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EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

Thursday 8 July 2021 at the Congregational Church, Cemetery Lane, 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 Eley
Councillor R Elmer
Councillor M Hurley
Councillor R Lansdell
Councillor S Rothwell
Councillor R Wombwell
Councillor G Woodcock

In Attendance
G White, Parish Clerk
County Councillor Georgia Hall
District Councillor John Hinton
No members of the public

1. Apologies for absence

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Price which was NOTED.

2. Declaration of Interests/Dispensations

Councillor Eley declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in Item 7.1 re Application
DC/21/03766 due to the application being made by family members.

3. Minutes of the Parish Council meeting of 10 June 2021

It was proposed by Councillor Dent, seconded by Councillor Rothwell and RESOLVED (eight
voted for, none voted against) that the minutes of the meeting on 10 June 2021 be approved as
a correct record.

4. Matters Arising/Updates

None.

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5. Coronavirus

Councillor Hurley reported that there was no update from the voluntary group which continued to
be available if and when needed.

Councillor Miller reported on the Suffolk Heroes Award made by James Cartlidge MP to Clair
Brady which she had much appreciated. She was continuing her recovery following her recent
serious road accident.

The Chairman commented that the Council was only meeting in the Congregational Church due
to the need to maintain social distancing restrictions. She hoped the lifting of restrictions would
enable the next meeting to take place in The Lambe School.

The Chairman noted that in Babergh cases of Covid-19 had increased ten-fold in recent weeks
with additional pressures on the NHS. It behoves us all to remain vigilant and maintain social
distancing.

6. District Councillor Report

District Councillor Hinton presented his report and added that he had been pursuing Planning
Policy with regard to the Four Sisters Junction which was sub-standard and required substantial
improvement. Apparently there had been a new strategic document in Autumn 2020 which had
not mentioned this matter. A discussion ensued about the queueing problems at peak times and
the infrastructure improvements which were considered necessary.

District Councillor Hinton reported that earlier in the day the planning application regarding Oak
Meadow, Moores Lane, had been approved. The Council received the news with dismay.
District Councillor Hinton queried the point of having neighbourhood plans and conservation
areas when the District Council ignored them in approving an application such as this.

Earlier in the day the Highway Authority had cut back verges and trimmed hedges in Flatford
Lane. District Councillor Hinton considered that the work had not been carried out with
sensitivity and the contractors had made an awful mess which was not appreciated at the height
of the tourist season.

The Highway Authority’s general slowness in resolving highway issues was the subject of a
general gloomy discussion regarding unresolved and worsening highway issues in the locality.

7. Correspondence

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

Date

Sender Subject
1. (undated) HM Lord-Lieutenant for Suffolk Festival of Suffolk 2022
2. 20/06/21 JDW Rutherford Re application DC/21/02906
3. 23/06/21 SALC The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022
4. 04/07/21 Matthew Hearne Stour Valley Path 100km and 50km Ultra

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Runs
5. 05/07/21 Joyce Baker Objection to DC/21/03519

Item 5 – The Council considered Joyce Baker’s planning objection which concerned the
installation of a rock-filled gabion basket to retain a bank. She considered that the bank had
been denuded of trees and vegetation which had caused slippage and that whilst rocks might
hold up the bank the restoration of growth was required to prevent further slippage which was a
threat to her nearby property. She asked for Parish Council support to recommend a planning
condition.

Items 1 and 3 – The Chairman wondered if the Parish Council had a role to play in the Festival
of Suffolk and the Platinum Jubilee or whether it was primarily for local organisations. The Clerk
was requested to write to village organisations to establish the general feeling.

Item 2 – The email from Mr Rutherford was considered and it was thought appropriate for the
local member, Councillor Woodcock, to contact Mr Rutherford to emphasise his availability to
East End residents and to demonstrate the investment in East End which the Council has made.

County Councillor Hall joined the meeting at 7.57pm.

8. Planning

8.1 Planning Applications received

The Council considered the planning applications received from the Local Planning Authority
since the last meeting.

DC/21/03338 The Gables, The Street, East Bergholt, CO7 6TB – Application for
Listed Building Consent – Repairs to roof and replacement of tiles
and mullion window.

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

DC/21/03489 5 Woodgates Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6RG – Householder
Planning Application – Erection of a single storey rear and two
storey side extension and conversion of garage to additional living
accommodation.

It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor Allen
and RESOLVED (eight voted for, two voted against) that refusal be
recommended on the grounds that there was insufficient off-road
parking and that the application did not contain height dimensions for
the garage.

DC/21/03514 Willets House, Gandish Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6TP –
Householder application – Erection of single storey side
extension.

It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor

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Roberts and RESOLVED (unanimously) that approval be
recommended.

DC/21/03519 Flatford Tea Gardens, Flatford Lane, East Bergholt, CO7 6UL – Full
planning application – Installation of a gabion basket (rock-filled)
wall at base of embankment, with associated reduction in
steepness of slope and stabilisation o f soil along that
embankment above the length of the gabion wall. Planting up of
the embankment after allowing soil to settle.

It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Rothwell and RESOLVED (unanimously) that subject to a replanting
condition to further stabilise the bank, for completion in a reasonable
period following the completion of the works, approval be
recommended.

DC/21/03656 Burnt Oak House, Flatford Lane, East Bergholt, CO7 6UN –
Notification of works to trees in a Conservation Area – Remove
4no latera; branches from 1no Cherry (blocking satellite signal).

It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor Eley
and RESOLVED (eleven voted for, one voted against) that approval be
recommended.

DC/21/03742 Binfield, Gaston Street, East Bergholt, CO7 6SB – Application for
works to trees in a Conservation Area – 30% reduction of 4no
Silver Birch. 30% reduction of 1no Oak. 30 % reduction of 2no
Leylandii. 30% crown reduction of 1no Maple. 30 % reduction of
1no Bay.

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

DC/21/03748 The Beeches, Gaston Street, East Bergholt, CO7 6SD –
Householder application – Erection of first floor extension.

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

DC/21/03766 Old Woodyard south of East End Road, East Bergholt – Planning
application – Conversion and alteration of 1no residential dwelling.

Having declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, Councillor Eley left
the meeting.

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

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Councillor Eley re-joined the meeting.

DC/21/03843 Dapplewood, Gaston Street, East Bergholt, CO7 6SD – Notification
of works to trees protected by a preservation order – T1 (Oak)
Reduce limbs by approximately 2-3m, T2 (Sycamore) Fell, T4 (Oak)
Reduce crown, T5 (Oak) Remove deadwood and reduce crown by
approximately 2-3m.

This late consultation was not on the planning list but Councillor Eley
had inspected the site and explained what is required for appropriate
tree works and that he found the works proposed to be satisfactory.

It was proposed by Councillor Eley, seconded by Councillor Rothwell
and RESOLVED (eleven voted for, one voted against) that approval be
recommended.

8.2 Planning correspondence

The correspondence received from the Local Planning Authority concerning determined
planning applications was NOTED. The late decision regarding Oak Meadow, Moores Lane
reported by District Councillor Hinton will be considered further at the next meeting.

9. County Councillor Report

County Councillor Hall presented her report. She referred to the parking issue outside the Co-op
and the Estate Agents causing obstruction to Cemetery Lane. Whilst she had presented the
Parish Council with a proposal to repaint the lines at the Parish Council’s expense, this was not
the solution. The problem was that Ipswich BC, contractors for Babergh DC would not enforce
the parking restrictions as they considered signage to be lacking and Suffolk CC had stated that
the addition of signage was not a priority.

County Councillor Hall referred to the Fen Bridge replacement. It was a two-phase project with
the first phase being the bridge replacement and the second phase the addition of ramps to give
access to those with mobility issues. The delay in commencing the works appeared to be that
an application to remove the bridge will take several months to achieve consent and that the
required crane was engaged on other works and could not be assigned to the project this year.

The general feeling of the Council was one of dissatisfaction. The County Council had extended
its deadline for eighteen months having originally proposed the replacement in October 2020
and it was unclear why the project had not advanced beyond the planning stage. There was a
legal responsibility to make the replacement accessible to people with protected characteristics
and the Council could not understand the basis upon which the County Council was deferring
that obligation. Members felt that publicity via regional television would be harmful to the County
Council and the threat of it might persuade the County Council to be more pro-active.

The Chairman asked County Councillor Hall if she could facilitate a meeting between the Parish
Council and relevant officers to discuss these issues.

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A discussion took place on various highway issues. County Councillor Hall said East Bergholt
was not alone in getting a poor response from County Highways but continual nagging and
pushing may be successful in some measure.

District Councillor Hinton left the meeting.

10. Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee

10.1 Schedule of Payments and Income – It was proposed by Councillor Elmer, seconded by
Councillor Lansdell and RESOLVED (unanimously) that the schedules of payments and income
be noted and the payments due for June 2021 amounting to ££9,173.13 be approved.

County Councillor Hall left the meeting.

10.2 Bank Reconciliation Statement – The bank reconciliation statement for June 2021 was
NOTED.

10.3 Budget Monitor Q1 2021/22 – The Clerk presented a report on the Budget Monitor for
the first quarter of the financial year 2021/22. It had been an average quarter for expenditure
and the Council was working well within its budget. The most significant variance has been the
supplementary estimate to the Roads, Footpaths and Flatford Committee to cover the works to
the car park. Committees needed to look carefully at their budgets as there were a number of
projects in various committees which had financial provision but were not yet in prospect and
plans should be formulated or the provision might not be utilised during the current financial
year. The report was NOTED.

11. Other Committee Matters

11.1 Roads, Footpaths and Flatford Committee – In the absence of Councillor Price, the
Chairman reported that the resurfacing of the car park would commence on Monday 26 July for
five days. The contractor hoped to release the car park, complete with white lining, for public
use from Saturday 31 July.

Councillor Dent referred to the Gandish Road junction with the B1070 which had been the
location for four accidents in the last few weeks. He considered the problem to be the visibility at
the junction which was impeded by the hedge. Councillor Eley did not consider the hedge to be
the cause of the problem rather that the crossing point was on a bend and that the speed limit
for the B1070 ought to be 30 mph. The Chairman referred the matter to the Roads, Footpaths
and Flatford Committee for further consideration.

10.2 Burial Grounds Committee – Councillor Rothwell reported that the repainting of the
Churchyard railings had been completed. The sit-on mower had suffered mechanical failure and
parts for the repair were awaited. It may be necessary to hire a replacement if the repair is not
effected soon. The shed roof had not leaked again during the recent rain but still need works of
a nature that will not cause the circulation of asbestos flakes. The particular methodology for the
works was under consideration.

10.3 Playing Fields Committee – Councillor Woodcock reported that training on the newly
installed CCTV system had taken place. The system was working well.

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10.4 Neighbourhood Plan Committee – Councillor Cathcart reported that discussions had taken
place with Historic England upon the extension of the conservation area. A good neighbourhood
plan questionnaire from another authority had been saved and would be useful is designing our
own questionnaire.

The Neighbourhood Plan Group congratulated Bentley on producing a professional and
inclusive neighbourhood plan document and did not consider there was anything in the plan that
negatively impacted East Bergholt. However, it was noted that the building requirements were
so loosely worded that developers would probably not need to do anything more than meet
standard practice. In addition, it would be desirable for the document to include detailed plans
with regard to home heating, sustainable transport and global warming. The Group believed
some of the detail included might be outside the normal scope of a Neighbourhood Plan, but
were impressed by how thorough the plan was and thought that it demonstrated good rigour on
behalf of the Bentley Neighbourhood Plan team.

11. Appreciation and memorial for the Village

Councillor Eley had not had the opportunity to consider the types of trees which would be
suitable or their location but will report back to the next meeting.

12. Urgent Communications

There were no urgent communications.

13. 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.

14. Confidential Minutes of the Parish Council meeting of 10 June 2021

It was proposed by Councillor Dent, seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED (eight voted
for, none voted against) that the confidential minutes of the meeting of 10 June 2021 be
approved as a correct record.

Resolution to suspend Standing Orders

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Rothwell and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that pursuant to Standing Order 4.1.16, Standing Order 1.25 be suspended to
enable the meeting to continue beyond the two-hour limit.

15. Matters arising/updates

The Chairman updated the Council on progress upon the Section 146 Notice and associated
matters and a general discussion ensued.

The meeting closed at 10.20 pm.

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Date of the next Parish Council Meeting – Thursday 12 August 2021 at 7.30 pm at The Lambe
School.

Chairman…………………………………………………………………………………….Date……………………………………..