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EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Thursday 10 April 2025 at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt

Present – Parish Councillors
Councillor J Miller (Chair of the Council)
Councillor N Roberts (Vice-Chair of the Council)
Councillor R Allen
Councillor M Burns
Councillor R Elmer
Councillor M Hockley
Councillor M Hurley
Councillor L Matthews
Councillor J Price
Councillor G Woodcock

In Attendance
G White, Parish Clerk
N Reed, Consultant
A Nicholson
L Freeman, General Manager, National Trust
Four members of the public

The Chair announced that Rob Wombwell had resigned as a Parish Councillor. He had been
a hard working councillor and especially helpful with technology and the development of the
website but had been at odds with the direction of the Council and had decided to resign.
Further comment will be made during the formal part of the meeting.

Councillor Hurley, Chair of the Burial Grounds Committee made a presentation to Alan
Nicholson who had retired as Cemetery and Churchyard Groundsman after almost twelve
years’ service. Councillor Hurley paid tribute to Alan’s excellent stewardship of the cemetery
and thanked him for his diligent service to the village and offered a huge thank you on behalf
of the Committee, the Council and the Community.

The Chair commented that she did not know of any other cemetery which prompted so many
favourable comments from the public. Alan’s contribution had been of tremendous value to
the community.

Alan Nicholson thanked the Council for the card and gift and said how he had enjoyed the
work which he found rewarding and was pleased his efforts had been appreciated over the
years.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

Rob Smith – had three separate points to make:

1. He was concerned that Babergh DC was proposing to discontinue neighbour
consultations upon planning applications for less than 10 houses. He thought the

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supposed saving of £64k was far outweighed by the democratic deficit which would
occur if neighbours were unaware of planning applications and thus unable to make
representations. He asked the Parish Council to support that view when considering
the issue later in the meeting.

Councillor Hockley wondered if free contact by email would keep residents informed
whilst saving the money. Mr Smith thought it a good idea in theory but impractical as
Babergh DC did not have a comprehensive list of email addresses whilst it did have
such a list of addresses.

2. Mr Smith reported that Babergh DC has an ongoing enforcement case unresolved
and will now be requiring an application for planning permission to allow the top soil
pile placed along the Riber river to remain, if approved.

3. Mr Smith reported anti-social behaviour on Gandish Road and the playing field by a
group of youths who were driving around with youths sitting on the roofs and bonnets
of cars. He understood this was being perpetrated by late teens from Brantham who
were also carrying out similar activities in that location. He thought it might be
profitable for the Council to have a word with the local police.

Councillor Matthews said she was a member of the police forum and would raise it
with them and with PC Jarrod, our community officer. Councillor Hockley offered to
provide substantial information to Councillor Matthews in this regard.

The Chair thanked Mr Smith for his contribution and in the absence of any other
speakers, closed the public open session.

Guest Speaker – The Chair welcomed Leigh Freeman, General Manager, Essex &
Suffolk Countryside/East of England National Trust and invited him to address the Council
upon his plans for the future.

Mr Freeman told the Council about the new ten-year plan which was centred on restoring
nature and access to it. The plan was nature focussed in this age of climate change, The
charity sector was struggling in the current economic situation and even though the
National Trust was the biggest charity of its type in Europe, it was feeling the pinch.

Mr Freeman introduced and circulated the new Conservation Management Plan which
together with its accompanying Gazeteer and Landscape Assessments pull together what
matters in the landscape, what is important and why. The Trust is willing to support
funding applications from organisations (such as the Parochial Church Council) for
projects which support the plan’s objectives and ambitions. He will share an online
version of the documents to enable consideration in detail by the Council.

There have been various projects and improvements undertaken and in prospect at
Flatford which will enhance recreation, conservation and the cultural heritage at Flatford
many of which concern improved access. He cited the new kiosk as an example of
improvements for visitors and addressing landscape issues

The National Trust is also focusing on Constable 250 in 2026 and lots of work is being
carried out regarding programming. A Festival of Arts is being planned in which

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partnership with the local community is being sought. Additionally, there will be online
virtual tours for those who are unable to visit Flatford in person.

Upon highway issues, the Trust is going through an application to restrict vehicular
access with parking restrictions at the top of the car park and is reviewing pedestrian
access. There is a shuttle bus access from the car park. A reduced speed limit on Flatford
Road would be of great benefit, though the highway authority is not engaging.

In river management there is continuing concern over the raising and lowering of water
levels and surveys are being undertaken to improve flows.

Spatial planning for The Granary is required and in the future Mr Freeman would like to
see it as a Constable Centre.

Councillor Woodcock enquired about the wildlife garden. Mr Freeman said that it belongs
to RSPB and not the National Trust and they are facing similar economic problems to the
Trust. The Chair added that the Council has had contact with the RSPB who will revert
when they know what they will do. They are assessing many similar sites. The National
Trust would consider stepping in if necessary.

Councillor Woodcock also enquired about open air summer concerts. Mr Freeman said
he enjoyed arranging them although they were not hugely profit making though managed
to break even. He hoped more could be arranged connected with Constable 250.

Councillor Matthews thought the Council might consider establishing a working group to
work with the National Trust to develop joined up thinking towards Constable 250. The
Chair said that the East Bergholt Society had plans for lots of events and the Council will
work to support opportunities which arise. Councillor Price said that the Constable
Memorial Hall is making plans and would want to be part of that as well.

Councillor Roberts said that the Council was looking to extend the Conservation Area
through the Neighbourhood Plan review and was sharing a consultant with Babergh DC
in that regard. One of the areas of interest is Flatford and there is evidently a huge
overlap with the Trust’s Management Plan. He will put the consultant, Heritage Collective
UK in touch with Mr Freeman. Councillor Price added that the Constable Trust is another
organisation which may be a helpful contributor.

The Chair referred to the increasing number of visitors to Flatford and that the traffic in
Flatford Road was impeding pedestrians. The Council had tried to get a 20mph speed
limit on the road. Mr Freeman said that the Trust had also tried but their proposal had
been declined by the highway authority. The Trust would support further efforts by the
Parish Council.

The Chair noted that visitors to Flatford arrived by various means, often by train to
Manningtree. She referred to the efforts being led by Councillor Price to improve the East
Bergholt to Manningtree footpath and thought it would be worth the Trust connecting with
the project group for mutual benefit. Mr Freeman was prepared to assist in this,
something the Trust was also engaged in with other accessible routes.

Joyce Baker told Mr Freeman that the new kiosk was much appreciated. She asked what
was going on with the installation of Mr Parkinstone’s memorial stone. Mr Freeman said

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that the Trust was planning to install it on the Mill wall alongside the road and that this
required Highway’s permission but that the Trust is expecting it to be installed before the
2026 2026 Constable celebrations. Joyce Baker thought that the East Bergholt Society
might be prepared to contribute towards the costs. Joyce did disagree with him in some
aspects relating to the refurbishment of the Grange. She was also disappointed with the
bright blue shuttle bus which she thought should be green to blend in with the landscape.
Mr Freeman noted her views.

The Chair was aware of the Trust’s struggles with financial resources and with managing
visitors. She noted that many visitors were local residents of East Bergholt who paid
regular visits, walking the footpaths and visiting the tearooms and she implored Mr
Freeman not to manage those people away from Flatford. Residents of East Bergholt are
very interested in Flatford and walks around the area being more accessible. She
thanked Mr Freeman for his contribution and wished him success in pursuit of his
ambitions.

173.24.25 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence received from Councillors Davies, Dent and County Councillor Hall
were NOTED.

174.24.25 CASUAL VACANCY

Further to her comments at the beginning of the meeting, The Chair formally acknowledged
Rob Wombwell’s resignation and thanked him for all the contributions he had made during
his six years as a parish councillor and in particular his significant assistance with the
website redevelopment.

It was proposed by Councillor Hockley, seconded by Councillor Burns and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that the Council’s grateful thanks be afforded to Rob Wombwell for his service
as a parish councillor and that a card be sent to him expressing the Council’s appreciation.

The Chair informed the Council that the Clerk had notified the Retuning Officer who had
issued the Notice of a Casual Vacancy which had been published on the website and the
notice boards. Parish electors had until 30 April to request an election and if ten or more did
so an election would be held. If not, the Council was at liberty to co-opt to the vacancy.

175.24.25 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST S OR DISPENSATIONS

None.

176.24.25 MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF 13 MARCH 2025

It was proposed by Councillor Hockley, seconded by Councillor Matthews and RESOLVED
(nine voted for, none voted against) that the minutes of the meeting of 13 March 2025 be
approved as a correct record.

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177.24.25 MATTERS ARISING/UPDATES

Minute 160 Items 6 & 7 – Councillor Hockley referred to the grant made to EBPCC for its
Hardship Fund which was also going to be referred to the Strategy, Policy and Finance
Committee. The Chair confirmed that it will be referred to SPF Committee for its meeting
later this month. Councillor Hockley added that the United Charities will also be invited to
contribute.

Minute 157 – East Bergholt United Charities – Councillor Hockley was pleased to see the
response from the United Charities (See Minute 179.24.25 Item 11 below). He was
encouraged that a response had been received and hoped the Council members who were
Trustees of the United Charities would support a meeting between the two organisations.

Minute 155 – Minutes of the Extraordinary Council Meeting of 6 February 2025 – Councillor
Price reported that he had sent information on housing policies and requirements for
disabled people to District Councillor Davies who was positive about pursuing the matter.

Minute 158 – County Councillor’s report – Councillor Matthews said that she had found
County Councillor Hall’s response on SEND to be encouraging though it was necessary to
keep a close eye on the financial resources. The Chair commented that often in SEND
cases the payback period is too long for proper consideration of the County Council which
works to 3 year forward financial planning. Investment in SEND cases may take as long as
20 or 30 years to show the benefit.

178.24.25 COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

The written reports submitted by County Councillor Hall and District Councillor Davies were
NOTED.

The Chair advised that if any member had any questions for County Councillor Hall, they
should contact her direct.

With reference to the District Councillor’s report, the Chair noted that Hills were seeking to
increase the number of dwellings in Phase 2 from 75 to 99. Babergh planners have assured
the Council that it will be consulted by the planners before these plans go to the planning
committee.

Upon Devolution, the proposals remain SCC – one unitary, Districts – 2 or 3 unitaries.

The Chair referred to the Babergh DC housing targets which had been increased. Babergh
DC was required by the government to build 775 houses per year across the district with an
initial estimate of 220 for East Bergholt.

Councillor Roberts suggested that the Council should not yet be concerned about the
estimate of 220 for East Bergholt, a pro rata figure with no planning justification and which
may well be changed in due course.

Babergh DC would be carrying out a Spatial Strategy to inform housing allocations and once
this is forthcoming the Parish Council will be able to respond. The Chair suggested that prior
to that the Neighbourhood Plan team should consider how to respond to the initial figures
and bring recommendations to Council.

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The Chair noted that the Joint Local Plan process had been halted and a new process will
commence shortly. The previous draft plan had focussed its allocations in the east of the
district along the A14 and A12 corridors.

Councillor Roberts pointed out that Babergh DC had taken nine years to produce the Joint
Local Plan and now was starting again with a view to completion in 2029. In February 2025
the Government had stated that plans should be completed within thirty months, but in
March 2025 Babergh DC had stated their plan would take four years to complete. How much
public money had Babergh DC wasted in those nine years and why would it now take
another four years when the Government direction was thirty months? He requested that the
Parish Council write formally to Babergh DC to seek answers to his questions.

179.24.25 CORRESPONDENCE

The correspondence set out in the Correspondence list circulated with the agenda and
subsequently was considered and NOTED, comprising:

Date Sender Subject
1. 17/03/25 Rob Smith Planning Consultations
2. 17/03/25 Babergh DC Planning Consultations
3. 18/03/25 National Grid Project Update
4. 18/03/25 National Grid Public Consultation
5. 21/03/25 Babergh DC Government Housing Requirements
6. 14/03/25 County Councillor Hall Devolution
7. 26/03/25 County Councillor Hall Devolution
8. 26/03/26 County Councillor Hall Devolution
9. 01/04/25 St Mary’s Church Securing the Future Project
10. 02/04/25 SARS Letter of thanks for grant aid
11. 02/04/25 Secretary to EB United
Charities
Exchange of correspondence re
meeting
12. 02/04/25 Rob Smith Temporary topsoil store Heath Road

Items 1 & 2 – Councillor Woodcock supported the continuation of the current system. For
planning consultations, the Parish Council often looks towards the neighbour responses for
potential local impact of development. He considered the current system was worth the cost
of £64k.

It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor Hurley and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that the current neighbour consultation system be maintained in order to
protect the interests of neighbours who would otherwise never know of applications made,
which would affect them.

Rob Smith has sought the Parish Council’s support in his comments in the Open Public
Session (see above) and this resolution provides such support.

Items 3 & 4 – These items concern the project around Tilbury and the Council had no
comment to make.

Item 5 – Already discussed (Minute 178.24.25 above refers).

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Items 6-8 – If any member has further questions, they should contact County Councillor Hall
direct.

Item 12 – Babergh DC is taking enforcement action and requiring a planning application for
the retention of the topsoil store down the bank of the River Riber.

It was proposed by Councillor Hockley, seconded by Councillor Hurley and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that a letter be sent to David Steel, Senior Planning Enforcement Officer
thanking him for his action in this case and encouraging him to be similarly resolute in similar
instances where developers fail to abide by legal requirements.

180.24.25 PLANNING

180.1 Planning Consultations received

DC//25/00843 5 Woodgates Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6RG – Householder
application – Erection of two storey side extension and single
storey front extension, conversion and extension of existing
garage to annex.

It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Matthews and RESOLVED (seven voted for, none voted against)
that approval be recommended.

DC/25/ 01620 Valley Farm, Flatford, East Bergholt, CO7 6UL – Application for
listed building consent- construction of secondary stair to be
formed over existing staircase.

It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Roberts and RESOLVED (unanimously) that approval be
recommended.

180.2 Planning Correspondence

The correspondence received from the Local Planning Authority as set out on the planning
list, concerning determined applications was NOTED.

In particular, the Chair noted that the Council’s recommendation to refuse the application for
a two-storey dwelling adjacent to the Oranges and Lemons Café had been upheld by the
Planning Committee in line with the Parish Council’s recommendation.

181.24.25 STRATEGY, POLICY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

181.1 Schedule of Payments and Income -The Clerk presented his report and answered
questions upon it. It was proposed by Councillor Elmer, seconded by Councillor Roberts and
RESOLVED (unanimously), that the schedule of payments and income and the bank
transfer be noted and the payments due in March 2025 amounting to £51,152.36 be
approved.

181.2 Bank Reconciliation Statement – The bank reconciliation statement for March 2025
was NOTED.

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181.3 Budget Monitor 2024/25 – The Clerk presented his report and answered questions
upon it. In the 2024/25 financial year, the Council had spent £173,804.81 which represents
117% of the precept and 84% of the budget. £25804.81 was taken from reserves to support
the budget.

Councillor Roberts enquired why bank interest and cemetery fees were set-off against the
SPF and Burial Grounds budgets respectively instead of merely being accounted for as
income and falling into reserves. The Clerk explained that by so doing the budgets of those
committees and the Council was less than would otherwise be the case. Notwithstanding the
matter was referred to the forthcoming meeting of the SPF Committee for further
consideration.

The Budget Monitor 2024/25 was NOTED.

182.24.25 OTHER COMMITTEE MATTERS

Burial Grounds Committee – Councillor Hurley referred to the retirement of Alan Nicholson
and the presentation to him at the beginning of the meeting. He described the recruitment
process for a replacement groundsman which had resulted in a team of two contractors
being awarded a three-year contract. These are Simon Rothwell and Barrie Pierson, both
East Bergholt residents, who commenced the duties on 6 April 2025. The Clerk reported that
the sit-on mower was now registered for road use which would make life easier for the
contractors when working at the two locations.

At its forthcoming meeting the final report on the digitisation project will be considered by the
committee.

Neighbourhood Plan Committee – In the absence of Councillor Davies there was no
progress to report.

Playing Fields Committee – Councillor Woodcock reported that the Committee was meeting
within the next week. He informed the Council that Dennis McGrath the long-standing Chair
of the Sports Council had resigned and was likely to be replaced by John Hambrook, the
current captain of the cricket team. Councillor Woodcock thought a letter of thanks to Dennis
from the Parish Council would be appropriate. The installation of the nets for the Parish
Council (Cricket Club) Project was now scheduled to commence on 27 May. The installation
of the clubhouse etc for the Parish Council (Tennis Club) Project was scheduled to
commence on 6 May. The Chair thanked Councillor Woodcock for the provision of the
outdoor table tennis table which was already proving popular.

Councillor Price asked that details of the installation of new infrastructure and the mapping of
the built lines of the new pipes for the tennis facilities projects be recorded for the benefit of
future projects and contractors.

Roads, Footpaths and Flatford Committee – Councillor Price referred to a three-car pile-up
on Touchy Hill and that Rupert Eley had suggested that it should be subject to a 30mph
speed limit. The worst junction in the village is Gandish Road/Straight Road/ B1070 which
would also benefit from a 30mph speed limit with visibility splays to match that top speed.

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The Footpath Warden, Rasik, wishes for his contact details to remain private and secure. If
anyone wishes to meet Rasik to discuss his role, arrangements should be made via
Councillor Price.

The cycle route to Manningtree has a group of representatives from eight Councils at all
levels. Only Essex County Council is reluctant to join the group at the moment. A common
document vault is being assembled and managed by the Assistant Clerk with a view to
access being made available to all members of the group.

Councillor Price gave notice of the agenda items for the imminent meeting of the committee.

Young People Committee – In Councillor Davies’ absence, Councillor Burns advised that the
Youth Club would commence on 23 April. Councillor Burns explained problems with the
preferred venue, the Pavilion, due to a clash with other Pavilion users during the cricket
season and that as a short-term measure, the Benneworth Lounge would be used.
Councillor Hockley, the interim Chair of the Sports Council, also agreed to look at the
Pavilion for the rest of the year.

Community Drop-in – Councillor Matthews reported that the last session at the end of March
had been very successful when 8 local residents had shared their memories of East
Bergholt. The B-Well bus will attend on 8 May when various support organisation will be on
board to advise.

The Lambe School – Councillor Elmer said that having been given back word by two village
broadband installers for a free internet connection, the Lambe School had been quoted £400
pa for a broadband connection by GigaClear. If the Lambe School required support for this
amount, it was suggested that a grant application be submitted to the SPF Committee.

183.24.25 SUMMER FAIR

Councillor Burns presented her report which itemised additional attractions which were
planned at a total cost of £1,754, which was within the Events budget.

Additionally, local business sponsorship was being sought and donations of £200 had been
raised so far.

It was proposed by Councillor Matthews, seconded by Councillor Hurley and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that expenditure of up to £1,754 be incurred upon the various listed
attractions for the Summer Fair.

184.24.25 MEETING DATES

The report from the Assistant Clerk setting out proposed meeting dates for the Municipal
Year 2025/26 was considered. It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by
Councillor Hurley and RESOLVED (unanimously) that the meeting dates listed in the report
for the Municipal Year 2025/26 be approved.

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185.24.25 URGENT COMMUNICATIONS

None.

186.24.25 RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PUBLIC (INCLUDING THE PRESS)

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Allen 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.

Councillor Hurley left the meeting having previously declared a non-pecuniary interest due to
friendship with the Owner of The Red Lion.

168.24.25 MINUTES

It was proposed by Councillor Hockley seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED
(seven voted for, none voted against) that the confidential minutes of the meeting of 13
March 2025 be approved as a correct record.

169.24.25 MATTERS ARISING/UPDATES – CAR PARK

The Chair stated that the Council’s offer for the Red Lion land would be communicated to Mr
Peachey after this meeting.

The Chair reported an email from Mr Peachey received earlier in the day which had sought
amendments to the open minutes of the extraordinary meeting of 3 April. Those minutes had
been published on the website as draft minutes but would not be considered by the Council
until the Council meeting in May.

Mr Peachey’s suggested amendments referred to the differences in the valuations as set out
by his surveyor. Mr Peachey had relied upon a fair valuation assessment as a basis of
valuation following RICS guidelines (a projection through time of what the value might be).
The Council had undertaken a full Red Book market valuation following RICS guidelines
(taken at a point in time with a price which could currently be achieved).

The Council was content that a market valuation from both parties would narrow the gap
between the valuations submitted and was the appropriate valuation upon which the parties
should rely.

The meeting closed at 10.46 pm

Date of next meeting Thursday 8 May 2025

Chair……………………………………………… Date…………………………………