Minutes of the Meeting of Wortham & Burgate Parish Council held on Tuesday 23rd April 2024 in Wortham Village Hall at 7.30pm
- Councillors present
- Jacky Bradley, Nick Castle, Susan Wright, Chris Williams, Chris Grocott, Richard Thornton, Esta Piper, Carl Baker, Alain Judd, Liz Leeds and Jenny Piper.
- In attendance
- J. Challis – Parish Clerk, CC Cllr Fleming, DC Cllr Rowland Warboys, 9 members of the public.
The meeting started at 7:37pm, being slightly delayed by the Annual Parish Meeting which was held at 7pm.
1. Chair’s Welcome and to consider and approve apologies for absence
Cllr Bradley welcomed everyone to the meeting, there were no apologies for absence.
2. To approve the draft minutes of the previous Parish Council meetings
- Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 26th March 2024 – Approval proposed by Cllr E Piper, seconded by Cllr Thornton and approved unanimously with 2 abstentions (councillors who were not present at the meeting).
3. To record declarations of Interest from members in any item to be discussed
None.
4. To consider dispensations from members in any item to be discussed
None.
5. To adjourn the meeting for public participation - 7:39pm
Cllr Bradley proposed moving to agenda item 5.2 first. Approved unanimously.
5.2 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, she advised that she has a meeting in the parish with Joshua White from Suffolk Highways on 25th April 2024, if there is anything requiring her attention. The Clerk will forward details of the dead willow tree opposite the Manor House pub, and any other reports that have been made to Highways without action being taken.
DC Cllr Warboys read through his report, a copy of which can be found at the end of the minutes; Appendix 2.
Cllr Bradley thanked CC Cllr Fleming and DC Cllr Warboys for their reports.
5.1 To receive resident’s questions or comments
The members of the public were present to raise their objections and concerns regarding National Grid’s Norwich to Tilbury Statutory Consultation. It was asked whether the PC will be holding a separate meeting for the consultation, with a general feeling being reported that residents do not feel they have sufficient information to complete their responses to the consultation. One member of the public commented on the importance of keeping up to date with the information from Pylons East Anglia (Previously the Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk Pylon Group). The Clerk confirmed that the PC has registered for updates from the group, which are shared with councillors when received. https://pylonseastanglia.co.uk/ Sign-up to receive updates (sibforms.com)
6. To reconvene the meeting – 8:23pm
Cllr Bradley proposed moving to agenda item 9. Approved unanimously.
9. National Grid Norwich to Tilbury Statutory Consultation
The consultation is now live running from 10th April to 18th June 2024 (11:59pm). Full details are available on their website, https://www.nationalgrid.com/electricity-transmission/network-and-infrastructure/infrastructure-projects/norwich-to-tilbury, and include an alternative design to the Waveney Valley by installing 2km of underground cabling. Public information events are being held with the closest in Gislingham Village Hall on 30th April 2024, and Diss town Football Club on Wednesday 15th May 2024.
Councillors discussed whether a separate meeting should be held, agreeing that if so, it needs to be a balanced meeting, with professional advice on hand. DC Cllr Warboys said that he could ask Bron Curtis, MSDC Chief Planning Officer for a representative to attend to help with technical advice. Councillors noted that the PC’s comment in response to the consultation needs to be submitted by 18th June 2024, which is the date of the June meeting, so it would be preferable for to be agreed at the May meeting, allowing councillors time to attend any of the public information events in the meantime, and look at the amended proposal in more depth.
7. To receive the Chairman’s report
All covered elsewhere on the agenda.
8. To receive the Clerk’s report & o/s actions from the last meeting (For information only)
- Star Pubs are promoting refurbishment of the Manor House. Further details have been requested, and clarification received that this work will only be carried out once a new partner has been identified. Feedback of the preference for the name to be changed back to the Dolphin House has been given.
- Dead willow tree opposite the Manor House – as per advice received from Richard Parmee, MSDC Biodiversity Manager, this has been reported to Suffolk Highways again, requesting an explanation as to why reports are being closed stating no action is required, when branches are likely to fall posing a public health and safety risk.
- Bowls Club land drain: after advice received from DC Cllr Warboys following the 26th March 2024 meeting, the Clerk has checked whether any permissions are required from MSDC, who have confirmed that they are not needed because no work is being carried out to an existing channel.
- Camper vans parking permanently on Wortham Ling – Sharon Berry MSDC PROW officer has updated to say that she has contacted the landowner to see if permission has been sought, and is awaiting a reply.
- The new Police Engagement Officer, PC Adam Ferguson, has apologised for being unable to attend the Annual Parish Meeting, however he will attend a future PC meeting, and is planning to hold monthly online meetings with Parish clerks and councillors.
- SALC are organising 4 online planning training sessions, hosted by Birketts solicitors. Details to be shared with councillors. Cllr Wright indicated her interest in attending the sessions.
- The new gov.uk domain and email account has been requested, but are not up and running yet because it takes a little while to register them.
- The Magpie Green sign, and new football goal nets have been ordered. The table tennis table will be chased up, and ordered from a different supplier if necessary.
10. Flooding and drainage issues on Long Green
A resident of the track from the Old Stores to the A143, affected by the recent flooding issues, has emailed details of jet washing they arranged on 2nd April 2024. Jet washing was undertaken at all manholes and drain sections bar one manhole that was difficult to access. Debris and silt were removed, and also tree roots at one property. Going forward the resident suggests that the drain will need to be rodded annually as the potential for it to block seasonally is high. They believe that reinstatement of historic ditches on the common opposite the houses on the track, which connected to the drain/culvert and playing field ditch, will address the issue.
Cllr Williams said that the Commons Committee will investigate these ditches, and look at any work required, as part of their capital works for 2024/25.
8:30pm 1 member of the public left.
11. To consider, agree and/or note new planning applications
- To consider – DC/24/01290 – Full Planning Application – Use of land for siting 8No Holiday Lodges. St Johns House, Lion road, Palgrave (part in the Parish of Wortham), Diss, Suffolk, IP22 1BA. Cllr Wright said that following their meeting on 16th April 2024, the Planning Committee recommend a ‘No comment’ response to this application, but would like it to be linked to DC/24/00518 and the two applications considered together. They would also like consideration given to the implications of the increase in traffic, and the access to site, and to see details of provision of facilities for a caretaker/site manager if the lodges are to be managed as holiday lets as per the application. After discussing, Cllr Wright proposed a ‘No Comment’ response as above. Seconded by Cllr Williams, and approved unanimously. ACTION – Clerk to add comment to MSDC planning portal as above.
- To receive an update on Oak Trees Burgate - NO UPDATE
- To receive an update - DC/24/01032 – Application for planning permission – householder application – erection of artists studio – 1 Green Farm Barns, Buggs Road, Burgate, Diss, IP22 1QG – AWAITNG DECISION.
- To receive an update - DC/24/00861 – Application for a lawful development certificate for an existing use or operation or activity including those in breach of a planning condition. Town & County Planning Act 1990 – continued use of detached double garage as a woodworking workshop and not for parking of motor vehicles. Flintstones, Long Green, Wortham, IP22 1PU – WITHDRAWN.
- To receive an update – DC/23/05426 – Cross Boundary Application – Installation of a solar farm comprising: ground mounted fixed tilt bifacial solar panels: access tracks; string inverters; 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 – AWAITING DECISION
- To receive an update – DC/24/00496 – Planning Application – Use of Land for stationing 23no. holiday lodges and 1no. lodge for site manager (resubmission of DC/21/05477). Honey Pot Farm Caravan Park, Bury Road, Wortham, IP22 1PW – AWAITING DECISION
- To receive an update – DC/24/00518 – Full Planning Application – Change of use of building from residential (C2/C2A) to house of multiple occupancy (HMO). St Johns House, Lion Road, Palgrave (part in the parish of Wortham), IP22 1BA – AWAITING DECISION
- To receive an update – DC/24/00769 – Householder Application – Erection of single storey side/front extension (following demolition of front porch), 9 Sycamore View, Burgate, IP22 1QE – GRANTED.
12. Common Land outside Wortham Primary School; school parking and access track
Cllr Bradley reported the meeting with Joshua White, Suffolk highways Community Liaison Engineer, was held on 16th April 2024, to assess the issues outside the school at morning drop off time. Following this he has produced a suggested plan of the common area and access track which involves actions including a one-way system and low-level fencing to protect the common and prevent parking, leaving this space as a green area. Cllr Wright said that the evenings are currently less of an issue because there are more after school clubs. Cllr Castle raised concerns that the plan does not address the number of cars dropping children off, which will still need to stop and park somewhere. After discussing further, the consensus was that although the plan does not address the all issues satisfactorily, it is a starting point. Cllr E Piper asked whether the school has had sight of the plan yet, which Cllr Bradley confirmed it has not.
8:55pm CC Cllr Fleming and 4 members of the public left the meeting.
Cllr Castle said that following a recent meeting of FOWS (Friends of Wortham School) with parents and the Headteacher, a crossing space was discussed, but only 5 sets of people are known to cross the road.
9:00pm DC Cllr Warboys, Cllr Judd, and 4 members of the public left the meeting.
Cllr Wright suggested that engagement with the school should be the next step. It was agreed for Cllr Castle and Cllr Wright to arrange to meet with Mrs Clarke the Head of School to open a discussion, and gather feedback on the plan. Cllr Leeds will speak to residents living on the track for their feedback too. ACTION – Cllr Wright, Cllr Castle and Cllr Leeds as above.
13. Village Hall track; to consider expenditure for additional planings
Cllr Grocott explained that additional planings are no longer required; a local business recently donated some road chippings, which they mixed with the existing left over planings and filled in the pot holes with. The Clerk will write to say thank you on behalf of the PC. ACTION – Clerk as above.
14. To discuss condition of the track from the Old Stores to the A143
Cllr Bradley is contacting Land Registry to clarify ownership of the track. To be deferred until this is known.
15. Wayleave agreements
County Broadband have sent details of three wayleave areas owned by the PC which they would like to conduct works in. They have forwarded full details, including payment amounts, with agreements to be signed and returned if approved by the PC. The work is due to be completed by the end of the year. This information was only received from County Broadband today, so a decision will be deferred to next meeting to allow councillors time to read the agreements fully.
16. Accounts
16.1 Account Balances as of 18th April 2024
- 16.1.1 Current Account
- £63,160.02
- 16.1.2 Reserves Account
- £73,409.95
- 16.1.3 Commons Account
- £9,974.14
16.2 Account Payments
| Payee | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jane Challis | April Salary | 511.05 |
| HMRC | April NIC payment | 127.77 |
| Niki Hinton | April Salary | 101.60 |
| Safe & Sound 9956 | Mole control March | 60.00 |
| Jane Challis | Mileage expenses | 10.08 |
| Wortham Village Hall | PC Meeting March 2024 | 22.00 |
| SALC | Annual membership subscription | 17.00 |
| Jane Challis | Holiday entitlement (Clerk - £706.84, HMRC PAYE £176.71) | 883.55 |
| Niki Hinton | Holiday entitlement | 140.40 |
16.3 Direct Debit Payments
| Payee | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| HSBC | Bank charges April | 8.00 |
16.4 Receipts
| Source | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| MSDC | Precept | 10,100.00 |
| MSDC | Neighbourhood CIL | 5,571.34 |
Approval of all payments en bloc was proposed by Cllr Williams; seconded by Cllr J. Piper, and approved unanimously.
17. To receive and discuss items from Committees / Working Groups
18.1 Playing Field Committee
Cllr Baker reported that the grass has now been cut twice by the new contractor, and that they are doing a very good job. It has been brought to his attention that there are no mugs available in the pavilion, and someone has used the oven grill without cleaning it afterwards.
18.2 Commons Committee
The works to the trees on the common has started. The tree by the septic tank next to the village hall (which was added to the tree work) has been taken out.
18.3 Finance Representative
Nothing to report.
18.4 Employment Committee
Nothing to report.
18.5 Planning Committee
Nothing further to report.
18.6 New Village Hall Working Group
Cllr Wright reported that Cllr Castle has contacted Suffolk Pro Help, but they are unable to provide any assistance.
18.7 Village Maintenance Working Group
Cllr Wright reported that costings are still being worked out in order to submit a budget/expenditure request to the next meeting.
VHMC – Cllr J Piper said that the quiz held in the village hall on Saturday 6th April 2024 was very successful.
18.8 Rights of Way
Nothing to report.
18.9 Councillors
Cllr E Piper advised that the Tennis Club are holding an open day on 8th June 2024.
Cllr Wright asked for clarification on whether a separate meeting would be organised by the PC for National Grid’s Norwich to Tilbury consultation, as no decision had been made earlier in the meeting.
Cllr Bradley proposed returning to agenda item 9 again. Agreed unanimously.
9 National Grid Norwich to Tilbury Statutory Consultation
After discussing further, it was agreed to call a Parish Meeting, to allow residents to raise their concerns, and gather information to help them in completing their feedback forms. Neighbouring parishes will be invited. The Clerk will check the availability of the Village Hall, and arrange a date in May. Once arranged the date will be published and shared. Representatives from the District and County Councils will be invited to attend. ACTION – Clerk as above.
18. Correspondence Received
Covered elsewhere on the agenda.
19. To receive items for the next agenda
None.
20. The Annual Parish Council meeting will be held on 21st May 2024, at 7:30pm in Wortham Village Hall.
Meeting Close – 9:39pm