EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Thursday 12 May 2022 at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt
Present – Parish Councillors
Councillor J Miller (Chairman of the Council)
Councillor N Roberts (Vice-Chairman of the Council)
Councillor R Allen
Councillor C Cathcart
Councillor P Dent
Councillor R Elmer
Councillor M Hockley
Councillor M Hurley
Councillor J Price
Councillor S Rothwell
Councillor R Wombwell
Councillor G Woodcock
In Attendance
G White, Parish Clerk
District Councillor John Hinton
Two members of the public
1. Appointment of Chairman
It was proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Allen and RESOLVED (eleven
voted for, none voted against) that Councillor Miller be appointed Chairman of the Council for
the municipal year 2022/23.
Councillor Miller took the chair.
2. Appointment of Vice-Chairman
It was proposed by Councillor Wombwell, seconded by Councillor Woodcock and RESOLVED
(eleven voted for, none voted against) that Councillor Roberts be appointed Vice-Chairman of
the Council for the municipal year 2022/23.
3. Apologies for absence
None
4. Declaration of Interests/Dispensations
Councillors Hurley and Price declared non-pecuniary interests in Agenda Item12,
Correspondence item 3, due to familial connections with East Bergholt WI. Both councillors
stated that they would not vote on the matter.
5. Minutes of the Parish Council meeting of 14 April 2022
It was proposed by Councillor Roberts seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED (ten voted
for, none voted against) that subject to the deletion of £6,000 and the insertion of £6250 in
Minute 6 Item 2 the minutes of the meeting on 14 April 2022 be approved as a correct record.
6. Matters Arising/Updates
Minute 6 Item 3 – The Clerk reported upon his enquiries about the Community Governance
Review being undertaken by Babergh DC and that if the Council wrote to Babergh to say it was
content with the current number of parish councillors and the current parish boundaries,
Babergh would accept that and take no further action in respect of East Bergholt.
It was proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Hurley and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that Babergh DC be informed that the Council is content with the current number
of parish councillors and the current parish boundaries.
7. Terms of Reference of Committees
The Council reviewed the current terms of reference set out in the report which had been
circulated. It was considered that the terms of reference for the Roads, Footpaths and Flatford
Committee were incomplete and those for East Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan Committee
required updating to reflect current circumstances.
It was proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Price and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that:
(i) the terms of reference for Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee, Burial Grounds
Committee and Playing Fields Committee be approved;
(ii) An additional term of reference be added to the Roads, Footpaths and Flatford
Committee as follows: To oversee the management of the village centre car park;
(iii) The terms of reference for the East Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan Committee be as
follows:
1. To review and update the East Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan as required in a
timely and efficient manner.
2. To make recommendations to the Parish Council to ensure agreement at all key
stages in the review and updating process including budgeting, policy and project
focus.
3. To appoint external consultants as necessary.
4. To agree submissions which are part of the statutory process.
A full list of terms of reference of committees is attached to these minutes.
8. Appointment of Standing Committees
Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee – It was proposed by Councillor Allen, seconded by
Councillor Rothwell and RESOLVED (eleven voted for, none voted against) that Councillor
Elmer be appointed as a member and as Chairman of the Strategy, Policy and Finance
Committee for the municipal year 2022/23.
Note – the other members of the committee are the Chairmen of the other committees
together with the ex officio members.
Burial Grounds Committee – It was proposed by Councillor Cathcart, seconded by Councillor
Allen and RESOLVED (unanimously) that Councillors Allen, Cathcart, Dent and Hockley be
appointed as members of the Burial Grounds Committee for the municipal year 2022/23.
Playing Fields Committee – It was proposed by Councillor Rothwell, seconded by Councillor
Elmer and RESOLVED (unanimously) that Councillors Cathcart, Elmer, Hockley, Rothwell and
Woodcock be appointed as members of the Playing Fields Committee for the municipal year
2022/23.
Roads, Footpaths and Flatford Committee – It was proposed by Councillor Allen, seconded by
Councillor Dent and RESOLVED (unanimously) that Councillors Allen, Dent, Hockley and
Woodcock be appointed as members of the Roads, Footpaths and Flatford Committee for the
municipal year 2022/23.
East Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan Committee – It was proposed by Councillor Wombwell,
seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED (unanimously) that Councillors Cathcart, Dent,
Hurley and Wombwell be appointed as members of the East Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan
Committee for the municipal year 2022/23.
A full list of committee memberships is attached to these minutes.
9. Nomination of Trustees to Outside Bodies
Lettice Dykes Foundation – It was noted that Councillor Woodcock was a trustee with a term
expiring in 2023. It was proposed by Councillor Rothwell, seconded by Councillor Cathcart and
RESOLVED (eleven voted for, none voted against) that Councillor Hurley be nominated as a
trustee. It was further proposed by Councillor Hurley, seconded by Councillor Hockley and
RESOLVED (eleven voted for, none voted against) that Councillor Rothwell be nominated as a
trustee.
The Lambe School – It was noted that Councillor Elmer was a trustee with a term expiring in
2025. It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Woodcock and
RESOLVED (eleven voted for, none voted against) that Councillor Roberts be nominated as a
trustee.
United Charities – It was noted that Councillor Price was a trustee with a term expiring in 2023
and that former Councillor Lansdell was a trustee with a term expiring in 2025.
10. Annual Appointment of Representatives to Outside Bodies
BAPTC (Babergh Alliance of Parish and Town Councils) – It was proposed by Councillor
Miller, seconded by Councillor Wombwell and RESOLVED (eleven voted for, none voted
against) that Councillor Hurley be appointed as the Council’s representative for the municipal
year 2022/23.
Barbizon Twinning Association – It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by
Councillor Roberts and RESOLVED (eleven voted for, none voted against) that Councillor
Miller be appointed as the Council’s representative for the municipal year 2022/23.
Constable Hall Management Committee – It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by
Councillor Roberts and RESOLVED (eleven voted for, none voted against) that Councillor
Price be appointed as the Council’s representative for the municipal year 2022/23.
East Bergholt Community Land Trust – It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by
Councillor Wombwell and RESOLVED (eleven voted for, none voted against) that Councillor
Rothwell be appointed as the Council’s representative for the municipal year 2022/23.
EB Futures – It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Roberts and
RESOLVED (eleven vote for, none voted against) that Councillor Woodcock be appointed as
the Council’s representative for the municipal year 2022/23.
EB Society – It was proposed by Councillor Wombwell, seconded by Councillor Rothwell and
RESOLVED (eleven voted for, none voted against), that Councillor Miller be appointed as the
Council’s representative for the municipal year 2022/23.
SALC – It was proposed by Councillor Wombwell, seconded by Councillor Rothwell and
RESOLVED (eleven voted for, none voted against) that Councillor Dent be appointed as the
Council’s representative for the municipal year 2022/23.
Sports Council – It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Rothwell and
RESOLVED (eleven voted for, none voted against) that Councillor Woodcock be appointed as
the Council’s representative for the municipal year 2022/23.
Tree Warden – It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Woodcock and
RESOLVED (eleven voted for, none voted against) that Councillor Rothwell be appointed the
Council’s tree warden for the municipal year 2022/23.
11. Financial Report
The Clerk presented a report upon expenditure in respect of grants and income and
expenditure in respect of the Community Infrastructure Levy during 2021/22 as required by
Standing Orders. The report was NOTED.
12. Correspondence
The correspondence set out in the Correspondence List and circulated with the agenda was
considered and NOTED, comprising:
Date
Sender Subject
1. 21/04/22 National Grid East Anglia Green Consultation
2. 22/04/22 Suffolk Police Minutes of Babergh East Police and Parish
Forum
3. 28/04/22 East Bergholt WI Request for Grant Aid
4. 28/04/22 Camping & Caravanning Club Outcome of Fennel Field application
5. 28/04/22 Tony Brigden Publication of draft minutes
6. 10/05/22 AONB Fen Bridge – Colour of replacement bridge
7. 10/05/22 Simon Smart Planning objection
8. 10/05/22 Charlie and Kate Stannett Planning objection
9. 12/05/22 Jonathan Peachey Planning application correspondence
Item 3 – It was noted that the Jubilee function for which grant aid was requested was open to
the village as a whole. It was proposed by Councillor Hockley, seconded by Councillor Roberts
and RESOLVED (eight voted for, one voted against) that pursuant to the Local Government Act
1972 Section 137 a grant of £300 be awarded to Constable Hall Coffee Club supported by East
Bergholt WI.
Item 5 – Discussion took place on the advantages and disadvantages of publishing draft
minutes prior to publication with the agenda for the ensuing meeting. Councillor Roberts
referred to guidance from the then DCLG (now DLUHC) which recommended early publication.
It was proposed by Councillor Wombwell, seconded by Councillor Roberts and RESOLVED (six
voted for, none voted against) that following Government guidance, draft minutes be published
as soon as they are available with a proviso that they are stated to be subject to alteration at the
ensuing Council meeting.
Item 6 – It was proposed by Councillor Dent, seconded by Councillor Woodcock and
RESOLVED (nine voted for, none voted against) that the proposed colour of the replacement
Fen Bridge be agreed.
13. Planning
13.1 Planning Applications received
The Council considered the planning applications received from the Local Planning Authority
since the last meeting as follows:
DC/22/01688 The Red Lion, The Street, East Bergholt, CO7 6TB – Full Planning
Application – Use of first floor and second floor as 5no bed and
breakfast rooms with en-suites, change of use of retail shop to bed
and breakfast room with office for pub at first floor, erection of
marquee, siting of a storage container and erection of a cold store.
Use of upper floors as 5no B&B rooms with en-suites
It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Hurley and
RESOLVED (ten voted for, none voted against) that approval be
recommended.
Change of use of retail shop to B&B room with office above
It was proposed by Councillor Dent, seconded by Councillor Hurley and
RESOLVED (nine voted for, none voted against) that approval be
recommended.
Erection of marquee
It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Hurley and
RESOLVED (unanimously) that approval for the erection of a marquee
for the purposes of eating and restaurant use be recommended subject
to strict conditions on any live events at which music should not be
played after 9pm so as not to disturb the amenity of residents of houses
in close proximity; that such events be limited to three per annum and
that appropriate licenses be obtained in advance. It should be noted
that the sound tends to spread from an open area, that the Red Lion is
surrounded by homes and that ten more bungalows for older people are
currently being built off Hadleigh Road, within a short distance.
Siting of storage container
It was proposed by Councillor Allen, seconded by Councillor Hockley
and RESOLVED (nine voted for, none voted against) that refusal be
recommended on the grounds that the proposed location of the non-
permanent structure impinges on the amenity of Red Lion Cottage, the
adjacent Grade 2 Listed Building, creating a high barrier to the
neighbours’ natural light as the cottage is just a few feet from this site.
The container creates a discordant sight in this conservation area and is
clearly visible from the footpath to the car park.
Erection of cold store
It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Woodcock
and RESOLVED (ten voted for, none voted against) that approval be
recommended subject to prior determination as to whether a full noise
assessment is required and if so, a satisfactory outcome thereof.
Water storage tank and pump
It was proposed by Councillor Hurley, seconded by Councillor Dent and
RESOLVED (ten voted for, none voted against) that approval be
recommended subject to satisfactory noise and location assessments,
sufficient so as not to impinge on the amenity of the adjacent residents
of Red Lion Cottage, a Grade 2 Listed Building, the back door of which
is only a couple of feet from the proposed site.
DC/22/01689 The Red Lion, The Street, East Bergholt, CO7 6TB – Application for
listed building consent – Conversion of first and second floor to
5no bed and breakfast rooms with en-suites, conversion of retail
shop to bed and breakfast room with office for pub at first floor,
Alterations as detailed in the Heritage and Design & Access
Statement.
Recommendations as per DC/22/01688 above.
DC/22/01997 Fairacre, Gandish Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6TP – Householder
application – Erection of part two storey, part single storey side
and rear extension (following demolition of garage).
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Hockley and RESOLVED (unanimously) that refusal be recommended
on the grounds that:
The proposed extension is not in keeping with the symmetry of the
classic Erith designed existing dwelling, would harm the visual
appearance of the house from the road and is not in keeping with the
character of the surrounding area;
The proposed extension is excessive in scale appearing to double the
size of the existing accommodation and would have an adverse impact
on the amenity of the neighbours due to the impact on sunlight, daylight
and outlook, proximity to the neighbouring property boundary and
drainage pipe and impact on privacy from the first floor terrace;
Floor space details are not in the application.
DC/22/01978 Greensleeves, Ipswich Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6PQ – Full
Planning Applicatioon – Conversion and alteration of storage
building to form 1no dwellinghouse.
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Wombwell and RESOLVED (seven voted for, none voted against) that
refusal be recommended on the grounds that the development is
outside the built up area boundary and not compliant with the
Neighbourhood Plan and that a full noise assessment should be
provided before determination.
DC/22/00803 East Bergholt High School, Heath Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6RJ –
Planning Application. Alterations to overflow car park including
new highway access/egress forming improved drop off/ pick up
area. (Re-consultation due to additional information submitted by
applicant).
This application has already been approved.
DC/22/2191 Woodfield House, Woodgates Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6RE –
Householder Application – Erection of Car Port and Porch.
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Roberts and RESOLVED (ten voted for, one voted against) that
approval be recommended.
DC/22/022223 Gosnalls Farm, Flatford Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6UJ –
Householder Application – Demolition and reconstruction of single
storey outbuilding, erection of single storey lean-to extension,
creation of swimming pool and associated landscaping,
(Alternative scheme to approved application DC/21/06530).
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Wombwell and RESOLVED (eight voted for, none voted against) that
refusal be recommended on the same ground as that resolved on 9
December 2021, namely that further incremental development in this
area of the AONB has potential to do harm to the views in this important
location.
DC/22/02068 Camellia, The Drift, East Bergholt, CO7 6XR – Full Application –
Erection of 1no Detached dwelling and garage.
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Hockley and RESOLVED (eleven voted for, none voted against)hat
refusal be recommended on the same ground as that resolved on 14
November 2019, namely that it is a backland development with poor
access. Density is not compliant with East Bergholt Neighbourhood
Plan Policy EB9. At the service road at the point of the development
considerable disruption to residents would be caused.
DC/22/02245 The Gables, The Street, East Bergholt, CO7 6TB – Application for
listed building consent: Repointing and brick repairs to 2no
existing chimneys.
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Hockley and RESOLVED (unanimously) that approval be
recommended.
DC/22/01931 Valley Farm, Flatford, East Bergholt, CO7 6UL – Planning
Application – Erect a storage shed.
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor Allen
and RESOLVED (unanimously) that approval be recommended.
DC/22/02334 Ashfield, Gaston Street, East Bergholt, CO7 6SD – Householder
Application – Erection of single storey extension and detached
garage (following demolition of existing extension and
outbuildings).
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor Allen
and RESOLVED (unanimously) that approval be recommended.
DC/22/02443 Wren Cottage, Gaston Street, East Bergholt, CO7 6SE –
Householder Application – Installation of ground mounted solar
PV system in rear garden. Installation of air source heat pump to
rear elevation of stables.
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Hockley and RESOLVED (unanimously) that approval be
recommended.
13.2 Planning correspondence
The correspondence received from the Local Planning Authority concerning determined
planning applications was NOTED.
14. Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee
14.1 Schedule of Payments and Income – The Clerk was requested to enquire about the
rapidly increasing electricity costs for the public conveniences to ensure the Council was
paying the cheapest tariff available. It was proposed by Councillor Rothwell, seconded
by Councillor Allen and RESOLVED (unanimously)) that the schedules of payments and
income and the bank transfer be noted and the payments due for April 2022 amounting
to £9,230.29 be approved.
14.2 Bank Reconciliation Statement – The bank reconciliation statement for April 2022 was
NOTED.
14.3 Internal Audit Report 2021/22 and Annual Governance and Accountability Return
2021/22 – It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Elmer and
RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Internal Audit Report 2021/22 be noted and the
AGAR return be approved.
15. Parish Infrastructure Investment Plan
Councillor Elmer presented the latest version of the draft PIIP which had been recommended to
Council by the Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee. It was AGREED that observations on
the document should be made direct to Councillor Elmer and a workshop session for the whole
Council be arranged before the next Parish Council meeting.
16. Urgent Communications
The Chairman allowed the introduction of an additional item concerning the campaign for better footpaths
in the village on the grounds of sufficient urgency and importance. It was proposed by Councillor Price,
seconded by Councillor Hurley and RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Council support a discrete
campaign for better accessibility along footpaths in the village and over Fen Bridge, in particular for the
benefit of the disabled.
17. Resolution to exclude the public (including the press)
It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Rothwell and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that pursuant to the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 and the
Local Government Act 1972 Sections 100 and 102, 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.
18. Confidential Minutes of the Parish Council meeting of 14 April 2022
It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Hurley and RESOLVED (ten voted
for, none voted against) that subject to the deletion of ‘Councillor Rothwell’ and the insertion of
‘Councillor Wombwell’ in Minute 1, the confidential minutes of the meeting of 14 April 2022 be
approved as a correct record.
19. Matters arising/updates
The Chairman updated the Council on progress regarding the Section 146 Notice.
20. Council Vacancy
The Council considered the applications from three electors of the parish and following
discussion, the Chairman invited each member to vote for their preferred applicant. The
applicant with the most votes was Stephen Mills and it was proposed by Councillor Miller,
seconded by Councillor Roberts and RESOLVED (unanimously) that Stephen Mills be co-opted
to the Council.
The meeting closed at 10.32 pm.
Date of the next Parish Council Meeting – Thursday 9 June 2022 at 7.30 pm at The Lambe
School.
Chairman…………………………………………………………………………………….Date…………………………………….
.
TERMS OF REFERENCE OF COMMITTEES 2022/23
Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee
1. To ensure compliance with the Council’s Financial Regulations.
2. To formulate and recommend to Council policies for the benefit of the parish.
Burial Grounds Committee
1. To organise, maintain and manage the Burial Grounds for the benefit of the parish.
2. To ensure compliance with the Local Authorities Cemeteries Order 1977.
Playing Fields Committee
1. To ensure the playing fields and associated equipment are provided for the use of the whole
parish.
2. To maintain and update facilities as necessary.
Roads, Footpaths and Flatford Committee
1. To deal with the management of litter and matters relating to public rights of way, miscellaneous
street furniture and Parish Council owned public seats within the parish.
2. To oversee the management of the village centre car park
East Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan Committee
1. To review and update the East Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan as required in a timely and
efficient manner;
2. To make recommendations to the Parish Council to ensure agreement at all key stages in the
review and updating process including budgeting, policy and project focus;
3. To appoint external consultants as necessary;
4. To agree submissions which are part of the statutory process.
MEETINGS OF COMMITTEES
12 May 2022
At the conclusion of the Annual Parish Council Meeting, Committees met to elect their Chairmen.
Burial Grounds Committee
It was proposed by Councillor Allen, seconded by Councillor Cathcart and RESOLVED (unanimously)
that Councillor Dent be Chairman of the Burial Grounds Committee for the municipal year 2022/23.
Playing Fields Committee
It was proposed by Councillor Rothwell, seconded by Councillor Elmer and RESOLVED (unanimously)
that Councillor Woodcock be Chairman of the Playing Fields Committee for the municipal year 2022/23.
Roads, Footpaths and Flatford Committee
It was proposed by Councillor Allen, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED (unanimously) that
Councillor Price be Chairman of the Roads, Footpaths and Flatford Committee until after the committee
meeting in August 2022.
East Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan Committee
It was proposed by Councillor Wombwell, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED (unanimously)
that Councillor Cathcart be Chairman of the East Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan Committee for the
municipal year 2022/23.
STANDING COMMITTEES 2022/23
Committee Members 2022/23 Chairman 2022/23
Strategy, Policy & Finance Councillors:
Cathcart
Dent
Elmer
Price
Woodcock
Miller (ex officio)
Roberts (ex officio)
Councillor Elmer
Burial Grounds Councillors:
Allen
Cathcart
Dent
Hockley
Miller (ex officio)
Roberts (ex officio)
Councillor Dent
Playing Fields Councillors:
Cathcart
Elmer
Hockley
Rothwell
Woodcock
Miller (ex officio)
Roberts (ex officio)
Councillor Woodcock
Roads, Footpaths & Flatford Councillors:
Allen
Dent
Hockley
Woodcock
Miller (ex officio)
Roberts (ex officio)
Councillor Price
East Bergholt Neighbourhood
Plan
Councillors:
Cathcart
Dent
Hurley
Wombwell
Miller (ex officio)
Roberts (ex officio)
Councillor Cathcart