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EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

Thursday 10 March 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
County Councillor Georgia Hall
District Councillor John Hinton
One member of the public

Open Public Session

Mike Theeman addressed the Council about the prospective diversion of Footpath 3. The path which
has been blocked for many years crosses his garden and that of a neighbour then traverses two fields.
The diversion would take the path around the edge of the fields to join the road and would circumvent
the residential properties. Mr Theeman explained the situation in detail and sought the Council’s
support for the diversion. The Chairman thanked Mr Theeman for his contribution and invited him to
stay to listen to the Council’s consideration of the matter later in the meeting.

1. Apologies for absence

An apology for lateness received from Councillor Wombwell was NOTED.

2. Declaration of Interests/Dispensations

None

3. Minutes of the Parish Council meeting of 10 February 2022

It was proposed by Councillor Rothwell, seconded by Councillor Woodcock and RESOLVED
(nine voted for, none voted against) that the minutes of the meeting on 10 February 2022 be
approved as a correct record.

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4. Matters Arising/Updates

Minute 8.1.1 Proposed certificated Camp Site at Fennel Field – The Chairman reported that she
had sent the Council objection to the certification to the Camping and Caravanning Club and
other similar representations had been sent by Babergh DC, The AONB, The National Trust and
a number of neighbours.

Councillor Wombwell joined the meeting.

Minute 11 Appreciation and memorial for the village – Councillor Roberts enquired about the
location of the trees and species. The Chairman apologised for not having had time to address
the matter since the last meeting.

5. Council Vacancies and the General Power of Competence

The Chairman welcomed Councillor Michael Hockley to his first meeting of the Council. She
hoped that he would enjoy serving on the Council and looked forward to his contributions.

The Chairman noted that there remained one vacancy which the Council could fill by co-option if
it so wished or leave vacant until the election of May 2023. There had been three informal
expressions of interest to join the Council. If the Council sought to co-opt, the vacancy would be
advertised to the village and formal applications sought. It was proposed by Councillor Miller,
seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Council seek formal
applications for the vacancy, invite applicants to address the next Council meeting, and co-opt
to the vacancy.

The Chairman presented the report upon the General Power of Competence. In order to be
competent to exercise the power two thirds of the membership had to be elected and not co-
opted and that would not be possible until the election in 2023. In addition the Clerk had to
obtain the necessary CiLCA qualification to be competent which comprised a course lasting up
to a year. The Clerk was willing to undertake the course subject to the cost of course fees and
additional hours work being met by the Council. It was proposed by Councillor Price, seconded
by Councillor Elmer and RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Council provides financial support
to the Clerk in undertaking the CiLCA qualification.

6. County and District Councillor Reports

County Councillor Hall presented her report which had been circulated and expanded on various
matters. The ANPR trial had commenced in various adjacent villages and was coming to East
Bergholt soon; The traffic management deadline for applications for street closures for the
Queen’s Jubilee Sunday was 27 March; The meeting with the Highways Cabinet member and
others had now been arranged for 5 April at 2pm. It was AGREED that the meeting should take
place in East Bergholt (the Clerk to arrange a meeting room) and Councillors Price, Allen,
Elmer, Dent, Hockley, Miller and Roberts would represent the Council.

Councillor Hurley thanked County Councillor Hall for arranging a meeting with County Councillor
Hood, Cabinet Member for Education, SEND and Skills, regarding the decline in mental health
services in schools. Subsequently James Cartlidge MP had invited Councillor Hurley to meet on
the matter.

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In response to a question about progress with parking outside the Co-op, County Councillor Hall
said that things were going on behind the scenes and she expected a response to be given to
the Council at the meeting on 5 April.

The Chairman thanked County Councillor Hall for her report.

District Councillor Hinton presented his report which had been circulated and expanded on
various matters. He noted the excellent article and photo in the Parish Magazine about Fen
Bridge; Babergh DC was commencing a Local Government Association Peer Review. The
Chairman said that she had been invited to meet two members of the Review Team; Babergh
had 4,928 residential planning permissions granted but not commenced and in theory if the
Government requirement was for 403 residential dwellings across the district annually for ten
years, that number was already satisfied by the permissions granted, but it required developers
to implement those permissions; The Babergh senior staff pay review had been put out for
consultation to councillors but will only be reported to Council if indicative support exceeds 50%;
Wellyboots Farm has applied for an alcohol licence for the café; Following an accident at the
Four Sisters Junction last weekend, District Councillor Hinton will raise highway safety at the
Babergh East Police and Parish Forum on 23 March.

With regard to the outstanding planning permissions, Councillor Wombwell appreciated that
central government had changed the rules about housing supply but wondered how that
affected Babergh following the judicial review case.

Councillor Roberts expressed his disappointment with District Councillor Hinton’s comment in
his written report which implied that Neighbourhood Plans were a waste of time and effort. The
Parish Council is conducting a serious and detailed review of the only planning policy document
it can influence and he found the comment both unhelpful and undermining. He asked for
District Councillor Hinton’s support in respect of the review and for redress in the next issue of
his report. District Councillor Hinton said he had not referred to Neighbourhood Plans in the
words used by Councillor Roberts but it was true that Neighbourhood Plans had been
undermined by changes in regulations along the way. He would be happy to put something in
his next report. The Chairman suggested that the Council might draft something for his
consideration.

The Chairman thanked District Councillor Hinton for his report.

County Councillor Hall left the meeting.

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. 11/02/22 Green Lanes Environmental
Movement
The Glover Landscapes Review
2. 15/02/22 AONB Hedgehog Friendly Village Signs
3. [undated] BSEVC Letter of thanks for grant aid
4. [undated] Babergh East Police and Minutes of meeting of 08/12/21

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Parish Forum
5. 28/02/22 June and Paul Price Objection to camp site at Fennel Field
6. 04/03/22 Chair, Bentley PC Quiet Lanes Project
7. 05/03/22 Chairman of the Council Footpath Diversion

Item 1 – Councillor Roberts drew attention to the proposal for legislation to better protect routes
across the AONB. Whilst no problems had been reported to the Parish Council, Councillor Price
will look at the proposal and if appropriate send a letter of support.

Item 5 – The Chairman noted that the letter of objection appeared to have been sent only to the
Parish Council. She will suggest to the complainants that they send it to the Camping and
Caravanning Club.

Item 7 – Councillor Price did not support the diversion of Footpath 3 as it would provide a longer
route than at present though Councillor Rothwell considered the diversion to be a more walker-
friendly route. Councillor Roberts had no objection in principle but noted that certain tree
branches would require tidying up if the path was to run under the span of the trees. The
Chairman had been on both routes and considered the diversion to be more walker-friendly. It
was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED (ten voted for,
one voted against) that the Parish Council supports the diversion.

8. Planning

8.1 Planning Applications received

The Council considered the planning applications received from the Local Planning Authority
since the last meeting as follows:

DC/22/00718 Church of St Mary the Virgin, Rectory Hill, East Bergholt –
Application for works to trees in a conservation area: Fell 1no
Holly (T3) and 1no Cedar (T4) to near ground level and treat stump
to inhibit growth.

As this is a Parish Council application approved by the Burial
Grounds Committee, the local planning authority has been
informed that the recommendation is for approval.

The Clerk advised the Council that notice had been received advising
that Babergh DC does not wish to object to the foregoing works to
trees.

DC/22/00424 3 Burnt Oak Corner, Gandish Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6TP –
Householder application – Erection of single storey rear extension
and removal of external walls and construction of pitched roof
over to converted garage.

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

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DC/22/00803 East Bergholt High School. Heath Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6RJ –
Planning application. Alterations to existing overflow car park
including new highway access/egress forming improved drop
off/pick up area.

It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Roberts and RESOLVED (unanimously) that the principle of providing
more off street parking at the High School was supported but there was
serious concern over this proposal primarily because of the suggested
access arrangements onto the B1070 and accordingly refusal be
recommended on the following grounds:

1. The proposed access onto the B1070 will be directly opposite
the entrance to the approved development of 75 homes and
associated commercial uses east of the Constable Country
Medical Centre on Heath Road. Given the traffic volumes
forecast as a result of this development a further access onto
Heath Road at this point would be too dangerous and add to
driver and pedestrian safety problems along this stretch of road.

2. The High School is already served by two exits onto the B1070
within a short distance of each other. Adding a third to service
the proposed car park will exacerbate an already dangerous
situation and could be avoided by a more comprehensive re-
design of internal vehicle movements on the High School site.

3. The Highway Authority has highlighted that insufficient detail has
been provided on the access design and has made a holding
objection. The Parish Council reserves the right to make more
specific objections when full details of the proposed entrance
have been published.

4. The proposed high level artificial lighting for the car park will
impact adversely on the East Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan
objective to promote dark sky policies.

5. No screening of the car park is proposed.

DC/22/00871 Laurel Tree Cottage, Orvis Lane, East Bergholt, CO7 6TT –
Householder application – Erection of part two storey and part first
floor rear extensions.

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

DC/22/00949 Quintons House, Woodgates Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6RG –
Application for listed building consent. Remove and store existing
tiles. Remove damaged batons, add a breathable membrane and

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replace with new batons. Re-tile roof with existing tiles, replacing
damaged tiles with identical tiles. Chimneys to be repointed.

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

N/A New Development South of Gatton House, Hadleigh Road, East
Bergholt – Street naming. The developer has proposed PAINTERS
PLACE.

The Council AGREED that no comment be submitted.

DC/21/06805 Land east of the Constable Country Medical Centre, Heath Road,
East Bergholt – Re-consultation due to applicant email regarding
time restriction for deliveries received 23/02/22.
Application under Section 73 T&CPA 1990 – Variation of Condition
7 (Restriction on Operation Times) and Condition 8 (Restriction on
Construction Times) of Reserved Matters Approval DC/20/04663
Dated 08/12/2021 (Outline Planning Permission B/16/01092 –
Mixed-use development including up to 75 dwellings, a pre-school
and a neighbourhood hub, comprising a swimming pool, office
space and a local shop, public open space and associated
infrastructure and landscaping as amended by drawings received
on 11 November 2016 (omission of school land)) to allow
amendment to Operation Times and Construction Times.

The email referred to above amended the delivery times to 7am –
10pm. At its meeting on 13 January 2022 the Council recommended
opening and delivery times be 7am – 10pm. It was proposed by
Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that approval be recommended as the opening and
delivery times now accorded with the Council’s recommendation of 13
January 2022.

DC/22/01089 Five Firs, The Street, East Bergholt, CO7 6TD – Householder
application – Erection of two storey front extension and re-
modelling of existing dwelling.

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

DC/22/01113 Wren Cottage, Gaston Street, East Bergholt, CO7 6SE – Application
for listed building consent. Amendments to DC/21/01814 are
sought for: Alteration to fenestration and external door to laundry
extension and part glazed, part zinc roof to garden room.

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

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DC/22/01217 Gable Cottage, Rectory Hill, East Bergholt CO7 6TJ – Application
for works to trees in a conservation area: Fell 1 no Norway Spruce
and 1 No Staghorn Sumac and reduce 1no Holly by 2m.

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

DC/22/01218 Bramble Cottage, Rectory Hill, East Bergholt, CO7 6TJ –
Application for works to trees in a conservation area: Reshape 1no
Holly by 2m and reduce 1 no Viburnum

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

DC/22/01212 Flatford Tea Gardens, Flatford Lane East Bergholt – Full Planning
Application – Installation of a gabion basket (rock-filled) retaining
wall at base of embankment, with associated reduction in
steepness of slope, and stabilisation of soil along that
embankment above the length of the gabion wall. Planting up of
the embankment after allowing soil to settle (amended scheme to
DC/21/03519).

Works are proposed to start in April 2022, subject to approval, and
to continue from Oct 2022 to complete the landscaping element
after soil has been allowed to settle. If it is not possible to gain
approval for April/May 2022 work period, then the extension will be
built in the period starting Oct 2022.

NB this application seeks approval for a revised scheme to that
approved as
DC/21/03519. Essentially this scheme seeks to add an extension to
the retaining wall, and associated landscaping on the slope above,
in addition to the retaining wall and
landscaping approved under DC/21/03519.

With regard to protected species, it is again noted that Great
Crested Newts are present within the RSPB Flatford Wildlife
Garden, and it is necessary to ensure that the proposed works
described in this application do not adversely affect that species.
For avoidance of doubt – the RSPB feels that the Ecological
Mitigation Statement
submitted under DC/21/03519 is still relevant to this application,
and it is proposed that the work period of April and May as clearly
stated in the Ecological Mitigation Statement (being the period
when GCN are most likely to be in the pond and therefore not in
the worksite relevant to this application) be used to carry out the
construction phase of the gabion retaining wall. If it is not possible

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to gain consent in time for April/May 2022, then we would seek to
carry out the extension works in October 2022 under the
supervision of a suitably experienced Ecologist.

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

Councillor Woodcock informed the Council that in April he would be away and unable to view
and report upon the consultations for the next meeting. Councillors Allen and Hockley agreed to
undertake the role.

District Councillor Hinton left the meeting.

8.2 Planning correspondence

The correspondence received from the Local Planning Authority concerning determined
planning applications was NOTED.

9. Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee

9.1 Schedule of Payments and Income – It was proposed by Councillor Elmer, seconded by
Councillor Miller and RESOLVED (eleven voted for, none voted against)) that the
schedules of payments and income be noted and the payments due for February 2022
amounting to £4,819.17 be approved.

9.2 Bank Reconciliation Statement – The bank reconciliation statement for February 2022
was NOTED.

9.3 Virement – The Clerk presented his report upon the need for a virement from the Roads,
Footpaths and Flatford Committee to the Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee in
order to accommodate VAT paid on the various car park works and associated costs. It
was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Allen and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that a virement of £12,500 be made from the Roads, Footpaths and
Flatford Committee budget to the Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee budget in
relation to VAT paid upon the car park project.

10. Other Committee Matters

The Chairman announced that in future, committees would be asked to report every other
month and that in the alternate months, reports be given by Council representatives on outside
bodies.

10.1 Roads, Footpaths and Flatford Committee – Councillor Price referred to the forthcoming
meeting with Suffolk County Council and wondered if the information to date regarding Fen
Bridge should be sent to the MP. It was proposed by Councillor Price, seconded by Councillor
Woodcock and RESOLVED (unanimously) that the information to date upon Fen Bridge be sent
to James Cartlidge MP.

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Temporary Vehicle-Activated Sign (TVAS) study – Suffolk County Council has been informed of
the Council’s wish to participate which it had acknowledged.

Works to alleviate the flooding in The Street adjacent to The Gables were still awaited.

Councillor Price had reported the condition of the footpath to Stratford to Suffolk County Council
and received a response which stated that the footpath was passable though there was
restricted access in part. It would be preferable for the footpath to be wider but the County
Council had no money to carry out works. He will open dialogue with the County Council.

No progress had been achieved with the highway authority in respect of no waiting signage in
The Street at and nearby the Co-op, though County Councillor Hall had advised that a response
was likely at the forthcoming meeting. It was proposed by Councillor Price, seconded by
Councillor Woodcock and RESOLVED (eleven voted for, none voted against) that if the County
Council’s response is insufficient, Councillor Price be authorised to make a formal complaint on
behalf of the Parish Council.

10.1.1 Car Park Maintenance Plan and Risk Assessment – Councillor Price presented these
documents and it was proposed by Councillor Price, seconded by Councillor Woodcock and
RESOLVED (unanimously) that the car park maintenance plan and risk assessment be
approved and adopted.

10.2 Burial Grounds Committee – No report.

10.3 Playing Fields Committee – Councillor Woodcock reported that the committee was meeting
the Sports Council imminently; New playground equipment was being discussed and quotations
would be available for the next committee meeting in April; Works to fulfil ROSPA
recommendations were ongoing.

10.4 Neighbourhood Plan Committee – Councillor Cathcart reported that the Traffic Survey had
been launched; Chris Tuppen was drafting a sustainability survey; a biodiversity policy was
being developed; and the Council had not been successful in its application to join the
Department of Levelling-up, Housing and Communities Design Code Pathfinders project.

10.5 Broadband expansion – Councillor Wombwell reported that in order for the County
Broadband project to proceed a further 60-70 households needed to sign up by the end of the
month. The Council has already stated its support for the wider availability of faster broadband
in the village but cannot further encourage residents to take up a particular commercial
package. Openreach are currently carrying out works which will bring fast fibre broadband to the
very centre of the village but otherwise they have no plan to expand fibre to premises for at least
five years.

10.6 Parish Constable Working Group – Councillor Price reported that Councillor Rothwell had
withdrawn from the Working Group; NALC Legal Topic Note 13 confirmed that under section 92
of the Police Act 1996 local councils have power to make grants to a police and crime
commissioner which the police may use to employ special constables, police cadets or civilians
including community support officers; More information is required and the Working Group may
seek to conduct a survey in June/July.

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11. Appreciation and memorial for the Village

The Chairman apologised for not having had time to develop this matter and it was AGREED
that it be deferred to the next meeting.

12. Remote Meetings

The Clerk presented his report upon a move by a consortium of professional associations in
local government to encourage councils to pass a resolution calling on the government to
change the law to give councils the freedom to hold remote meetings when local circumstances
suited. The Council considered that such freedom would be beneficial and noted that during the
remote meetings period more members of the public had attended council meetings than
attended in person and there had been public attendance at some committees which was rarely
if ever the case in person. It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor
Wombwell and RESOLVED (ten voted for, one voted against) that East Bergholt Parish Council
supports the petition launched by ADSO and LLG on 5 January calling on the government to
change the law to give councils (ranging from county, district and unitary authorities, through to
town and parish councils) the freedom to hold remote meetings when local circumstances suit.
This includes hybrid meetings. We agree to write to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up,
Housing and Communities calling on the Government to change the law to allow councils the
flexibility to hold such meetings when they deem appropriate within agreed rules and
procedures.

13. The Brazier Map

The Chairman referred to the historic and very large Brazier Map, a significant and detailed
mapped survey of East Bergholt taken in 1731 and showing ownership of all parcels of land in
East Bergholt. which is owned by the Parish Council and kept in the Suffolk archives. The
Constable Hall Management Committee had sought permission to have it removed temporarily
and professionally photographed so that the photographs could be stitched together and printed
and the whole displayed on the wall of the Benneworth Lounge.

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Woodcock and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that the Council as owner of the Brazier Map agrees that it be copied and the
copy displayed in the Benneworth Lounge and that two further copies be made for use in the
village for educational and other purposes.

It was further proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Rothwell and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that the map be not taken out of The Hold at Suffolk County Council for the
purposes of photographic copying but be photographed in situ.

14. Parish Council Records and Land Registration

The Chairman reported the discovery of a chest of important Parish Council legal documents
which had been in storage and unknown for a number of years. These relate to the Council’s
freehold and leasehold ownership of land. The documents should enable the Council’s
landholdings to be registered where not already registered, in particular the Cemetery and the
Gandish Road Sports Field. The Clerk had been instructed to pursue registrations of title.

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15. Charitable/Community Groups Treasurer Services

The Chairman reported that three village groups were looking for Treasurers and certain groups
were closing because they could not find one. With various projects in prospect is was
foreseeable that the Council may need additional financial assistance in the future. The
Chairman sought permission to investigate the options which might be available for a range of
bodies to be able to access financial services from a single source and it was AGREED that the
Chairman be authorised to investigate the options available for Treasurer Services and to report
back.

16. Urgent Communications

None.

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 10 February 2022

It was proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED (eleven
voted for, none voted against) that subject to the deletion of the word ‘half’ in Minute 5 line 5, the
confidential minutes of the meeting of 10 February 2022 be approved as a correct record.

19. Matters arising/updates

The Clerk updated the Council on progress upon the Section 146 Notice and associated matters
and the Council RESOLVED to make a revised offer in full and final settlement.

The Chairman updated the Council on a matter which may come before the Council formally in
the foreseeable future.

The meeting closed at 10.32 pm.

Date of the next Parish Council Meeting – Thursday 14 April 2022 at 7.30 pm at The Lambe
School.

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