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EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Thursday 12 December 2024 at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt
Present – Parish Councillors
Councillor J Miller (Chairman)
Councillor R Allen
Councillor M Burns
Councillor S Davies
Councillor M Hockley
Councillor M Hurley
Councillor L Matthews
Councillor J Price
Councillor N Roberts
Councillor R Wombwell
Councillor G Woodcock
In Attendance
G White, Parish Clerk
N Reed, Consultant
Eight members of the public
Open Public Session
Rob Smith referred to Application DC/24/02093 and thanked the Parish Council for its help to date
in opposing the application. He considered the points he had made at the previous meeting
remained valid, which he precised as follows:
The additional number of houses is unnecessary;
The layout and mix of properties is inappropriate;
The impact on the local environment is unacceptable;
The amount of green space is insufficient;
The reduction of outdoor space for the pre-school is contrary to best practice;
The swimming pool is a complete red herring. The developer has no intention of building it.
For these reasons the application should be refused.
Paul Larsen said that he had read Hills’ publicity on the website and he considered that they were
degrading the environment for which they had no regard whatsoever. There was nothing in Hills’
literature about the environment, no environmental standards to which the houses are built, no heat
pumps, solar panels or additional insulation and also the roof lines are very high which degrades the
views. Everything is about selling houses and these are simply standard design houses which can
be found anywhere nationwide, there is nothing in them reflective of local heritage. These additional
new houses should be to a higher standard.
The Chairman noted that houses already approved cannot be changed, just the ones newly
presented in this application. In respect of the latter, the Chairman took Mr Larsen’s point.
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Rob Smith added a further point, that Babergh DC had just announced their housing supply figures
which showed a surplus of 728 homes to those required by 2029. They have 6.75 years housing
supply against their target and on that basis alone the application should be refused.
Charles Clover Chairman, Dedham Vale Society, spoke upon his letter to the Council which was on
the agenda for consideration. This concerned a Judicial Review which the Society was undertaking
against a planning inspector’s decision concerning Greater Anglia’s car park extension at
Manningtree Station and in particular bright lighting and steel piling installed without the benefit of
planning permission. The Society considered that these works were not permitted development and
that the inspector had failed to comply with the legal duty to ensure that all decisions upon land
within the National Landscape (formerly AONB) must preserve and enhance the National
landscape. This does not.
This was turning into a national precedent and the local authorities upon which the Dedham Vale
impacted were being asked to support the Society and to make contributions towards its legal costs
fund. Dedham Parish Council had contributed £5,000 and Mr Clover hoped that East Bergholt would
be similarly inclined.
Councillor Hockley wondered if the Society had considered Crowdfunding. Mr Clover said it had and
had raised c.£28,000 but this was now slowing down. Their lawyers’ estimate was that even with the
cap, they needed to hold at least £37k and possibly as much as £45k to cover all costs.
Councillor Roberts asked Mr Clover if the Society’s lawyers were seeking an Aarhus cap under the
convention which would cap any costs award to £10k and Mr Clover confirmed this.
Councillor Price was sure that Greater Anglia was not exempt from 2015 legislation which
specifically excludes car parks from exemption.
Although the Society’s Counsel thought the prospect of success very high given that the Inspector
had missed or misunderstood a point of law, for a JR case that only amounted to 40%.
The Chairman thanked Mr Clover for his contribution which the Council would take into account
when considering his letter later in the meeting.
Joyce Baker referred to her unsuccessful appeal regarding the listing of The Granary, Flatford, upon
which she will shortly submit a report to the Parish Council.
The Chairman thanked all contributing members of the public for their contributions and closed the
Open Public Session.
96.24.25 Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence received from Councillor Dent and Elmer and County Councillor Hall, were
NOTED.
97.24.25 Declaration of Interests/Dispensations
None.
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98.24.25 Minutes
It was proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Matthews and RESOLVED (nine
voted for, none voted against) that the minutes of the meeting of 14 November 2024 be approved
as a correct record.
99.24.25 Matters Arising/Updates
None.
100.24.25 County and District Councillors’ Reports
The written report from County Councillor Hall which had been circulated, was NOTED. Councillor
Hurley said he would write to County Councillor Hall about the stated improvement to SEND which
was only modest given that the prior position could hardly be worse.
District Councillor Davies presented her written report which had been circulated and expanded
upon it.
Councillor Matthews enquired about the Health and Wellbeing opportunity. District Councillor
Davies said that she had mentioned this fund to enable the Parish Council to make an application
for funding if it had a project which fitted the criteria. Councillor Matthews would like the Parish
Council to consider the Drop-in project as there was the opportunity to widen the project with
additional funding. She will submit a report to the next meeting.
District Councillor Davies was pleased to report that for the first time more than 50% of the Babergh
Cabinet portfolios are now held by women.
With regard to the extension of the Conservation area, as she had said at the last meeting (Minute
89 refers), Babergh were now taking a greater interest in its progression and were prepared to
jointly fund with the Parish Council, an assessment of the proposal. The Parish Council could
commission Heritage Collective to undertake this assessment which would be cheaper than any
other contractor as a result of their previous Heritage study and acquired local knowledge and
background work undertaken for that study. Babergh DC would contribute 50% of the cost of the
assessment. It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Davies and RESOLVED
(ten voted for, none voted against) that the Council contributes half of the cost of an assessment of
the extension of the conservation area proposal to be undertaken by Heritage Collective and likely
to cost up to circa £12,000 in total.
Councillor Price mentioned the administrative burden to farmers of being in a conservation area and
hoped that if the conservation area was extended, there would be an exemption for them in relation
to hedge and tree works.
101.24.25 Correspondence
The correspondence set out in the Correspondence List circulated with the agenda and
subsequently was considered and NOTED, comprising:
Date Sender Subject
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1. 12/11/24 Babergh DC Gambling Policy Consultation
2. 15/11/24 Rob Smith DC/24/02093
3 19/11/24 Babergh East, Police and
Parish Forum
Minutes of the meeting of 18 September
2024
4 30/11/24 James Cartlidge MP Neighbourhood Plans
5 02/12/24 Suffolk Climate Change
Partnership
Loft Insulation Offer
6 11/11/24 Dedham Vale Society Car Park Extension, Manningtree Station
Item 6 – The letter from the Dedham Vale Society and the remarks from Mr Clover made in
the Open Public Session of this meeting were all noted. Following discussion it was
proposed by Councillor Hockley, seconded by Councillor Woodcock and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that the Council supports the principle of the Judicial Review application by
the Dedham Vale Society and contributes £5,000 (from reserves) to assist with the Society’s
legal costs. The members of the public present indicated their support for the Council’s
decision.
Item 3 – Councillor Matthews informed the Council that she was unable to attend the
forthcoming meeting of the Police and Parish Forum. Councillor Wombwell volunteered to
attend.
Item 5 – The Council requested that this offer be publicised on the Council’s Facebook and
other social media.
102.24.25 Planning
102.1 Planning Applications received
The Council considered the planning applications received from the Local Planning Authority
since the last meeting as follows:
DC/24/02093 Land east of the Constable Country Medical Centre, Heath Road,
East Bergholt, CO7 6RT – Full Planning Application – Mixed use
development of two phases comprising of 40 dwellings in Phase 1,
and 68 dwellings in Phase 2 (38 in total affordable). In addition, the
proposals include a pre-school and a neighbourhood hub,
comprising office space and a local shop, public open space and
associated infrastructure and landscaping.
Re-consultation due to documents received on 31/10/24.
Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by
Councillor Hockley and RESOLVED (unanimously) that refusal be
recommended for the reasons set out in the document DC/24/02093 PC
reasons for refusal, attached to these minutes.
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Councillor Davies left the meeting at 9.10pm
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DC/24/05085 Laurel Grove, East End Lane, East Bergholt, CO7 6XA –
Householder Application – Erection of single storey extension
(following demolition of outbuilding).
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Hockley and RESOLVED (unanimously) that approval be
recommended.
DC/24/05129 Holly Bank, Rectory Hill, East Bergholt, CO7 6TL – Notification of
works to trees in a conservation area – Proposal to fell T1 Silver
Birch, reduce crown of T2 Oak Tree by 30% and fell and replace T3
Gleditsia.
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Matthews and RESOLVED (nine voted for, none voted against) that
approval be recommended.
DC/24/03420 4 Quintons Corner, East Bergholt, CO7 6RD – Householder
Application – Erection of single storey extension and cart lodge
including raising roof to allow first floor accommodation.
Relocation of front door.
Councillor Hurley declared a non-pecuniary interest as a neighbour to
the subject property.
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Roberts and RESOLVED (eight voted for, none voted against) that
approval be recommended.
DC/24/05202 Oaks Farm House, Hadleigh Road, Holton St Mary, CO7 6NW –
Application to determine if Prior Approval is required for a
proposed change of use of agricultural buildings to dwelling
house (C3) and for building operations reasonably necessary for
conversion. Town and Country Planning (General Permitted
Development) (England) Order 2015 as amended Schedule 2, Part
3, Class Q – Conversion of 2no agricultural buildings into 2no
dwellings.
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Roberts and RESOLVED (five voted for, three votes against) that it be
agreed that prior approval should be granted.
DC/24/05291 Two Hoots, Gandish Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6TP – Notification of
works to trees in a conservation area – Fell 4no Sycamore (T1, T2,
T3, and T4).
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Hockley and RESOLVED (unanimously) that approval be
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recommended.
DC/24/05271 Timbers, Park Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6XS – Householder
Application – Erection of single storey rear extension.
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Hockley and RESOLVED (unanimously) that approval be
recommended.
DC/24/05285 The Elms, East End Lane, East Bergholt, CO7 6XA – Householder
Application – Erection of two storey extension and alterations,
Garage and Outbuilding following demolition of existing garage
and outbuilding.
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Hockley and RESOLVED (unanimously) that approval be
recommended.
102.2 Planning correspondence
The correspondence received from the Local Planning Authority as set out on the planning
list concerning determined planning applications was NOTED.
103.24.25 Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee
103.1 Schedule of Payments and Income – It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded
by Councillor Allen and RESOLVED (unanimously) that the schedule of payments and
income be noted and the payments due for November 2024 amounting to £19,120.94
be approved.
103.2 Bank Reconciliation Statement – The bank reconciliation statement for November
2024 was NOTED.
104.24.25 Reports from other Committees
Roads, Footpaths and Flatford Committee – Councillor Price reported that Rasik
Bhadresa was now a fully trained footpath warden; The Committee had submitted its
budget bid including provision for a SID camera, to SPF Committee; Dan Woodcock,
Headteacher of the High School had hosted a road safety meeting to which Suffolk
CC, the Parish Council and other relevant parties were invited. Suffolk CC is favouring
a self-help scheme; Footpath volunteers can get training and equipment from Suffolk
CC; A cycleway meeting concerning the Dedham to Manningtree route had taken
place and had included Colchester City Council. Essex County Council had joined
subsequently. Unfortunately, County Councillor Hall does not wish to be involved;
Councillor Price thanked the Clerk for the recent Powers and Duties presentation.
Burial Grounds Committee – Councillor Hurley reported that the committee’s budget
bid had been submitted to SPF Committee. The long-standing groundsman, Alan
Nicholson had indicated that he did not wish to renew his contract for the next financial
year. Alan’s services had been greatly appreciated over nearly twelve years of service.
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The committee will advertise the post after Christmas to enable a timely appointment
and smooth transition.
Playing Field Committee – Councillor Woodcock reported that the Cricket Club’s CIL
application to Babergh DC had been successful and the Club will receive an award of
some £61,000. Councillor Woodcock thank Councillor Davies and John Hambrook for
their help. The Chairman said that the Council would consider an application from the
Cricket Club for an award from Parish CIL funds.
Whilst the committee’s budget bid had been submitted to SPF committee, an
infestation of rabbits had occurred subsequently and additional budget allocation may
need to be sought from Council to facilitate rabbit-proof fencing.
With just over a week to Christmas, no football matches had been cancelled this
autumn due to flooding. Howlands had conducted further testing on the field the results
of which were surprising as they showed less underground saturation than had been
expected.
The Sports Council will be invited to the committee’s next meeting to discuss the
arrangements for ownership and management on the field. Councillor Hockley said the
Sports Council had been delighted with the support from the Parish Council upon
individual club projects and looked forward to establishing a protocol for future
projects. Councillor Roberts added that in the light of recent discussions, the Council’s
CIL policy should be reviewed to include particulars upon a 75%-25% split between
District and Parish Council CIL awards.
East Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan Committee – Councillor Roberts reported that work
on the Neighbourhood Plan review was progressing well, a budget for which had been
submitted to SPF Committee. The draft plan was more or less agreed and will be
settled in January with the consultants. The final version will be reviewed in January
and go out to public consultation in March/April 2025. There will be an extraordinary
meeting of the Council in early February prior to public consultation. The committee
has accepted a proposal from PJA for the next stage in the process for report to
Suffolk County Council to work through the next stages in delivery of the PJA traffic
management proposals along the B1070 from St James’s Place to Constable
Gardens.
Young People Committee – Councillor Miller reported that the committee had
considered the village survey and noted that primary age children were receiving a lot
of activities through the primary school. The two focal points were a Youth Club for the
12-18 ages and activities for the under 5’s. Upon the former, the committee had sought
quotes from three companies which it will consider during the following week. In
respect of the under 5’s, the committee will work to support and enhance other
activities taking place in the village.
Website Working Group – Councillor Wombwell reported that the final stages of the
new website were progressing well with a public launch on 13 January. At the moment
de-snagging was taking place and the working group was getting on much better with
the provider. There was a need to settle matters relating to the current website with
Paul Ireland and Councillor Wombwell suggested that the Chairman should write to
him.
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Drop-in Project – Councillor Hurley reported that the last Drop-in was scheduled for the
week before Christmas. Thereafter it was intended to re-brand the project as the
Community Advice Hub which would meet on Mondays. Councillor Matthews was
developing links with local organisations and advice providers.
105.24.25 Assets of Community Value – Red Lion Car Park
The Clerk presented his report that the owner of the car park had given notice to Babergh DC of
the intention to dispose of the car park and the adjoining back land to the Red Lion. As the land in
question covered land which was not listed as an asset of community value as well as land which
was, the land was exempt from the Community Right to Bid. The report was NOTED.
106.24.25 Review of Council Policies – Financial Regulations
The Clerk presented his report upon the review of Financial Regulations. The National Association
of Local Councils (NALC) had issued new model regulations which were recommended to all
Parish Councils both by NALC and the Suffolk Association of Local Councils (SALC). The
Chairman of the SPF Committee, the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Council and the Clerk
had reviewed the new model regulations line by line, selected options appropriate to the Council’s
practices and updated the current regulations. The attached document was recommended to the
Council for approval and adoption.
It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Roberts and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that the draft Financial Regulations attached to the report be approved and
adopted and be reviewed in a year’s time.
107.24.25 Urgent Communications
None.
108.24.25 Resolution to exclude the public (including the press)
It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Roberts and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that pursuant to the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 and the Local
Government Act 1972 the public (including the press) be excluded from the meeting as publicity
would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be
transacted.
109.24.25 Land at East Bergholt
Councillor Hurley declared a non-pecuniary interest due to association with the owner of the
subject land and left the meeting.
The Chairman reported upon a proposal from the owner of land in East Bergholt and the Council
determined its next course of action.
The meeting closed at 10.51 pm.
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Date of the next Council Meeting – Thursday 9 January 2025 at The Lambe School.
Chairman…………………………………………………………………………………….Date……………………………….