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EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Thursday 9 October 2025 at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt

Present – Parish Councillors
Councillor J Miller (Chair of the Council)
Councillor N Roberts (Vice-Chair of the Council)
Councillor R Allen
Councillor M Burns
Councillor S Davies
Councillor R Elmer
Councillor M Hockley
Councillor J Price
Councillor R Smith
Councillor G Woodcock

In Attendance
G White, Parish Clerk
N Reed, Media consultant
7 members of the public

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

John Fretwell, the applicant for planning application DC/25/04147, explained the
circumstances of the application for a new sewage treatment plant at Clapper Farm House.
This was a retrospective application because the applicant thought Babergh DC did not
require an application as the works were a replacement for an existing septic tank foul
drainage system. The new system was installed and signed off by Building Control then the
planners decided that a new planning application was required as the existing permission
dated back to 1999. There had been no objections to the application and he hoped the
Parish Council did not have any either. The new system was an improvement and not
visually intrusive.

Mr Fretwell noted that the Conservation Area Appraisal was under consideration and whilst
he was a huge supporter of the conservation area, there were a number of associated
issues arising and he hoped there would be full public consultation. The Chair explained that
this was a joint activity with Babergh DC who had half-funded the report now under
consideration and it was up to Babergh DC whether or not to pursue the extension and if
they did, then public consultation was a necessary part of the process.

Two residents at The Grange Country Park asked if the Parish Council could shed any light
on what was rumoured to be going on as no information had been forthcoming from the
landowners. The Chair introduced the residents to District Councillor Sallie Davies who was
working towards achieving the best possible outcome for the residents. The Chair
commented that the Parish Council thought the process being undertaken had been handled
badly even though it was designed to protect residents living there.

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Councillor Davies explained that a planning application had been submitted in order to make
80 permanent residential homes and so that residents do not have to move out in January.
The number 80 had been arrived at because that was the number of dwellings occupied
near permanently. Babergh DC did not want to see anyone made homeless and whilst not
ideal this course of action was the best which could be achieved to protect the current
residents. If approved the residents will be liable for Council tax and at present it is not
known if the permanent dwellings will count towards East Bergholt’s housing numbers.

The residents said that quite a few residents were already paying Council tax. Councillor
Davies was unaware of this and will make enquiries and will also ask the Babergh planners
to identify the 80 to be designated as residential.

Councillor Davies exchanged contact details with the residents and with Pete Willets, a local
resident, who also exchanged details as his daughter had just bought a dwelling on the
understanding that it had residential status.

A local resident spoke to express his objection to David Wilson Homes flying a rainbow flag
on their site. He enquired whether planning permission was required before being able to fly
the flag. The Chair advised that if the flag was an advertisement for the site it would require
advertisement consent, but not otherwise. The Chair advised the resident to liaise with David
Wilson Homes over his concern as no planning issue arises with a flag/flag pole unless in a
conservation area. The resident considered that a national housebuilding company should
be building houses and not making political statements.

The Chair thanked all the members of the public who had participated and closed the open
public session.

85.25.26 CASUAL VACANCY

The Chair reported that Peter Dent had resigned from the Council on the grounds of ill
health. The Chair had spoken to him to say how sorry she was that he felt it necessary to
resign and wished him better health for the future. She thanked him for his 6 years of service
on the Parish Council. Mr Dent did say he would be able to undertake short term
volunteering roles which might arise.

The Clerk reported that the Babergh Returning Officer had published a notice of vacancy
which gave electors until 27 October 2025 to request an election and if 10 electors did so an
election would be called, otherwise the vacancy could be filled by co-option. The Council
AGREED that if an election was not called the Clerk could proceed to advertise the vacancy
and seek applicants for it.

86.25.26 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence received from Councillors Hurley and Matthews and County
Councillor Hall were NOTED.

87.25.26 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST S OR DISPENSATIONS

None.

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88.25.26 MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF 11 SEPTEMBER 2025

In Minute 77 item 1 and 6 Line 1 Councillor Hockley said he had not used the word
‘browbeating’ and requested that it be replaced by ‘not properly consulting’.

It was proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Burns and RESOLVED
(seven voted for, none voted against) that subject to the above amendment the minutes of
the council meeting of 11 September 2025 be approved as a correct record.

89.25.26 MATTERS ARISING/UPDATES

Open Public Session – With reference to the visit from Henry Fairbanks of the Chestnut
Group, the Chair reported that together with the Vice-Chair and Councillor Price she had met
Mr Fairbanks for a very positive Landlord/Tenant meeting during which Mr Fairbanks had
indicated that the Group intended to develop the back land with overnight accommodation to
support the business. The Chestnut Group does not wish to build private homes. The
Neighbourhood Plan identified the need for visitors and not for housing and the councillors
indicated support in principle. The Chestnut Group will consult the Council upon its
proposals at the pre-application stage.

In addition, the Group had no objection in principle to EV charge point installation in the car
park and will consider footpath access from the car park to the Congregational Church. Mr
Fairbanks emphasised the Group’s wish to co-operate with the village in all these matters.

90.25.26 COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

County Councillor Hall had apologised for absence. Her written report which had been
circulated was noted and the Chair said that if members had any questions, they should
email County Councillor Hall direct.

District Councillor Davies presented her report which had been circulated and expanded
upon it. Applications for grants for Winter Warmth could be submitted until 19 October and
the Chair asked that Val James (for Constable Hall) be so advised.

Councillor Price asked District Councillor Davies if there were asylum seekers in hotels in
Babergh. He was aware that there had been. District Councillor Davies said she understood
there were no such persons in hotels in the district at present, but was unaware of the likely
situation in the near future.

The Chair thanked District Councillor Davies for her report and contribution to the meeting.
She added that Councillor Davies had resigned as Chair of the Neighbourhood Plan and
Young People Committee due to personal circumstances for the duration of the current
municipal year, though would continue to attend Council meetings.

The Chair said that the Young People Committee would elect a Chair at its meeting on 14
October, but because of the manner in which the Neighbourhood Plan Committee met it
would be best for the Council to elect a Chair. She sought nominations, but none was
forthcoming. The Chair asked all councillors to give careful consideration to this. The
committee’s work was about the future of the village and was very critical. The Chair would
guide the new Neighbourhood Plan through its remaining processes and the outcome would

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be a substantial influence upon future planning in the village and upon the Council’s priorities
and decisions over the ensuing years. Any member willing to put themselves forward should
contact the Chair within the next couple of weeks.

91.25.26 CORRESPONDENCE

The correspondence set out in the Correspondence list circulated with the agenda and
subsequently was considered and NOTED, comprising:

Date Sender Subject
1. Undated RSPB Flatford Briefing Statement Autumn 2025
2. 26/09/25 National Grid Development Consent Order
3. 26/09/25 National Grid Project Update
4. 30/09/25 Adrian James Parking at Manningtree Station

Item 1 – The Chair noted with regret that the RSPB could not justify the cost of running the
Flatford Wildlife Garden and was seeking to sell or rent but as a wildlife area with education
obligations as these were the terms upon which it had been gifted to them. At present 30 or
so volunteers were keeping it going. It would be a sad loss to the village if it closes and she
encouraged organisations with a wildlife and environment agenda to express interest.

Councillor Hockley wondered how much it cost to run and was advised to ask the RSPB. It
did not appear that the National Trust was interested but the Chair will establish their
intentions and the Clerk will send Councillor Hockley the Chair’s notes of a meeting with the
National Trust.

Councillor Price asked if the Parish Council was interested. The Chair said it was not
amongst the Council’s priorities but a committee with sufficient funding in its budget could
assemble a proposal. Councillor Price was invited to prepare a proposal for the Council to
consider, but declined.

Items 2 and 3 – It was noted that the National Grid had now formally sought planning
approval. This was disappointing as there had been blanket objection from the local
authorities affected. It appeared that the momentum was unstoppable and that there was no
point in being a consultee as we would not be listened to.

Item 4 – The Chair referred to the cautionary tale from Adrian James who had been treated
severely for a minor error. She had seen an item on Look East that was somewhat similar
and it was evident that these private parking companies would not exercise any discretion.
Councillor Hockley said that if you park in the 20 minute area in Manningtree Station and
leave before the expiration of the time then return, a new 20 minutes starts to run. This ought
to be publicised.

Councillor Davies left the meeting.

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92.25.26 PLANNING

92.1 Planning Consultations received

DC/25/04037 Fenbridge Cottage, Fenbridge Lane, East Bergholt CO7 6UH –
Householder application – Erection of an outbuilding.

It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Roberts and RESOLVED (seven voted for, one voted against) that
approval be recommended.

DC/25/04089 Windreat, Elm Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6SG – Householder
application – Erection of a single storey extension incorporating
integral garage.

It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Elmer that approval be recommended. Two voted for, five voted
against. The motion was lost.

It was proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor
Hockley and RESOLVED (five voted for, one voted against) that
refusal be recommended on the grounds that:
1. Overdevelopment
• The proposal would extend the bungalow across the
entire width of the site with a large side extension
which replaces existing flower beds and the rear
extension halves the depth of the back garden.
• The proposal is out of character with other small
bungalows in the immediate vicinity and harms the
street scene.
2. There is insufficient off-street parking space for a four-bed
property.
3. Parking on the road near Gaston Street is inadvisably close
to the junction.

DC/25/04147 Clapper Farm House, Flatford Lane, East Bergholt, CO7 6UN –
Householder application – Retention of a Bio-Pure packaged
sewage treatment plant (following removal of previous septic
tank foul drainage system).

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

DC/25/04212 West Lodge, East Bergholt, CO7 6TF – Notification of works to
trees in a conservation area – T1 Lombardy Poplar 50%
reduction, T2 Holly fell, T3 Laurel 50% reduction, T$ Pseudo
acacia deadwood clean.

It was proposed by Councillor Woodcok, seconded by Councillor
Hockley and RESOLVED (unanimously) that no objection be
recommended.

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DC/25/03468 3 Woodgates Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6RG – Householder
application – Erection of a two-storey side extension and part
rear extension, single storey rear and single storey front
extension.

It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor
Elmer and RESOLVED (five voted for, one voted against) that
approval be recommended.

DC/25/04327 Thornfields, Gandish Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6UR –
Householder application – Erection of rear and side extensions
and alterations.

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

92.2 Planning Correspondence

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

93.25.26 STRATEGY, POLICY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

93.1 Schedule of Payments and Income – It was proposed by Councillor Elmer, seconded by
Councillor Hockley and RESOLVED (unanimously), that the schedule of payments and
income and the bank transfer be noted and the payments due in September 2025 amounting
to £47,510.41 be approved.

93.2 Bank Reconciliation Statement – The bank reconciliation statement for September 2025
was NOTED.

93.3 Budget Monitor 2025/26 Q2 – The Budget Monitor for Q2 2025/26 was NOTED.

93.4 Conclusion of External Audit 2024/25 – It was proposed by Councillor Price, seconded
by Councillor Roberts and RESOLVED (unanimously) that the External Auditor’s report be
noted and the Clerk be thanked and congratulated on achieving a satisfactory audit with no
adverse comments.

93.5 CIL application – The Lambe School – Councillors Elmer and Roberts declared non-
pecuniary interests as Trustees of the Lambe School and declared that they would not vote.

The Council considered the recommendation of the SPF Committee which met on 18
September 2025.

It was proposed by Councillor Hockley, seconded by Councillor Woodcock and RESOLVED
(seven voted for, none voted against. Councillors Elmer and Roberts did not vote) that:
1. the principle of the project is supported

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2. the application to Babergh DC for a CIL award is supported and if Babergh DC
awards 75% of the costs, the Parish Council will award the remaining 25% from the
parish CIL fund.

3. If Babergh DC declines to accept the application, the Parish Council will award the
entire cost of the project, £14,750, from the parish CIL fund.

93.6 Supplementary Estimate – Playing Field Committee

Councillor Hockley explained why the need to carry out rabbit-proof fencing at the playing
field was urgent and why it was necessary to seek a supplementary estimate due to the
playing field budget having insufficient provision to accommodate the cost of the project.

It was proposed by Councillor Hockley, seconded by Councillor Woodcock and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that a supplementary estimate of up to £15,000, taken from reserves, be
granted to the Playing Field Committee for the purpose of installing rabbit proof fencing at
the playing field.

94.25.26 CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL

The Chair and Vice-Chair traced the history of the Conservation Area upon which there had
been no review since 1975. The Neighbourhood Plan Working Group had reviewed it in
2021 and sent its results to Babergh DC who sat on it for 4 years. District Councillor Davies
persuaded Babergh DC to reconsider the matter and to part fund a formal appraisal which
they agreed to do. The Parish Council appointed HCUK to undertake the appraisal, the draft
report of which is now circulated for comment before it is sent to Babergh DC for formal
consideration.

John Lyall, volunteer consultant to the Neighbourhood Plan Committee attended and
introduced the report. He noted that in the current conservation area, the whole of Flatford is
not included and ought to be. A bit of special protection is required for John Constable
landscapes and views which are still there 200 years later. The proposed extended
conservation area will do this. Babergh DC have suggested that any extension should be
approved by April 2026.

Councillor Price said that he had found the document fascinating but was sad to see pictures
of intrusive estates approved by Babergh DC. The conservation area regime is not designed
for the rural community and affords no protection to farmers who have to apply for consent
every time they want to do anything with trees on the land. The conservation area should
help everyone including those working in the area. This does not and accordingly Councillor
Price said he could not support it.

Councillor Smith thought it a good document but perhaps a precis is required for the public.
The Chair said that this is a source document owned by both Babergh DC and the Parish
Council but the process is entirely that of Babergh DC and is not well established, for
example this Council has not reviewed the conservation area for fifty years. Babergh DC will
use the finished appraisal as their document in order to decide whether to pursue the
extension proposal. There will be a shorter document for the public, this document is meant
to hold the complete source material in one place. It was agreed that it would be useful to pin
Vincent Pearce down to a timeline on the various parts of the process still to come.

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Councillor Burns said that she had found it difficult to identify the thrust of the arguments in
the report and Councillor Roberts added that the report required an executive summary up
front including a recommendation to extend the conservation area based on HCUK’s
appraisal.

Councillor Smith noted that it included most of the modern development of the village though
he wondered why the area north of Hughes Road was omitted. John Lyall said we were
advised that this area was a field or two too far and too close to the A12 and thus was
trimmed back.

In answer to a question as to why there is no mention of East End, John Lyall said that
turned on how far you go with the conservation area. The Chair noted that there is some
protection for outer parts of the village with the green fingers which extend more deeply into
the village whilst maintaining the character of a rural village,

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Smith and RESOLVED (eight
voted for, one voted against) that the Parish Council recommends the contents of HCUK’s
report to Babergh DC and supports Babergh DC in finalising the appriasalas a basis for
progressing the conservation area extension.

The Chair thanked John Lyall for his work upon this project and his contributions to the
report.

95.25.26 OTHER COMMITTEE MATTERS

95.1 Burial Grounds Committee – In the Chair’s absence, the Clerk reported that at its
forthcoming meeting the committee would review cemetery fees and consider implementing
a project to install a rabbit proof fence at the cemetery.

95.2 Neighbourhood Plan Committee – In the absence of a Chair, the Chair of the Council
reported that the committee is at the stage of mid-drafting the new Neighbourhood Plan
which will come to the Council in due course, hopefully around Easter 2026, with public
consultation in summer 2026.

95.3 Playing Fields Committee – Councillor Hockley reported that the sports clubs were
happy with the maintenance of the grounds. In 2026/27 it was hoped to upgrade the CCTV
and install paddle courts for which budget bids will be made in November. The Borehole
Project which facilitates flooding the field in times of drought conditions will need to be
funded from external sources.

The Chair said she had been working with John Hambrook, the Chair of the Sports Council
with regard to the football club’s future requirements, for Neighbourhood Plan purposes.

John Hambrook had been invited to a future Playing Field Committee meeting as an invitee
but it was thought it would be beneficial if he became a non-voting member of the
committee. It was proposed by Councillor Hockley, seconded by Councillor Woodcock and
RESOLVED (unanimously) that John Hambrook be invited to join the Playing Field
Committee as a non-voting member for the remainder of the municipal year.

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95.4 Roads, Footpaths and Flatford Committee – Councillor Price reported that there was a
big agenda for the forthcoming committee meeting, much of which had been referred to the
committee by the Council.

Councillor Price expressed exasperation at Suffolk County Council’s accident records. Every
time he asks he is given different figures which are invariably wrong. For example, this last
month he was told their records record one minor accident in the last 5 years at the Gandish
Road, Straight Road, B1070 junction, when in the spring he was informed there had bee two
injury accidents and in December 2024 he was told there had been three injury accidents.

Councillor Price has had a long email from Paul West SCC Cabinet Member. It has nothing
giving us hope that the highway authority will make the roads safer. Councillor Price will ask
the RFF committee for advice about how to respond.

95.5 Young People Committee – The Chair of the Council said that a new Chair of the
committee would be elected at the meeting next week. The Youth Club was progressing
quite well with about 15 younger teenagers attending weekly. It was still meeting in
Constable Hall.

95.6 Other Working Groups –

Communications Review – Councillor Burns advised that a paper will be submitted to the
next meeting.

In Our View – Councillor Burns reported that this project was shaping up nicely. Graphics
would be available soon and there will be a page on the website to advertise events.

Meanwhile Councillor Burns was trying to explain the village initiative to a wider group of
organisations.

96.25.26 URGENT COMMUNICATIONS

None.

The meeting closed at 9.43 pm

Chair……………………………………………… Date…………………………………

Date of next meeting Thursday 11 November 2025