EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Thursday 9 July 2026 at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt
Present – Parish Councillors
Councillor J Miller (Chair of the Council)
Councillor M Burns
Councillor S Davies
Councillor M Hockley
Councillor M Hurley
Councillor A James
Councillor L Matthews
Councillor J Price
In Attendance
G White, Parish Clerk
N. Reed, Media Consultant
County Councillor Darius Laws
Three members of the public
OPEN PUBLIC SESSION
Stroma Cole, Professor in Tourism and Human Rights, a resident of Orvis Lane, said that as a
member of EB PACE she had spoken to residents at the Summer Fair regarding their village
priorities and the cycle path to Manningtree and the 20mph speed limit had been mentioned
frequently.
Professor Cole was interested in the community growing food and planting trees and had a field in
mind which she said was currently lying fallow but being sprayed with chemicals. It was owned by
the United Charities and could be planted. Grants were available for such schemes. She sought the
support of the Parish Council to talk to the United Charities about making the land available
Councillor Price said that the Council was very keen on securing the cycle path as were the other
affected local authorities but it was necessary to get landowners to support the project. Both Essex
and Suffolk County Councils would support it if the landowners would also. At present there was one
landowner who would not engage which made it difficult for the scheme to progress,
Councillor Davies said the local authorities were seeking a land agent to speak to the particular
landowner though it may be necessary to ask the public to apply pressure if progress cannot be
made.
In response to a question, Councillor Price said that a compulsory purchase order was a possibility
if all the councils involved supported the proposal but it would be neither quick nor easy. Suffolk
County Council would be the authority to take CPO action.
With regard to the 20mph speed limit, the Chair said that a proposal had been approved by the
Parish Council several months ago but there was still detailed work to complete and the loss of
Councillor Roberts had been a significant blow to the progress of the proposal as he had been the
principal architect of it. Others were now picking up the outstanding work required.
Councillor Hockley confirmed that the field referred to by Professor Cole was owned by the United
Charities but was let to someone on an agricultural scheme. He said that representations from the
public had not been put to the Trustee boards. The latter were aware of people who might misuse
the land though if no vehicular access could be guaranteed any public request might have a greater
prospect of success.
Councillor Burns said that the United Charities was an alms house charity and other land held was
let out. In this case there was a sitting tenant so the land was unavailable.
Councillor Davies thought the public proposal for the land should be put clearly to the United
Charities’ Trustee Board.
Councillors Hockley and Burns said they would do what they could once the full details of the
proposal were available.
Andy Risk, a resident of Gandish Road, spoke in favour of a 20mph speed limit for the village. His
main concern was the width of the pavement on Hadleigh Road and the junction with The Street
both of which presented dangers to the children going to the primary school. He and other parents
were seeking appropriate traffic calming.
The Chair answered Mr Risk, on behalf of the late Councillor Roberts who had led on highway
schemes. At a village meeting in 2023 the traffic consultants PJA set out a number of potential
schemes on traffic safety risk areas identified in the village and the public ranked them in priority
order. The highest priority was the B1070, particularly outside the High School and the Parish
Council has been actively pursuing a scheme with Suffolk Highways for three years. The design
work has been undertaken by the Parish Council’s traffic consultants. It is only in the course of the
last week that Suffolk Highways has accepted the Parish Council’s designs. We will now have to
consider how to find the funding for the scheme as the highway authority will not pay for the works.
Hadleigh Road was in the group of second highest priority on the list of traffic schemes. Suffolk
Highways engineers accept that the width of the footpath is inadequate and that the junction would
be improved by re-configuring it. Once the B1070 project is settled we can move on to Hadleigh
Road. Suffolk Highways say they have no money for any local schemes so anything must come
from Parish Council money and in order to be able to fund such schemes it is necessary to carry
them out sequentially. The next step will be to create and cost the detailed design.
Mr Risk asked the Parish Council to let him know if Suffolk Highways were delaying matters as he
and his associates would raise the issue with elected County Councillors. The Chair said the recent
engagement had been encouraging but did not prompt immediate action. Councillor Price thought
that public pressure for the County Council to address these matters would do no harm. Councillor
Burns thought a public campaign would not be inappropriate and Professor Cole thought it would be
worthwhile to get the primary school on board.
The Chair said that the design of the Hadleigh Road scheme would cost money so we need to get
the B1070 done first. The Suffolk speed limit manager had emphasised that with traffic calming
measures in place there was a greater chance of getting other schemes approved. Mr Risk said he
would come back for further information on the background of the Hadleigh Road proposals to
ensure that he and his associates were fully informed.
Joyce Baker referred to the B1070 slip road to the A12 and the proposed National Grid works. The
Chair thanked Joyce for alerting us to this planning application and said this would be discussed
later in the meeting.
The Chair thanked the members of the public for their contributions and closed the Open Public
Session at 8.15pm
36.26/27 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence received from Councillors Allen, Elmer, Smith and Woodcock were NOTED.
Councillor James apologised for lateness.
37.26/27 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST OR DISPENSATIONS
Councillor James declared an Other Registrable Interest as a member of the Constable Hall
Management Committee – a body directed to charitable purposes.
38.26/27 IN MEMORY OF NIGEL ROBERTS, VICE CHAIR OF EAST BERGHOLT
PARISH COUNCIL
East Bergholt Parish Council
” It is with great sorrow that we heard that our Vice-Chair of the Parish Council, Nigel Roberts, died
on 14 June 2026 after a short illness. Nigel was such a strong and loyal man, who gave freely of his
time over the past 9 years to work on Parish Council initiatives with the sole purpose of making
things better for people of our village. His experience and professional expertise in planning matters
were important in pushing forward our neighbourhood plan revisions and advising on the many
complex planning applications we have been involved in over that time. His input into the
Neighbourhood Plan work resulted in a rigorously researched housing needs survey and he led on
the work of site allocation options. Nigel’s expertise was put to full use in advising us how best to
proceed when the District Council’s Joint Local Plan work was postponed in the light of ever-
changing government directives.
Nigel listened carefully to the voices of the village through the Neighbourhood Plan surveys and as
a consequence developed a dogged determination to make our roads safer. Working with
consultants PJA, Nigel was the driving force behind the Road Safety options report. Following public
consultation, he made it top of his agenda to identify the priority activities in the report and to try to
get action from the county council to help progress safety works along the B1070.
Both in matters great and small Nigel actively engaged his keen analytical talents to find solutions to
complex parish problems and in supporting other parish councillors with their work. This is a great
loss for our village. On behalf of the village we send to his wife Jenny and her family all our very
best wishes and our very grateful thanks for all that Nigel did for us.”
Joan Miller, Chair, East Bergholt Parish Council
East Bergholt Community Land Trust
“It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of our colleague, fellow Trustee and friend,
Nigel Roberts.
Nigel was an exceptionally knowledgeable, diligent, and dedicated Trustee, and the consummate
professional in everything he undertook. His wise counsel, attention to detail and unwavering
commitment were invaluable to the East Bergholt Community Land Trust.
His contribution to both the Community Land Trust and the wider village was immense and will
leave a lasting legacy. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside
him.
On behalf of the Trustees of East Bergholt Community Land Trust, we extend our sincere
condolences to Nigel’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Nigel Downton, Chair East Bergholt Community Land Trust and Rolf, Althen, Julie Price, Chris
Tuppen, Simon Rothwell
Babergh District Council, East Bergholt Parish Councill and East Bergholt Society, dedicate
the Conservation Area Assessment to the memory of Nigel Roberts.
In addition to individual messages of condolence from Parish Councillors there were messages of
condolence from the many people with whom Nigel worked on Parish Council projects:
Babergh District Council: Cllr Sallie Davies, Vincent Pearce, Phil Isbell, Tegan Chenery
Heritage Collective: Jody O’Reilly
PJA: Sam Goss
Suffolk County Council Highways: Wayne Saunders
Neighbourhood Plan Consultants: Rachel Leggett, Andrea Long
Babergh 3Valley parishes group: Helen Davies
The Chair thanked Councillor Burns for placing a floral tribute on Nigel’s desk and added that he
had done a lot for the village and was a great loss to both the village and the Parish Council. The
memorial service will take place at the Congregational Church at 12pm on Tuesday 14 July followed
by a wake at The Angel, Stoke-by-Nayland.
The Council observed a minute’s silence in remembrance of Nigel Roberts.
39.26/27 MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF 11 JUNE 2026
Councillor Burns requested an amendment to Minute 32.26/27 with a replacement second sentence
stating ‘She praised Nicki Reed for taking on the onerous and vital task of site supervisor’.
It was proposed by Councillor Hurley, seconded by Councillor Matthews and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that subject to the foregoing amendment, the minutes of the Council Meeting of 11
June 2026 be approved as a correct record.
40.26/27 MATTERS ARISING/UPDATES
Minute 29.26/27 – RFF Committee. Councillor Burns asked Councillor Price about his meeting with
County Councillor Hudson, the Cabinet Member for Highways. Councillor Price said that it had been
a very positive meeting and County Councillor Hudson had given the impression that he would help
us on the Hadleigh Road layby and the B1070/Gandish Road/Straight Road junction.
Councillor Hockley, who also attended the meeting said that he had not been expecting much but
was impressed with County Councillor Hudson’s reactions. He was pleasantly surprised that County
Councillor Hudson appeared to understand our issues, for example he took on board that the crash-
map was out of date/insufficient. It is no longer on the County website.
Following the meeting Councillor Price, The Chair and the Clerk (Councillor Hockley was away) met
to discuss a letter to be sent to County Councillor Hudson and senior county officers. This will be
settled and dispatched shortly.
Minute 34.26/27 – Swimming Pool – Councillor Davies reported that she had not been able to locate
the work on viability but Babergh DC were working on it and the outcome was awaited. She will also
raise the matter in discussion next week with the CEO of Abbeycroft.
Minute 24.26/27 – Legend on the Bench – Councillor Hurley reported that the fund was close to
reaching the cost of Bench 1. He will go back to The Dicky to ask about their endeavours to assist
the fund and will report back formally in September when he hopes to be able to bring good news.
41.26/27 APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIR
It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Davies and RESOLVED (seven voted
for, none voted against) that Councillor Burns be appointed Vice Chair for the remainder of the
Municipal Year 2026/27.
Councillor Burns said she would undertake the duties of the post to honour Nigel’s memory.
42.26/27 OTHER APPOINTMENTS
Chair of the Neighbourhood Plan Committee – It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by
Councillor Hockley and RESOLVED (seven voted for, none voted against) that Councillor Davies be
appointed as Chair of the Neighbourhood Plan committee for the remainder of the Municipal Year
2026/27.
Nomination of Trustee to the Lambe School – It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by
Councillor Hockley and RESOLVED (seven voted for, none voted against) that Councillor Price be
nominated as a Trustee to the Lambe School.
Bank Signatories – It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Burns and
RESOLVED (unanimously) that Councillors Hockley and Matthews be appointed as bank
signatories.
43.26/27 CASUAL VACANCY
The Clerk reported that the Returning Officer did not give notice of a casual vacancy until after the
funeral of the deceased member. Consequently, it is anticipated that the notice will be published
shortly after 14 July and will invite registered electors to request an election by a closure date. If
less that ten requests are made, the Returning Officer will confirm that the Parish Council is at
liberty to co-opt. An update will be provided at the next meeting.
44.26/27 CHAIR’S REPORT
The Chair presented her report which had been circulated and expanded upon it.
She was concerned about various ongoing duties which the former Vice Chair had undertaken and
sought replacements.
B1070 Traffic Scheme – The Chair reported that Councillor Price had volunteered to assist on
technical aspects of this scheme but did not wish to be the lead councillor. The Chair said that with
the technical support from Councillor Price she was prepared to undertake the lead role for the next
few months but the Chair cannot take over everything. She hoped other councillors would step in to
assist where they felt able to do so, Councillor Hurley volunteered to help out on the Working Group.
Website Overview – Councillor Burns volunteered to undertake these duties.
Policy Review – The policy review arrangements had evolved over time but not been formalised
prior to reference to Council. Subject to his confirmation upon return from holiday, Councillor Elmer
will be the lead councillor with the reviews undertaken through the Strategy, Policy and Finance
Committee.
The Chair thought many other gaps would emerge as time went by and encouraged members to
volunteer where appropriate as the Council needed councillor to play a part.
45.26/27 COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
County Councillor Laws presented his report which had been circulated and expanded upon it. He
emphasised the need for water safety during the hot weather which is being experienced. Young
people needed to be particularly careful about jumping and diving into the river from bridges and
other elevated positions. This has been prevalent at Dedham Mill and a girl was injured in a very
recent case. Depth of water varies and the water often contains items which can cause injury if
encountered at speed from above. The Chair added that Fen Bridge is also used for jumping into
the water.
County Councillor Laws referred to an instance at Nayland Primary School where the road outside
the school was gravelly and required attention but did not meet highways criteria for repair. Having
raised the matter, a repair was carried out a few days later. He encouraged councillors to alert him
to any similar instances of which they are aware.
County Councillor Laws recommended the Holton PC response to the National Grid consultation.
Councillor Price informed County Councillor Laws of the problems encountered in trying to get
Suffolk Highways to agree to a site for SID devices. County Councillor Laws asked for an email to
be sent to him with the details and he would take it forward. Councillor Price said he was due to
meet Melanie Hall shortly and would also pick this up with her.
The Chair advised County Councillor Laws of the successful meeting with County Councillor
Hudson and that to further Parish Council initiatives, the support of the local County Councillor was
vital. He said he was happy to oblige.
Councillor Hurley said the new County Cabinet Member for SEND had no experience in this area
and he will send County Councillor Laws a list of questions for him to raise with the Cabinet
member.
The Chair thanked County Councillor Laws for his contribution.
46.26/27 DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
District Councillor Davies presented her report which had been circulated and expanded upon it.
She encouraged Councillors to participate in the Babergh Parish Teams Meeting on 10 July.
Councillor James volunteered his virtual attendance.
On 21 July Babergh DC Council meeting will consider and hopefully approve the Conservation Area
Extension. District Councillor Davies suggested that a Parish Council presence at the meeting
would be useful. The Chair together with Councillors Burns and James will go.
District Councillor Davies referred to the current issues at Dedham concerning the anti-social
behaviour occasioned by visitors in and around the river. She informed the Council that Babergh DC
had issued an enforcement notice on the landowner where the sale of ice-cream and hiring of
paddle boards had exceeded 28 days. A discussion about the situation ensued.
With regards to Local Government Reorganisation, Suffolk County Council has now issued the writ
to commence judicial review proceedings.
Councillor Hockley complimented the Babergh Waste Management Service. All his communications
with the staff had been excellent. District Councillor Davies said she would take that back and pass
it to relevant managers.
47.26/27 CORRESPONDENCE
The correspondence set out in the Correspondence list circulated with the agenda and
subsequently was considered and NOTED, comprising:
Date Sender Subject
1. 03/07/26 Suffolk Police Police and Crime Commissioner
update
2. 06/07/26/26 Fiona Trott, Churchwarden Request for letter of support for
lottery bid and Chair’s letter
3. 07/07/26 National Grid Community Fund
4. 07/07/26 National Grid Project update
5. 07/07/26 Joy Scott Swimming Pool at St James Place
Item 5 – The Council is continuing to seek information upon the viability of the project.
Councillor Matthews left the meeting.
48.26/27 PLANNING
48.1 Planning Consultations received
DC/26/00300 White House, Rectory Hill, East Bergholt CO7 6TH – Application for
listed building consent – Replacement of front door. Repairs to front
sash window.
It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Hockley and
RESOLVED (five voted for, none voted against) that approval be
recommended.
DC/26/02514 Riber House, Rectory Hill, East Bergholt, CO7 6TH – Householder
application – Front extension below existing balcony. Re-roof of
house incorporating solar PV panels.
It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Burns and
RESOLVED (unanimously) that approval be recommended.
DC/26/02644 Que Sera, Orvis Lane, East Bergholt, CO7 6TT – Application under
Section 73 TCPA for DC/25/01953 (Householder Porch extension) for
the variation of condition 2 (Approved plans and documents).
It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Hockley and
RESOLVED (six vote for, none voted against) that approval be
recommended.
DC/26/02651 Bramble Cottage, Rectory Hill, East Bergholt, CO7 6TJ – Notification of
works to trees in a conservation area -T1 Holly – Reduce height by 3
metres to leave main stem at 1.5 metres from ground level. To re-
establish main crown at a manageable height.
It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Burns and
RESOLVED (unanimously) that it be recommended that no objection be
made to works to trees.
DC/26/02833 The Old Rectory, Rectory Hill, East Bergholt, CO7 6TH – Notification of
works to trees in a conservation area – G1 Cypress – Fell 1no group
and reduce any in between boundary fencing by 50% to match others.
It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Burns and
RESOLVED (unanimously) that it be recommended that no objection be
made to the works to trees.
DC/26/01655 Five Firs, The Street, East Bergholt, CO7 6TD – Householder
application – Erection of first floor extension to front and rear.
Erection of single storey ground floor front extension. Change of
facing materials.
It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Hurley and
RESOLVED (unanimously) that it be recommended that
1.the case officer consults with the Conservation Area Extension planning
officers with a view to seeking a better contemporary design.
2.any permission be subject to a condition requiring that Natural
Landscapes guidance for lighting in dark skies area be followed.
48.2 Planning Correspondence
The correspondence received from the Local Planning Authority as set out on the planning list
concerning determined applications was NOTED.
Councillor Price expressed disappointment that many new developments did not include street trees
which enhanced the environment and softened harsh landscapes. The Council broadly agreed with
these sentiments and the idea would be passed on to the Neighbourhood Plan Working Group and
to Babergh DC for the Joint Local Plan via the scoping consultation.
49.26/27 STRATEGY, POLICY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
49.1 Schedule of Payments and Income – It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by
Councillor Hurley and RESOLVED (unanimously) that the schedule of payments, income and the
bank transfer be noted and the payments due in June 2026 amounting to £18,151.77 be approved.
49.2 Bank Reconciliation Statement – The bank reconciliation statement for June 2026 was
NOTED.
49.3 Budget Monitor 2026/27 Q1
The Budget Monitor for the first quarter of the financial year 2026/27 was NOTED.
It was proposed by Councillor Hockley, seconded by Councillor Burns and RESOLVED (six voted
for, none voted against) that the Council approves the transfer of the income from the Summer Fair
in the sum of £1060.00 currently in Reserves to the SPF Committee events budget thereby
offsetting the Summer Fair expenditure and leaving funds for events later in the financial year.
50.26/27 REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE BODIES
Written reports from representatives on outside bodies had been circulated and were NOTED.
Additional reports were given, as follows:
Constable Hall – Councillor Price urged the Council to agree to take a lease of the small area of
land in Constable Hall’s ownership upon which the Pavilion changing rooms were built, in order to
enable the transfer of assets from the defunct charity to the active charity. The Chair asked the
Constable Hall to write formally to the Parish Council with their detailed proposals and how this will
work.
Sports Council – Councillor Hockley informed the Council that a new mower had been purchased
for the playing field for which budgetary provision was available.
United Charities – Councillor Burns said the new clerk was still engaged in the processes and
policies of the charity.
51.26/27 JOINT LOCAL PLAN SCOPING CONSULTATION 2026
The Chair presented the draft response to the Babergh DC scoping consultation and invited the
Council to accept the responses given. It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor
Hurley and RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Working Group’s responses and ideas together with
the proposal for street trees in appropriate developments be approved and adopted.
52.26/27 CONSULTATION BY NATIONL GRID UPON PROPOSED WORKS AT HOLTON ST
MARY
It is the view of Holton St Mary Parish Council that these works are being proposed in the wrong
place and Holton propose a route north of Capel St Mary which would cause less interference to
houses and less general disruption. This has been put to National Grid by Holton previously but no
response has been received. Holton now seek escalation to the MP and at National Grid.
It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Hurley and RESOLVED (unanimously)
that the representations made to National Grid by Holton St Mary Parish Council be endorsed and
supported by East Bergholt Parish Council.
53.26/27 HADLEIGH ROAD LAYBY
The response from the Executive Assistant to County Councillor Chris Hudson to the Parish
Council’s representations was noted. It was proposed by Councillor Hurley, seconded by Councillor
Price and RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Council approves the expenditure of up to £5,000
(from reserves) to fund through Suffolk County Council a Traffic Regulation Order to limit parking in
the layby in Hadleigh Road next to the primary school and nursery to up to two hours with no return
within six hours.
54.26/27 EAST BERGHOLT VILLAGE ASSEMBLY
Councillor Davies presented her paper suggesting the establishment of a Village Assembly meeting
three times a year and comprising representatives of all organisations and clubs in East Bergholt
and chaired by the District Councillor. The objective would be to share knowledge and skills and to
increase collaboration between village entities. Invitations could be sent out over the next month
with an initial meeting in September.
The In Our View group representatives had not wished to stop its activities when the project was
largely completed and this was an opportunity to build on that enthusiasm on a wider basis.
Councillor Davies said that whilst she was happy to chair the Assembly, she would require
assistance with the administration such as the invitations, agenda and minuting,
It was proposed by Councillor Davies, seconded by Councillor Hurley and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that the Parish Council endeavours to establish an East Bergholt Village Assembly,
as outlined in the paper attached, with the aim of a first meeting in September 2026.
55.26/27 GOV.UK EMAIL ADDRESSES
The Clerk reported that gov.uk email addresses for councillors were now ready to be launched but
would be delayed until late September, after the holiday season. Further details upon
implementation would be circulated in due course. The report was NOTED.
56.26/27 URGENT COMMUNICATIONS
Council Logo – The Chair referred to various instances when a logo had been requested and that
the Council did not have one. The success of the In Our View logo could be adapted to provide a
suitable abstract logo and Councillor Burns will liaise with Clubb Creative and report back.
Chair’s holiday – The Chair announce that she will be abroad on leave from 26 July to 9 September
but will be available by email and by zoom during that period,
Council/CLT Workshop – The Chair explained the difficulty in getting a date when councillors could
attend and concluded that the only way this was possible was to hold the workshop before the
September Council Meeting which would have a curtailed agenda. On 10 September the Workshop
will be from 7pm-8.30pm with the Council meeting to follow at 8.35 pm.
57.26/27 KEY POINTS FROM THE MEETING
The update on traffic schemes, Village Assembly, Hadleigh Road layby.
The meeting was closed at 10.14pm
Chair ______________________________ Date___________________
Next meeting – Thursday 13 August 2026 at 7.30 pm