John Pettigrew in response to the initial non statutory consultation will be also included.
Proposed by Cllr Hovey; seconded by Cllr Piper and approved unanimously.
A copy of the full response can be found at the end of the minutes; Appendix 3.
Councillors also identified numerous locations in Wortham and Burgate that are yet to be pin pointed on the ESN Pylon Group’s map. Cllr Bradley suggested holding an informal meeting to collate and add them because not everyone has internet access to do so. It was agreed to meet at Ivy House Farm on 1st December 2022.
Cllr Cole suggested holding a meeting with neighbouring parishes in the New Year to discuss the progress of East Anglia GREEN, and inviting Jo Churchill MP to attend. CC Cllr Fleming said this was a good idea and that she will speak to Jo Churchill MP.
Action: Clerk to submit response to Planning Inspectorate by 5th December deadline.
9. To receive the Chairman’s report
All included elsewhere on agenda.
10. To receive the Clerk’s report & o/s actions from the last meeting (For information only)
- Wortham Village Hall Deed – Ashtons Legal have now advised fees of approximately £2,000.00 to look at the Deed, and they also need to see both the original Deed of Gift and the varied Deed of Gift. This is above the £1,000.00 previously approved to investigate the Deeds, so the Clerk has contacted Suffolk County Council’s legal department to see if they are able to help. They have advised an hourly rate of £150.00 and are in receipt of the copy of the Deed in order to advise an overall cost for the work.
- A Capital Grant Offer was received from BMSDC Grants in May 2021 towards the new play equipment. They have requested the signed offer letter be completed and returned, with supporting invoices from NGF Play, in order for the funding to proceed.
- SALC have advised that the NJC (National Joint Council) has agreed the pay scales for 2022/23 which are to be back dated to 1st April 2023. They have also agreed an extra day of holiday entitlement for all employees covered by this national agreement.
Action: Clerk/Cllr Hovey to pursue work to Wortham Village Hall Deed. Clerk to send requested documents to BMSDC re Capital Grant Offer.
8:34pm Cllr Weston, CC Cllr Fleming, and 1 member of the public left the meeting.
11. Donation requests
- Wortham Village Hall – this donation request is actually for Wortham and Burgate PCCs, and not the Village Hall. To be discussed further at the next meeting.
- Headway Suffolk – this is a local charity which provides rehabilitation, support and care to people suffering neurological conditions. After discussing Cllr Ling proposed a donation of £100; seconded by Cllr Piper and approved unanimously.
Action: Clerk to arrange donation payment to Headway Suffolk
12. To consider, agree and/or note new planning applications:
- To receive an update on Oak Trees Burgate – NO UPDATE
- To receive an update APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMISSION – DC/22/02774. Full Planning Application – Erection of 3No dwellings including new vehicular access, with associated garage and parking, as amended by revised plans and reports received 20th July 2022. Land North of Willow Corner Cottage, Church Road, Wortham. AWAITING DECISION
- To receive an update APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMISSION – DC/22/04679 – Householder Application – Retention of use of garage as garden room/games room. The Greenfields, Willow Corner, Wortham, IP22 1PS. GRANTED
- To receive an update DC/22/04646 Householder Application – Erection of two storey side extension and new front porch including creation of additional parking area (following demolition of existing side extension). 5, Sycamore View, Burgate, Diss, Suffolk, IP22 1QE. GRANTED
- To consider and discuss – APPLICATION FOR CONSENT TO CARRY OUT WORKS TO TREE (S) PROTECTED BY A TREE PRESERVATION ORDER – DC/22/05825. The Chestnuts, Long Green, Wortham, Diss, IP22 1RD – Discussed with agenda item 5.1.
- To consider and discuss – Application for Approval of Reserved Matters DC/22/05607, following Outline Planning Permission DC/22/00655 dated 15/07/22. Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) Submission of details for Appearance, Scale, Layout and Landscaping – Erection of 4 no. dwellings. Land at Honeypot Farm, Bury Road, Wortham, IP22 1PW. After discussing and listening to the Planning Committee’s recommendations, councillors agreed they object to this application due to over development of the site.
- To consider and discuss – Householder Application – Replacement of roof and insertion of velux window – DC/22/05369 – Springfield, Long Green, Wortham, IP22 1PW. After discussing, councillors agreed that they have no objections and support this application.
Action: Clerk to add comments for all applications to MSDC Planning Portal as above.
13. Diss & District Neighbourhood Plan Consultation
The consultation runs from 2nd November – 16th December 2022 and was circulated to councillors prior to the meeting.
Action: Cllrs to advise Clerk prior to 16th December deadline if they wish to make comment.
14. Community Governance Review: Rickinghall Parish Boundary proposal
During the recent consultation stage of the Community Governance Review, MSDC received a joint submission from Botesdale and Rickinghall PCs that included a proposal to move Stubbings Entry and Nan Hazel Lodge into Rickinghall. The PC has been asked to submit their views on the proposal. After discussing councillors agreed they have no objection to the boundary change. Proposed by Cllr Williams; seconded by Cllr Piper and approved unanimously.
Action: Clerk to advise MSDC as above.
15. Update on School Flashing Light Units on A143
Updated under agenda item 5.2.
16. Update on extending the 30mph speed limit on the Mellis Road
Updated under agenda item 5.2.
17. Green Outside Wortham Primary School
The common land and track around the green outside the Primary School are owned by the Parish Council, and in need of renovation and improvement. They are currently being used as parking which is particularly congested at school drop off and collection times. It has been looked at previously but the project did not go ahead because of the covid pandemic. Cllr Bradley and Cllr Cole have obtained quotations to renovate the common land but not the track which range between £30,000-£35,000.00. A larger scheme of work will require a Section 38 agreement with Highways which is a longer process and will require consultation with the school and the wider community. Cllr Bradley added that a Section 38 may be difficult to obtain anyway because it is common land. Councillors discussed the plans with Cllr Bradley clarifying that the aim is to both preserve the common and address the parking issues outside the school. Councillors had reservations about agreeing to any of the quotations presented without looking at all potential options in more detail, to ensure the issues are addressed in the most effective way. To be discussed further at the next meeting.
18. Update on electricity meter at the pavilion
A surveyor from UK Power Networks is conducting a site visit on 12th December 2022 to see if it is possible to add a second meter so that the Tennis Club has a separate power supply. They have provided an approximate costing of at least £3,000, and currently have a lead time of 4-6 weeks to carry out the work.
19. To consider and approve Budget 2023/24
Deferred to January meeting.
20. Accounts:
20.1 Account Balances as of 24th November 2022
- Current Account £37,761.40
- Reserves Account £71,839.33
- Commons Account £7,385.14
20.2 Account Payments
- Jane Challis November Salary incl back dated pay increase £593.75
- HMRC November NIC payment £148.60
- Niki Hinton November Salary £97.50
- Jane Challis December Salary £397.75
- HMRC December NIC payment £99.60
- Niki Hinton December Salary £97.50
- Safe & Sound Mole control October £60.00
20.3 Direct Debit Payments
- HSBC Bank charges Nov £8.00
- O2 Mobile Phone £29.62
- ICO Data Protection Fee £35.00
- HSBC Bank charges Oct £8.00
- EON NEXT Pavilion Electricity £304.33
20.4 Receipts
- MSDC Neighbourhood CIL payment £14,845.75
Any additional payments/receipts received prior to the meeting:
- Jane Challis Mileage expenses £11.70
- Royal British Legion Remembrance wreath x 2 £36.00
- Safe & Sound Mole control £60.00
- PKF Littlejohn External Auditor fee £360.00
Proposed by Cllr Williams that all payments be approved en bloc, including the Clerk’s back dated pay increase following the NJC increase to the pay scales; seconded by Cllr Bradley and approved unanimously.
21. To receive and discuss items from Committees / Working Groups
21.1 Playing Field Committee
Nothing to report. Cllr Bradley commented that it was good to see the cycle track is being used all year round.
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
Nothing further to report.
21.6 New Village Hall Working Group
Nothing further to report.
21.7 VHMC
Nothing to report.
21.8 Rights of Way
Nothing to report.
21.9 Councillors
Nothing to report.
22. Correspondence Received
A resident has made complaint that development to a residential property in Burgate is potentially encroaching on to Great Green. The Clerk is investigating and will speak to the private landowner of this section of common.
23. To receive items for the next agenda
Nothing received.
24. Date and time of next meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 17th January 2023 in Wortham Village Hall at 7:30pm.
Meeting Close – 9:30pm