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EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

Thursday 11 April 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 Hockley
Councillor L Matthews
Councillor J Price
Councillor S Rothwell
Councillor R Wombwell
Councillor G Woodcock

In Attendance
G White, Parish Clerk
County Councillor G Hall
Two members of the public

Prior to the commencement of the meeting, the Chairman welcomed Mr and Mrs Barnes. Jane
Barnes had been the Council’s Litter Picker for 25 years and had retired on 31 March. The
Chairman thanked Jane for her service to the Council and to the local community. Her work had
made a huge difference to the village and it had been lovely having the village so litter free for so
long. On behalf of the Council, the Chairman presented Jane Barnes with a retirement gift along
with the Council’s best wishes for the future.

Open Public Session

Terry Dadds addressed the Council upon the issue of flooding and ditches. He said his thoughts
were similar to those expressed in the article by Brian Willsher in the April edition of the parish
magazine. Years ago landowners used to dig trenches and maintain ditches around fields for
drainage purposes but they do not want ditches any more yet complain if the fields are not properly
drained. Nationally, the Sustainable Farming policy provides for run-offs from fields but not for
ditches and that is insufficient. Ditches and trenches need to be reinstated.

Councillor Price agreed with Mr Dadds. Ditches both drain the land and hold back water and he
would support action which promotes ditches.

Councillor Woodcock referred to the flooding of the playing field and the Chairman suggested that
he have a conversation with Mr Dadds on the subject.

Mr Dadds referred to the Council’s proposal for a 20mph speed limit in the village and asked for
which roads it was suggested. Councillor Roberts said there would be a 20mph zone embracing
part of the B1070, Hadleigh Road, Gaston Street, Gandish Road and attendant side roads.

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Mr Dadds said that such a scheme had operated in parts of Belfast for a number of years and no
public benefit had accrued. Further the scheme in Wales had been controversial resulting in the
largest petition ever opposing a Welsh Government policy and legislation. He asked if any
councillors had tried driving round the village at a maximum speed of 20mph. The Chairman said
she had and found it to be satisfactory. Mr Dadds went on to give various examples of problems
caused in existing 20mph zones with delays and queuing and he considered that unless properly
policed, 20mph zones will not be effective. Moreover, if policing led to motorists being fined for
driving at 24 or 25mph, the proposal could come back to bite villagers and public opinion in support
could turn to opposition.

1. Apologies for absence

Apologies received from Councillors Allen, Davies and Hurley were NOTED.

2. Declaration of Interests/Dispensations

None

3. Minutes

Councillor Hockley challenged the minute upon the Guest Speakers which stated at Page 3
Paragraph 2 that 180 pupils of the High School are from the East Bergholt ‘post code area’.
He said that after discussion with Mr Woodcock the headteacher, he considered that it
should say ‘catchment area’. The Chairman did not accept this assertion and that the minute
accurately recorded Mr Woodcock’s remark. Before an amendment could be made to the
minute, it should be formally checked with Mr Woodcock. It was proposed by Councillor
Miller, seconded by Councillor Rothwell and RESOLVED (unanimously) that subject to prior
checking with Mr Woodcock as to ‘post code area’ or ‘catchment area’ and that an
appropriate amendment be made if necessary, the minutes of the Council Meeting of 14
March 2024 be approved as a correct record.

4. Matters Arising/Updates

Minute 11 Summer Community Event – Councillor Roberts noted that a working group report
was to be submitted to Council every month until the event had taken place but there
appeared to be no provision for same on this agenda.

Councillor Rothwell reported that the Working Group had met on the previous evening and
proposed that equipment for seven activities be hired for approximately £1000; a DJ/MC for
£300 and a concert band for £250. This amounted to expenditure of approximately £1550
from the available budget of £4,000. It was proposed by Councillor Rothwell, seconded by
Councillor Hockley and RESOLVED (unanimously) that expenditure of approximately £1550
be incurred for the activities described above for the Summer Fair.

5. County and District Councillors’ Reports

County Councillor Hall presented her report which had been circulated which had been
circulated and expanded upon it. With regard to the funding of bus services, the Community
bus and the Hopper bus had been placed on the reserve list. The new pothole filler was now
being trialled and had received favourable publicity. Those wishing to utilise school travel in
the next academic year need to opt-in by 31 May. Empty seats on school buses may be

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available for paying pupils. Councillor Hockley enquired whether the funding was available
for those in the High School catchment area only. County Councillor Hall believed it to be for
those beyond a certain distance and those at East End as the road was considered too
dangerous to walk. She will check and advise.

Councillor Roberts referred to the campaign to encourage motorists to turn off their engines
when their vehicles are stationary though he had not seen any marketing. County Councillor
Hall said its intention was making people aware of the harm caused by idling petrol and
diesel engines. Councillor Roberts asked that she provide details of the campaign so the
Council could give it publicity via the website etc.

Councillor Roberts referred to the dialogue over the footway from the Moores Lane
development to the High School and the s106 agreement; health and safety issues on the
B1070 and footpath widths. The meeting with the engineer had taken place on 1 March but
there had been silence in the six weeks since. Councillor Roberts noted that 74% of his
Council tax went to SCC but the response rate from SCC Highways was in need of
considerable improvement.

County Councillor Hall thought that the crossing of the B1070 beyond the school had been
moved to a more useful location but she will check.

The Chairman thanked County Councillor Hall for her contribution and she left the meeting.

The report from District Councillor Davies had been circulated and was noted.

6. 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. 20/01/24 Chairman, Dedham Vale
National Landscapes
Introduction and request for grant aid.
2. 03/04/24 SARS Letter of thanks for grant aid

Item 2 – It was proposed by Councillor Hockley, seconded by Councillor Woodcock and
RESOLVED (unanimously) that pursuant to Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972,
grant aid of £250 be awarded to Dedham Vale National Landscapes.

7. Planning

7.1 Planning Applications received

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

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DC/24/01356 24 Elm Estate, East Bergholt, CO7 6SH – Householder application
– Erection front porch extension.

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

DC/24/01474 Sunnyhome, White Horse Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6TR –
Application for works to trees subject to a TPO BT153 – Clean
deadwood and selectively prune 1no Oak (T1)

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

DC/24/01494 Kells, Rectory Hill, East Bergholt, CO7 6TL – Householder
application – Erection of two-storey rear extension.

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

DC/24/01511 20 Quintons Corner, East Bergholt, CO7 6RD – Full planning
application – Erection of 1no detached dwelling utilising existing
access.

It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Matthews and RESOLVED (five voted for, none voted against) that
refusal be recommended on the following grounds:

1. There is insufficient space for a back land infill development;
2. There is insufficient parking for the current bungalow if back
parking is removed;
3. The development is too high and generally out of character with
the neighbourhood.

If approval was granted, the Council requests a planning condition
requiring blinds to the skylights in order to preserve the dark skies of the
village.

DC/24/01573 Land north west of Moores Lane East Bergholt – Full planning
application – Engineering works between approved development
site DC/22/05077 and field boundary ditch, to provide surface
water drainage (retention of).

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

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DC/24/01576 2 Beehive Close, East Bergholt, CO7 6AY – Householder
application – Erection of single storey side extension.

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

DC/24/01514 Imbre, Askins Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6SN – Planning
application – Demolition of existing bungalow/outbuildings and
construction of 2no one and a half storey 3 bedroom dwellings
complete with parking and infrastructure.

It was proposed by Councillor Wombwell, seconded by Councillor
Hockley and RESOLVED (six voted for, two voted against) that refusal
be recommended on the ground that the application proposes
overdevelopment, as the site is of an inadequate size for two dwellings.

DC/24/01623 19 Richardsons Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6RP – Householder
application – Erection of two storey side extension (amended
scheme to that approved under DC/23/01944 and withdrawn
application DC/23/00076).

It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor Miller
and RESOLVED (seven voted for, none voted against) that refusal be
recommended on the grounds that:
1. The development would impact adversely on and from National
Landscapes;
2. The development would impact adversely on the Neighbourhood
Plan character assessment of Richardsons Road and Chaplins Road
which allows a green and spacious aspect of the development making it
look smaller than it is;
3. Overdevelopment of the site.

7.2 Planning correspondence

The correspondence received from the Local Planning Authority as set out on the planning
list concerning determined planning applications was NOTED.

8. Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee

8.1 Schedule of Payments and Income – It was proposed by Councillor Elmer, seconded
by Councillor Roberts and RESOLVED (unanimously) that the schedule of payments
and income and the bank transfer be noted and the payments due for March 2024
amounting to £28,127.62 be approved.

8.2 Bank Reconciliation Statement – The bank reconciliation statements for March 2024
and for the financial year 2023/24 were NOTED.

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8.3 Contingencies – The schedule of contingencies for the financial year 2023/24 was
NOTED.

8.4 Budget Monitor 2023/24 Q1-4 – The Budget Monitor report and spreadsheets for
2023/24 were NOTED.

9. Reports from Council Representatives on Outside Bodies

Constable Hall Management Committee – Councillor Price had nothing to report

East Bergholt Community Land Trust – Councillor Rothwell reported that the AGM was
scheduled for 26/06/24

East Bergholt/Barbizon Twinning Association – The Chairman reported that the
Association was scheduling the visit from Barbizon for the last weekend of May 2025.

East Bergholt Futures – Councillor Woodcock had nothing to report.

East Bergholt Society – The Chairman reported that the AGM was scheduled for
24/04/24. The Society was now an energetic group with good plans for engaging with
village based on local history and its future looked much brighter than in recent years.

East Bergholt Sports Council – Councillor Woodcock reported that in 2023/24 the
Sports Council had made a loss of £3.5k of which electricity charges amounted to
£2.5k. The situation has now improved dramatically. The whole village will benefit from
the proposed drainage works and not just the sports clubs. There is a Tennis Club
open day on13/04/24 from 10am -1pm. There has been no response from Babergh DC
upon the CIL applications by the tennis and cricket clubs but a site meeting with the
relevant officer will take place shortly. Chris Tuppen is looking at solar panel options
for the Pavilion and his advice is awaited.

SALC – No report.

Council Nominated Trustees to Outside Bodies

East Bergholt United Charities – Councillor Hockley had nothing to report except that
the Charities had held a meeting with their financial advisers.

Lettice Dykes Foundation – Councillor Rothwell reported that there had been no
meeting since his last report and that Barclays Bank were still procrastinating over
changing the signatories. Advertisements were being placed in appropriate to
encourage grant applications.

Lambe School – Councillor Elmer said that the Trustees were meeting in the next
week.

10. Reports from Parish Council Working Groups

10.1 Cost of Living – In the absence of Councillor Hurley there was no report.

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10.2 Website Working Group
Councillor Wombwell reported upon a virtual meeting with the consultant. Three
workstreams had been identified:
1. The appearance which is almost ready for testing;
2. The file store, which is complex and requires some re-design around the
Neighbourhood Plan. It is up to the Council as to how much/little we require to
be stored. Additionally, it is imperative that the Clerks understand the
management and maintenance arrangements.
3. The searchability of the File Store. The advanced searchability of the File
Store to include search of contents of pdfs. This application cannot be
developed from scratch due to the development costs involved, rather an
existing program could be utilised. Discussions are continuing though it is
evident that there is not a complete solution on the market. In the interests of
finishing the project shortly Councillor Wombwell would be prepared to drop
this element.
4. The timescale is for testing to be undertaken at the end of the month. Some of
the workstreams could be included in that. The Assistant Clerk is managing
the progress of the project. Initially a smaller test team could be employed
before it is opened up to all councillors. Councillor Wombwell would lead with
other contributors being the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, Councillor
Matthews and any other volunteers.

11. Urgent Communications

The Chairman referred to the Parish briefing upon the National Grid Consultation, which the
Clerk had circulated. She encouraged members to participate, firstly by registering by
clicking the link in the email.

Councillor Hockley reported upon the recent Babergh Town and Parish Council briefing
which he had attended and found to be useful. It was unfortunate that Babergh’s CIL team
did not attend.

Community Action Suffolk have a number of useful training courses on offer and also a
range of Surveyors, Engineers, Structural Engineers and the like whose services are offered
free to charities.

A speaker from the National Lottery was surprised that applications for grants from Suffolk
were half as many as from other parts of the country. They did not know why, though
Councillor Hockley thought that the complexity of the application process may have much to
do with it. The Speaker was asked to meet the CIL team to explore opportunities.

Councillor Price reported that the new Litter Picker, Jeremy Kemp, had been appointed from
a shortlist of four good applicants and had commenced his duties. The Chairman reported
that she had received good feedback about Jeremy already.

12. 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

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publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the
business to be transacted.

13. Confidential Minutes

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Roberts and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that the confidential minutes of the Council Meeting of 14 March 2024 be
approved as a correct record.

14. Matters arising/Updates

The Chairman updated the Council on the latest developments in respect of the two matters
referred to in the above minutes.

The meeting closed at 9.54 pm.

Date of the next Council Meeting – Thursday 9 May 2024 at The Lambe School. Annual Parish
Meeting at 7pm followed by the Annual Council Meeting

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