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EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Thursday 10 November 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 S Davies
Councillor R Elmer
Councillor M Hockley
Councillor M Hurley
Councillor S Mills
Councillor J Price
Councillor s Rothwell
Councillor R Wombwell
Councillor G Woodcock
In Attendance
G White, Parish Clerk
County Councillor G Hall
District Councillor J Hinton
Nine members of the public
Open Public Session
Application DC/22/0507 – A representative of the applicant introduced David Wilson Homes,
informing the Council of its recent history in house building, its awards, partnerships and business
practices. The Section 73 application before the Council proposes minor amendments to the
planning permission of 2017 for 144 homes. It provides opportunities to improve the scheme within
the constraints of Section 73. The proposed amendments de-urbanise the scheme by providing
more on-plot parking and more pedestrian links; a higher level of sustainability; a high level of
insulation; smart meters; greater water efficiency; electric vehicle infrastructure and better
landscaping and planting. The scheme is landscaping led with greater biodiversity gains.
The developer had consulted the Parish Council, EBCLT, the County Councillor and 666 residents
by leaflet. As a result of comments received, it is proposed to reposition the bungalows though this
has still to be agreed.
Councillor Price said he favoured rural drainage (ditches) and not urban drainage (swales) and
encouraged the former. The latter was at odds with the developer’s aim to make the scheme more
rural. The developer advised that the drainage basin will be a multi-function facility with planting
within the basin when dry. With regard to open space management, a management company will
maintain the open space and attendant planting in perpetuity for which residents will pay a service
charge. There will be an ecological clerk of works.
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Councillor Woodcock asked if equipment will be provided in the play space and was informed that it
would be. Solar power will be part of the energy strategy for the development.
Councillor Roberts asked for details of the feedback from the local consultation. He was advised
that there had been twenty-eight pieces of feedback, the key themes of which were sustainability;
reflecting the character of East Bergholt; de-urbanisation and green open space. The developer was
happy to share the feedback if Councillor Roberts so wished. Councillor Roberts considered the
developer could go further on sustainability and the feedback suggests that. He regarded it as a
missed opportunity but nevertheless encouraged the developer to maximise sustainability.
Upon a question from Councillor Hockley the developer’s representative advised that there was
capacity for future conversion of the properties to heat pumps but within the constraints of Section
73 more efficient gas boilers was the best which could be achieved. Moreover, energy requirements
would be less as the properties would be well insulated. Councillor Wombwell asked why the
‘conversion’ was not being undertaken at the building stage. He was advised that the developer had
bought a scheme which does not so provide but nevertheless the developer was doing its best to
facilitate it in the future.
Councillor Hurley enquired about the level of consultation with the local schools given the extra
pressure which the development would place on them and on schools in the wider area. He was
advised that CIL contributions for education needs were included in the approved scheme and still
apply. This cannot be changed under Section 73.
The Chairman mentioned the eight accesses to the B1070. The developer had been informed by
Babergh DC that changes in this regard would go beyond Section 73 as consequently no changes
were proposed. Councillor Roberts was astounded that the Environmental Impact Assessment
conducted by Babergh DC concluded that this presented ‘no serious risk of accidents.’ The
developer noted that Babergh is the ‘competent authority’ in this regard.
The Chairman thanked Mr Ansell and his colleagues for their contributions.
Application DC/22/05017 – Steve Connor, the applicant, said he had moved to East Bergholt last
April with a view to redeveloping the site. The design now proposed represents current forms of
building and materials. The intention is to move the property back on the site and provide better
facilities. A new hedge will be provided at the front boundary, very much in the East Bergholt
tradition.
Councillor Woodcock commented that there was an absence of sustainability in the proposals. Mr
Connor confirmed that electric vehicle infrastructure was included and whilst a decision was yet to
be made on the heating arrangements, whatever system was decided upon would be more energy
efficient that the system in the current building, as the new system would meet modern building
regulations standards.
The Chairman thanked Mr Connor for his contribution.
Jonathan Peachey asked the Council various questions.
He asked why all the correspondence which he had requested to be published had not been. The
Chairman replied that some of the material provided to him by Babergh DC under a FOI request
should not have been disclosed because it was exempt information and pending the resolution of
this matter the Council was not prepared to further publish such information.
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Upon the same issue, Mr Peachey asked why the Chairman had not replied to his correspondence.
The Chairman replied that in her capacity as Chairman of the Council she would respond to
correspondence on the matter from Babergh DC within fourteen days and no doubt he would be
informed of such comments. The Chairman confirmed that the Parish Council was aware of the
subject matter of the correspondence.
Mr Peachey asked why Councillor Roberts had not mentioned the above correspondence at the
meeting of 14 July 2022 when application DC/22/03043 was considered. Councillor Roberts replied
that at the time he had not seen the correspondence. The Chairman added that the correspondence
was not relevant to the planning application.
Mr Peachey wondered if the recent demolition of the wall in the car park had given the Parish
Council cause to reflect upon the coach parking arrangements which he considered to be non-
compliant and dangerous. The Chairman said that the Parish Council had no knowledge of how the
wall had been demolished or by whom. The Council would have had better knowledge if Mr
Peachey had consented to the provision of CCTV cameras in the area and she repeated the
request for their provision. Councillor Roberts stated that Mr Peachey was incorrect in asserting that
the coach bays were not up to standard. Mr Peachey commented that they do not comply with the
British Parking Standards. Councillor Roberts said that the Council, via its Solicitor had commented
fully on this matter many months ago and continues to challenge Mr Peachey’s assertion.
Mr Peachey said he looked forward to receiving the Chairman’s response regarding the
correspondence via Babergh DC.
1. Apologies
None.
2. Declaration of Interests/Dispensations
None.
3. Minutes
It was proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Woodcock and RESOLVED
(ten voted for, none voted against) that the minutes of the meeting of 13 October 2022 be
approved as a correct record.
4. Matters Arising/Updates
None.
5. County and District Councillors’ Reports
The Chairman thanked County Councillor Hall for her considerable efforts in getting the new
Fen Bridge up and running. County Councillor Hall said that the installation was not the end
of the matter; there were other things which needed to be done and she was continuing to
push for the addition of ramps.
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County Councillor Hall presented her report which had been circulated and expanded upon
it.
Suffolk County Council had added ‘Winter Matters’ to its website, with advice and support on
Money, Health and Wellbeing, Safety, Environment and Journey. With regard to the
Cemetery Lane footpath she was still awaiting comments from SCC Highways. In response
to a question from Councillor Price she undertook to chase up the matter.
Councillor Hurley enquired whether SCC was able to support schools during the cost-of-
living crisis when schools were cutting back on staff and services. Was SCC coming up with
a plan in case teaching hours and support staff were cut? County Councillor Hall was not
aware of proposals at the moment but would take it back and establish the position.
Councillor Price asked about progress with the Highways Reorganisation. County Councillor
Hall advised that this had been completed and a designated Community Liaison Officer,
Melanie Hall, passed every East Bergholt highway query to her. Councillor Price asked if the
new arrangements included a governance process for when parish councils were asked for
financial contributions. County Councillor Hall will take this back and establish the position.
Councillor Woodcock cited the issue of electricity costs at the Sports Pavilion which were
likely to increase from £250 per month to £1750 per month, £21,000 per annum. Was any
support available from SCC? The Chairman added that all local organisations were facing a
massive increase and perhaps some relief can be negotiated at a higher level. County
Councillor Hall will ask the question. The Chairman considered that any guidance would be
extremely helpful.
The Chairman thanked County Councillor Hall for her contribution.
District Councillor Hinton presented his report which had been circulated and expanded
upon it.
Babergh Cabinet had considered CIL expenditure at its recent meeting. He recommended
that the report be looked at as it showed what had been applied for and what had been
granted awards. Two of the three schemes approved at the meeting were for car parks. The
grant cap has been raised to £100,000.
A housing tenant strategy is a legal requirement and Babergh has one though it is just a
strategy at the moment and requires an implementation plan to back it up. It is important for
older residents in rural areas where there is a greater level of poverty.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk DCs have been giving further consideration to combining as a
single authority. It is proving difficult for a single cadre of officers to maintain two separate
authorities and combination may prove more efficient.
District Councillor Hinton warned of the impending closure of Brantham Hill on the night of
17 November which could have traffic consequences for East Bergholt.
The Chairman thanked District Councillor Hinton for his contribution.
County Councillor Hall left the meeting.
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6. Constable Hall
The Chairman recounted the consideration at the last meeting (Minute 8.1 refers) when the
Council awarded £3000 for the Community Café/Warm Space Project but held back on a
larger grant pending the answers to outstanding questions. She welcomed Val James and
Valerie Ayton representing the Constable Hall Management Committee who would answer
those questions.
Councillor Hockley questioned the need for a generator when the possibility of power cuts
was slight and may diminish even further to the point that a generator may not be used at all.
Val James accepted what Councillor Hockley had said and thought that a generator was not
strictly necessary at the moment and in consequence no further grant was sought.
Councillor Rothwell was concerned to ensure that the services available were provided to all
age groups within the community. Val James said that they would like to open their doors to
anyone and the provision was not aimed at any particular age group. The facility was still
being established so it had not been advertised widely yet but already users had increased
from 16 to 25 in a very short space of time.
Councillor Hockley congratulated the Management Committee on what they have achieved
for the wider community and hoped the project would be successful.
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. 12/10/22 Citizens Advice Sudbury &
District
Request for grant aid.
2. 18/10/22 Jonathan Peachey Re publication of lease and attendant
documents.
3. 27/10/22 East Bergholt & Barbizon
Twinning Association.
Request for grant aid.
4. 27/10/22 Headway Request for grant aid.
5. 01/11/22 Jonathan Peachey Re pre-application and related documents.
6. 02/11/22 Babergh DC BDC major developments/announcements.
7. 03/11/22 Babergh DC Bin lorry naming competition.
8. 08/11/22 The Planning Inspectorate Statutory Consultation – East Anglia Green
project.
Item 1 – A discussion ensued as to the Citizens Advice branch to which East Bergholt
residents resorted, Sudbury, Ipswich or Colchester. Regardless the Council supported the
work of Citizens Advice and wished to grant aid but to the most appropriate branch.
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It was proposed by Councillor Hockley and seconded by Councillor Rothwell that a Section
137 grant of £1000 be made to the Sudbury branch of Citizen’s Advice. The motion was
LOST (five voted for, seven voted against).
The matter was deferred to the next meeting when details of the usage by East Bergholt
residents of all three branches be obtained and presented.
Item 3 – It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Cathcart and
RESOLVED (twelve voted for, none voted against) that pursuant to Section 137 of the Local
Government Act 1972 grant aid of £500 be awarded to East Bergholt and Barbizon Twinning
Association.
Item 4 – It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor Rothwell and
RESOLVED (unanimously) that pursuant to Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972
grant aid of £500 be awarded to Headway.
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/22/0507 Land north west of Moores Lane, East Bergholt – Application under
s73 for removal or variation of a condition following grant of
planning permission B/15/00673 (as amended by DC/22/03853)
dated 23/11/2017. T&CPA 1990 – To vary Conditions 2 (Approved
plans and documents), 17 (Submission of renewables details), 19
(Landscaping Scheme), 21 (Landscape Management Plan), 22
(Ecological Enhancement measures), 23 (Construction
Management), 26 (Open Space Management Plan) and 27
(Provision of Open Space).
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Roberts and RESOLVED (eleven voted for, none voted against) that
approval be recommended.
The Council appreciated the constraints of the Section 73 application
and the consequences of it being refused, hence the foregoing
resolution, but remains concerned about certain aspects of the
development and encourages the developer:
(i) To spread the affordable housing more widely across the
development;
(ii) To provide more impactful and forward-looking sustainable
energy solutions for all new homes on the development to
support Babergh’s and East Bergholt’s drive to net zero.
(iii) Reorientate those homes with direct access onto the B1070 to
remove this ill-advised feature and enable access only via the
development’s primary distributor roads.
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The Council disagrees with the EIA in that not removing five accessesto
the B1070 will not make the situation on the road safer, but rather less
safe.
DC/22/05123 18 Aldous Close, East Bergholt, CO7 6SQ – Householder
Application – Erection of single storey front extension.
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Roberts and RESOLVED (unanimously) that approval be
recommended.
DC/22/05017 Rose Cottage, Gaston Street, East Bergholt, CO7 6SD – Full
Application – Erection of dwelling and associated ancillary
building (Following demolition of existing dwelling and
outbuilding) utilising existing vehicular access.
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Hockley and RESOLVED (twelve voted for, none voted against) that
approval be recommended.
DC/22/05261 Fern Cottage, The Street, East Bergholt, CO7 6TF – Application for
listed building consent – Replacement of external door and
installation of a bargeboard to rear single storey element.
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor Mills
and RESOLVED (unanimously) that approval be recommended.
DC/22/05410 Stable Cottage, Flatford Lane, East Bergholt, CO7 6UN –
Notification of works to trees in a conservation area – Fell 1no
Holly (T1).
It was proposed by Councillor Rothwell, seconded by Councillor
Hockley and RESOLVED (unanimously) that approval be
recommended.
DC/22/05433 Doria, White Horse Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6TU – Householder
Application – Proposed loft conversion with the addition of three
dormers (following removal of conservation rooflight).
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Hockley and RESOLVED (twelve voted for, none voted against) that
approval be recommended.
DC/22/05492 Rotorua, 3 East End Lane, East Bergholt, CO7 6XA – Householder
Application – Installation of cladding, Erection of two storey rear
extension (following demolition of carport and porch).
Councillor Roberts pointed out that the Design Expectations Validation
Form DEVF1 and the Biodeiversity Checklist were not completed with
any helpful details. He questioned the purpose of the forms which had
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never been a feature of other applications and their utility given the
paucity of the information provided. It was AGREED to clarify the
purpose of the forms with Babergh DC and whether they had been
validated.
It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Hockley and RESOLVED (twelve voted for, none voted against) that
approval be recommended.
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 and Bank Transfer – It was proposed by
Councillor Elmer, seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED (twelve voted for,
none voted against) that the schedule of payments and income and the bank transfer
be noted and the payments due for October 2022 amounting to £22,446.56 be
approved.
9.2 Bank Reconciliation Statement – The bank reconciliation statement for October 2022
was NOTED.
9.3 Parish Office – Councillor Elmer reported that the three-year lease for the Parish
Office expired on 31 December 2022 and new terms had been offered. The Strategy,
Policy and Finance Committee had met as a working group to consider the offer. The
current rent was £2580.00+VAT and following negotiation the revised terms for a two-
year lease were £2784.27+VAT. The working group recommends to Council that the
revised terms be accepted. It was proposed by Councillor Elmer, seconded by
Councillor Roberts and RESOLVED (unanimously) that a two-year lease from 1
January 2023 on the Parish Office at The Gattinetts Business Centre be entered into
on the terms offered at an annual rent of £2784.27+VAT.
10. Other Committee Matters
10.1 Roads, Footpaths and Flatford Committee – Councillor Hockley reported that the
committee was meeting on 17 November when it would consider its budget for 2023/24
amongst other matters including dog bin provision for which there had been several
requests. He referred to a footpath which required some clearing of overgrowth etc which the
Parish Council might undertake in default of the highway authority.
Councillor Price noted that upon Footpath 1 a reply from SCC Highways was awaited. The
footpath does not comply with highway regulations regarding width. Upon the Fen Bridge
complaint to the Ombudsman, an update from the latter was expected shortly.
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10.2 Burial Grounds – The Chairman stated that a Chairman for the Committee was still
sought and she hoped a councillor would step forward at the forthcoming meeting. The
Reverend Canon Stephanie van de Toorn had been asked by the Diocese to plant a
commemorative tree and that together with other tree planting was a matter for the
committee’s consideration.
10.3 Playing Fields Committee – Councillor Woodcock reported that the committee meets on
17 November. Trees have been cut back in the car park at the Sports Field and the sign is
on the contractor’s list for moving in the near future. He referred to the energy price increase
discussed earlier in the meeting (Minute 5 refers) upon which the Sports Council will meet
shortly. The Chairman suggested that Councillor Woodcock should involve the County and
District Councillors as principal authorities will have greater leverage.
10.4 Neighbourhood Plan Committee – Councillor Cathcart reported that a village meeting
was being proposed for February 2023 upon the proposals from the transport report. The
aim will be to introduce PJA’s proposals and receive feedback. The meeting will be
advertised fully ahead of the scheduled date.
Aecom’s call for sites report had been produced. The Neighbourhood Plan Group’s
comments will be collated and discussed with Aecom.
There were two new members of the Neighbourhood Plan Group.
10.5 Other Working Groups
TPO Working Group – Councillor Rothwell reported that the first meeting was likely to take
place shortly.
Website Working Group – Councillor Mills reported that three sets of proposals had been
received and one more was awaited. When all proposals have been received and
considered, a report will be submitted to Council.
11. Domain Names
The Chairman reported that the domain name of the website was owned by Paul Ireland and
a dialogue with him is taking place with a view to the Council acquiring ownership. Councillor
Wombwell expanded upon the technical considerations of domain name ownership.
12. Persistent or Vexatious Correspondence/Complaints Policy
The Council considered an amended version of the draft policy which had been circulated which
contained opening and closing paragraphs drafted by Councillors Hurley and Roberts. Councillor
Rothwell suggested two minor amendments to paragraphs 3 and 8. It was proposed by Councillor
Hurley, seconded by Councillor Rothwell and RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Persistent or
Vexatious Correspondence/Complaints Policy as amended be approved and adopted.
13. Urgent Communications
Pursuant to Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chairman allowed
information regarding St Mary’s Church and the Heath Road development to be considered
as a matter of urgency on the ground that it was of immediate relevance only.
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St Mary’s Church – The Chairman reported that together with the Clerk she had met Fiona
Trott, the church warden and Andy Cuthbertson and discussed the prospect of a church
lottery bid which involved the creation of a community space and greater community use
within the church as well as addressing the failing roof issue. Discussions are continuing.
Heath Road Development – The Chairman reported that the developer had ceased work
under threat of enforcement action. A construction management plan was required before
they can continue. The enforcement officer was considering options for tree replacement in
respect of the trees felled in error which had broken the planning condition.
14. 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 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.
15. Confidential Minutes
It was proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Davies and RESOLVED (ten
voted for, none voted against) that the confidential minutes of the meeting of 13 October
2022 be approved as a correct record.
The meeting closed at 10.32 pm.
Date of the next Parish Council Meeting – Thursday 8 December 2022 at 7.30 pm at The
Lambe School.
Chairman…………………………………………………………………………………….Date……………………………….