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EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

Thursday 14 July 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 P Dent
Councillor R Elmer
Councillor M Hurley
Councillor S Mills
Councillor J Price
Councillor S Rothwell
Councillor R Wombwell
Councillor G Woodcock

In Attendance
G White, Parish Clerk
District Councillor John Hinton
Four members of the public

Open Public Session

Jonathan Peachey referred to an email he had sent earlier in the afternoon to the Clerk with a copy to
the Chairman. The Clerk had not seen the email as it arrived after the computer had been closed down
when the Clerk left the office for the day. Mr Peachey read out the email. There were three issues
raised.

1 In considering the Red Lion planning application later in the meeting whether the Parish Council
would declare the ongoing legal dispute with the planning applicant and place legal and other
correspondence in the public domain.

2 In considering the Red Lion planning application whether the Parish Council would declare all
interests in potential developments on adjacent land. Mr Peachey referred to a meeting which had
taken place between the Chairman of the Council and Babergh Treasury Officers details of which had
not been made public.

3 Why a particular letter (Correspondence list Item 10) had been published.

Upon Item 1 above, Councillor Roberts stated the legal dispute between the landlord and tenant of the
car park was not a relevant issue when considering a planning application. The Chairman said that the
legal dispute had been considered by the Council in confidence as was the norm with issues involving
lawyers on both sides and also to protect the landlord who had previously objected to disclosure of
what he regarded as confidential information. Expenditure upon the dispute can be ascertained by
reference to the Council’s accounts. Notwithstanding the Chairman agreed to review the
correspondence to see if any of it could properly be placed in the public domain.

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Regarding item 2 above, Mr Peachey referred to a map which had been obtained from Babergh DC
under a freedom of information request, showing various areas of land in the village centre which had
been the subject of discussion and which he had emailed to the Council. As with the email referred to
above this had not been seen previously. Councillor Roberts said that the map was part of the review of
the Neighbourhood Plan identifying the centre of the village area where there may be opportunities for
East Bergholt. Mr Peachey said that a meeting between Councillor Miller and Babergh Treasury officers
had taken place in 2021. The Chairman said she had not met Babergh Treasury officers; the only
virtual meeting had been with Babergh’s strategic planning team to consider what might be possible in
the context of the Neighbourhood Plan. Thereafter the onus was on Babergh to revert with a brief as to
how in conceptual terms any opportunities might be realised and to date nothing had been forthcoming
and no further dialogue had taken place.

Upon item 3 above, the Clerk said that the correspondence received had been added to the list as the
heading suggested it had been further to correspondence which Mr Brigden had asked to be published.
Mr Brigden pointed out that the email was on a different subject.

Tony Brigden noted that the Village Centre Working Group had met in March 2020 but had not met
since yet there were a number of issues which required to be addressed such as parking congestion,
destination location, potentially a museum, use of the car park and population increase. Consideration
of single issues must not prejudice the wider consideration and he requested the revival of the Group.
Councillor Roberts said that the initiative had not continued post pandemic as there had been no
response from Babergh. Councillor Wombwell considered that the proper way to pursue these matters
was via the Neighbourhood Plan review. Mr Brigden thought that may be appropriate if that would
provide oversight of the various strands of the matter as a whole. Mr Peachey added that from a
business perspective, businesses could not wait forever for these matters to be developed. He
supported dialogue provided it was constructive and not negative.

The Chairman thanked Mr Peachey and Mr Brigden for their contributions.

1. Apologies for absence

Apologies for absence received from Councillors Allen, Cathcart and Hockley and from County
Councillor Hall, which were NOTED.

2. Declaration of Interests/Dispensations

None

3. Minutes

It was proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Price and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that the minutes of the Extraordinary Council meeting of 7 June 2022 be
approved as a correct record.

It was proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Wombwell and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that subject to the deletion of a typographical error in Minute 12, the minutes of
the Council meeting of 9 June 2022 be approved as a correct record.

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4. Matters Arising/Updates

Minute 5 District Councillor’s Report – Councillor Price requested an update on whether the
High School sports facilities were still available to the public outside school hours. District
Councillor Hinton said he was awaiting a response from the school. Upon the Whitesfield
planning enforcement issue he had been told that the Chief Executive was awaiting a response
from the legal department.

5. District Councillor’s Report

District Councillor Hinton presented his report which had been circulated and expanded on
various matters. He had left with the Clerk paper copies of the Parking Strategy response
questionnaire and urged as many as possible to respond despite the fact that the strategy was
aimed primarily at urban areas.

Babergh DC had a cut price offer on Compost Bins and there was a virtual tour of the recycling
facility on the website. Additional recycling bins would be available shortly. The Chairman
asked, rhetorically, what people with no front gardens or open space were meant to do with the
array of coloured bins. As Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, District Councillor
Hinton intends to check on what happens to recycled waste so the public can be reassured that
it is being properly recycled.

A Daily Mail journalist had been in touch with District Councillor Hinton for a response to the
Eco-warriors protest involving The Haywain which had attracted national media attention. He
had suggested that they might do better to direct their attention to the pylon proposals and the
journalist had written a double page piece on this. Councillor Wombwell said that 14 sites had
been identified where views matching Constable paintings could be seen. He thought this was
worth feeding into the media.

District Councillor Hinton was waiting to hear what the Police ‘Kestrel Teams’ were all about.

The Chairman thanked District Councillor Hinton for his report.

6. County Councillor’s Report

The report from County Councillor Hall which had been circulated was NOTED.

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. 13/06/22 Babergh DC Objection to National Grid consultation.
2. 15/06/22 RSPB Wildlife Friendly Village Campaign.
3. 15/06/22 Constable Hall Management
Committee
Thanks for Grant Aid.

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4. 27/06/22 Babergh DC BMSDC Corporate Peer Challenge.
5. 27/06/22 Tony Brigden Car Park.
6. 05/07/22 Babergh DC Parking Strategy Survey.
7. 07/07/22 Catherine Goble Bequest to Parish Council.
8. 10/07/22 Simon Smart Application DC/22/03435
9. 11/07/22 Tony Brigden Application DC/22/03043
10. 11/07/22 Joyce Baker Application DC/22/03043
11. 12/07/22 Charlie and Kate Stannett Application DC/22/03043
12. 12/07/22 Babergh DC Parish Trees, Hedgerows and Wildflowers
Scheme

Item 7 – Councillor Dent said that Lauraine Johnson had been a long-time resident who had
made the bequest just for the benefit of the village. It was proposed by Councillor Rothwell,
seconded by Councillor Hurley and RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Council accepts the
bequest from Lauraine Johnson with thanks and it be referred to the Strategy, Policy and
Finance Committee to make further enquiries and establish a suitable use for the bequest.

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/22/02068 Land to the rear of Camellia, The Drift, East Bergholt, CO7 6XR –
Full application – Erection of 1no detached dwelling and garage.

It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Roberts and RESOLVED (seven voted for, none voted against) that
refusal be recommended on the grounds of it being backland
development with poor access. Density is not compliant with the East
Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan Policy EB9. At the service road at the
point of the development considerable disruption to residents would be
caused.

DC/22/02459 Land south of Ipswich Road, Brantham, Suffolk – Full Planning
Application – Construction of 127 dwellings (comprising 83no
market and 44no affordable homes), Garages, Parking, Vehicular
Access onto Ipswich Road, Estate Roads, Church/Nursery car park
(comprising 30 no parking bays), Public Open Space, Play Areas,
Landscaping, Drainage and other associated infrastructure.

Councillor Woodcock reported that this application had been withdrawn.

DC/22/03110 The Gables, The Street, East Bergholt, CO7 6TB – Notification of
works to trees in a conservation area – Reduce 1no beech by 30%.
Fell 4No sycamore trees.

It was proposed by Councillor Rothwell, seconded by Councillor Dent

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and RESOLVED (unanimously) that approval be recommended.

DC/22/03165 The Old Manse, The Street, East Bergholt, CO7 6TB – Notification
of works to trees in a conservation area – Fell 1no Pittosporum
Tenuifolium (T1). Fell 1no White Willow (T2).

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

DC/22/03265 Doria, White Horse Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6TU – Householder
application – Construction of rear dormer and juliette balcony in
conjunction with loft conversion (following removal of rooflight).

It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Rothwell and RESOLVED (nine voted for, none voted against) that
approval be recommended subject to parking provision being compliant
with Suffolk County Council Parking Standards.

DC/22/02960 Quintons House, Woodgates Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6RG –
Householder Application – Erection of 0.9m close boarded
boundary fence (following removal of existing fence); Erection of a
front porch, and a reinstatement of a rear exterior door.

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

DC/22/02962 Quintons House, Woodgates Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6RG –
Application for Listed Building Consent – Erection of 0.9m close
boarded boundary fence (following removal of existing fence and
plants); Erection of a front porch, and a reinstatement of a rear
exterior door.

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

DC/22/03358 Riber House, Rectory Hill, East Bergholt, CO7 6TH- Notification of
works to trees in a conservation area – Fell 1no Cherry Tree (T1),
2no Holly (T2and T3), 2no Ash (T4 and T5), 3no Sycamore (T6,T7
and T8), 2no Lime (T9 and T10), 1no Hornbeam (T11), 2no
Dogwood (T12 and T13), 1no Yew (T14) and 1no Chestnut (T15).

Councillor Rothwell reported that thirteen of the fifteen trees listed in this
application had already been granted planning permission so this
application was concerned only with the remaining two trees, 1no
Cherry Tree and 1no Holly.

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It was proposed by Councillor Rothwell, seconded by Councillor
Woodcock and RESOLVED (unanimously) that approval be
recommended for the Cherry Tree.
It was proposed by Councillor Rothwell, seconded by Councillor Dent
and RESOLVED (unanimously) that refusal be recommended on the
ground that the tree is not diseased or dying and is thriving. However,
some reduction of the growth would be viewed favourably.

DC/22/03435 Fairacre, Gandish Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6TP – Householder
Application – Erection of part double storey, part single storey rear
extension and internal alterations.

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

DC/22/03482 Clapper Farm House, Flatford Lane, East Bergholt, CO7 6UN –
Householder Application – Replacement of existing flat roof over
plant room with pitched roof including cat slide roof over wheely
bin store to side.

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

DC/22/03043 The Red Lion, The Street, East Bergholt, CO7 6TB – Planning
Application – Construction of 5no dwellings, storage building with
two bed and breakfast rooms for Hotel and Brasserie, garden
office, public convenience block (following demolition of existing
toilet block) and alterations to car park.

The Council discussed the application and approved a procedure for
approving and submitting its representations but did not approve a
recommendation. It will do so by 2 August 2022. A full minute of the
Council’s deliberations appears below after this table.

Application DC/22/03043

The Chairman outlined the procedure for consideration of this application. Councillor Roberts
would be invited to present his detailed views, then each member would be asked for their views
with any other comments at the end.

Councillor Roberts, who had led consideration on previous applications, presented his detailed
views on key issues.

This application has three distinct components:
1. 2 x B&B rooms and a garden office to grow the pub business;
2. 5 x 2 bed houses and 9 car parking spaces
3. Re-configuration of the car park, demolition of the toilet block and provision of a new toilet
block.

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The previous application, DC/22/01688 is still to be determined and due to the impact which
each application has on the other, they should be determined together. Whilst separate
applications, together they overlap and have cumulative impacts though only DC/22/03043
presents a comprehensive development scheme with elements intrinsically linked, though not all
are intrinsically linked to the prosperity of The Lion as a business.

The Council does not wish to contest the principle of elements of the proposal reasonably
associated with the wish to ensure a profitable and growing business though some tweaking of
details or additional justification may be necessary.

The housing is another matter entirely with no evidence of need submitted. The local need is
already exceeded with residential permissions granted for 241 houses as against a minimum of
86 in Neighbourhood Plan policy EB1. The emerging local plan has allocated the 241 as the
appropriate allocation for 2018-2037. The location is within the AONB, the conservation area
and outside BUAB. There are also further neighbourhood plan policies to which this application
is contrary, namely EB2, EB3 and EB5. The associated parking provision does not meet the
Suffolk County Council standard for two spaces for each two-bed house. The judgment of Mr
Justice Mitting in the Judicial Review determination of December 2016 set the legal principle
that such land would have to be treated as open countryside and would therefore need to show
a local need in East Bergholt and abutting villages for housing which had not been
demonstrated in this application.

The car park re-configuration is not necessary to support the Lion’s growing business and the
demolition and reprovision of public toilets is to enable the residential development ambitions to
be realised. There will be a loss of mature trees in the conservation area and the loss of the
associated green canopy will be detrimental to the views across the conservation area and the
AONB, contrary to policy EB6 with impact on biodiversity contrary to policy EB8. Additional
requirement for B&B guests together with overspill from the residential development will leave
very little genuine public parking space in the car park.

The proposed toilets are much reduced in capacity with no discrete disabled provision and
located across a private right of way to the cemetery. No justification is given for these changes
which contravene EB11.

No alternative provision for public car/coach parking or for toilets is proposed during the period
of redevelopment.

For the above reasons (which will be expanded in the formal submission) the housing, car park
and toilet proposals should be recommended for refusal.

The Chairman asked each member of the Council for their views.

Councillor Cathcart – Whilst not present due to illness had submitted written views which the
Chairman read out. She supported the B&B proposal but was opposed to the housing, car park
and toilet proposals.

Councillor Wombwell – Was first to speak after the disruptive interruption from a member of the
public and was shocked by what he saw as an attempt to intimidate the Council. On the subject
of the planning application, he noted with surprise that Ben Elvin’s report in this case provided a
rather less than convincing justification for the proposals under consideration.

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Councillor Woodcock – Welcomed the B&B facilities but found the housing proposal
superfluous, over development and backfilling. He opposed the reduction of the car park and
toilets, a concept unsocial for the heart of the village.

Councillor Elmer – Supported the views expressed by Councillor Roberts.

Councillor Hurley – The B&B provision would be beneficial but it was difficult to see how the
houses would fit in.

Councillor Mills – Agreed with Councillor Roberts for the most part. A house or two might fit on
the pub backland, but not five.

Councillor Rothwell – No issue with the B&B and agree with the others on the car park.
Concerned about the impact of the proposals on Charlie Stannett at Red Lion Cottage. Five
houses is too much,

Councillor Dent – Agree on the business elements. Although the car park is much improved no
issue with the change of design. As for houses do we ever have enough in the village centre?
Why don’t we talk to the applicant?

Councillor Price – Where do the cars go during the construction phase? Don’t believe the trees
should go. The private right of way is 4.6m wide (defined and protected by the islands) and
should remain. The toilets are used both by individuals and groups. Just two in the corner is
insufficient. The car park is not large enough now and should not be reduced. Support the views
of Councillor Roberts.

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Woodcock and RESOLVED (eight
voted for, one voted against) that a modified version of Councillor Robert’s report including
relevant points from the debate, the retention of the private right of way and the impact on Red
Lion Cottage be submitted to the Clerk by Councillor Roberts by 19 July for consultation with all
councillors and that the Clerk receive any comments from councillors and prepare a final version
of the Council’s representations by the end of July.

It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor Rothwell and RESOLVED
(nine voted for, none voted against) that the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Council be
authorised to approve the Council’s representations to Babergh DC upon application
DC/22/03043.

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 Rothwell and RESOLVED (unanimously) that the schedules of payments and
income be noted and the payments due for June 2022 amounting to £12,561.21 be
approved.

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

9.3 Budget Monitoring Q1 – The Clerk’s report and the attendant spreadsheets were
NOTED.

10. Reports from Council Representatives on Outside Bodies

Babergh Alliance of Parish and Town Councils – Councillor Hurley reported that he was now
involved.
Constable Hall Management Committee – Councillor Price reported that the AGM had taken
place on 29 June and gave details of the Committee members and officers. He thought a
footpath issue would occur shortly and he was advised to discuss it informally with Councillor
Woodcock, Chairman of the Playing Fields Committee.
East Bergholt Community Land Trust – Councillor Rothwell reported that the AGM had taken
place on 22 June. The situation at the trust was much the same as when the Chairman made a
presentation to the Council in February 2022.
East Bergholt/Barbizon Twinning Association – Councillor Miller reported on a very successful
twinning visit in May.
East Bergholt Futures – Councillor Woodcock reported that the Hedgehog Friendly Scheme was
continuing. Julie Price was converting her 60s/70s house to eco-friendly insulation and power
provision and she was willing to share her experiences with others who may be interested in
following a similar path.
East Bergholt Society – Councillor Miller reported that there had been no meetings since the last
report.
East Bergholt Sports Council – Councillor Woodcock reported that the Sports Council met at the
end of June. Works to hedges and trees were being undertaken and various sports teams had
offered to assist in re-painting the Pavilion. The priority for the next meeting is the issue of
additional sports fields and facilities.
Suffolk Association of Local Councils – Councillor Dent had nothing to report.

Reports from Council Nominated Trustees to Outside Bodies

East Bergholt United Charities – Councillor Price reported that there had been no meetings
since the last report.
Lettice Dykes Foundation – Councillor Woodcock reported that there had been no meetings
since the last report.
The Lambe School – Councillor Elmer reported that the trustees were scheduled to meet on 19
July.

11. Website Working Group

Councillor Wombwell presented his report of the Website Working Group’s meeting on 20 June.
The Group had given comprehensive consideration to the current situation and upon
developments to improve things. The Group proposes to prepare new website business
requirements and a digital communications strategy for consideration by the Council. The
Council appreciated that the issues identified merited a rebuild of the website and AGREED that
the Group should continue as proposed. The Council thanked Councillor Wombwell for his work
in leading the initiative.

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12. Schedule of Meetings 2022/23

The Council considered the Clerk’s report on meeting dates for the 2022/23 municipal year. It
was proposed by Councillor Dent, seconded by Councillor Elmer and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that the Schedule of Meetings for the 2022/23 municipal year be approved.

13. Urgent Communications

None.

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 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.

15. Confidential Minutes of the Extraordinary Parish Council meeting of 7 June 2022

It was proposed by Councillor Hurley, seconded by Councillor Elmer and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that the confidential minutes of the Extraordinary Parish Council meeting of 7
June 2022 be approved as a correct record.

16. Matters arising/updates

The Calderbank offer made to the car park landlord was NOTED.

The meeting closed at 10.05 pm.

Date of the next Parish Council Meeting – Thursday 11 August 2022 at 7.30 pm at The Lambe
School.

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