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EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL

DRAFT MINUTES – THESE MINUTES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED
AND ARE SUBJECT TO AMENDMENT AT THE NEXT COUNCIL
MEETING

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEE TING
Thursday 12 February 2026 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 G Woodcock

In Attendance
G White, Parish Clerk
County Councillor G Hall
N. Reed, Media Consultant
Two guests from the Chestnut Group
Six members of the public

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

The Chair welcomed to the meeting members of the public and Henry Fairbanks, Director of
Acquisitions and Wholesale, The Chestnut Group and his colleague.

Margaret White, a local resident, enquired as to progress of the Hills application for Stage 2
of the St James Place development. The Chair said that the application had been submitted
a few months ago and consultees’ responses were being collated by Babergh DC. At the
moment there were two responses outstanding and once received, a report for the Planning
Committee will be prepared and the item scheduled for determination by the Committee.

Mrs White asked if the pre-school remained in the application. The Chair said that the
original application contained the pre-school with a large garden/open space attached. The
current application still has the pre-school but with a garden/open space about half the size
of the original. Even if approved there is no guarantee that the pre-school will be built as the

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developer will wish to secure an occupier before building and if one is not forthcoming an
alternative development may be applied for.

Henry Fairbanks recounted the journey his company had undertaken with The Red Lion.
They took great pride in what had been achieved following their engagement with the local
community at every possible level in order to provide what the village required. He had
attended the Council meeting in September 2025 and outlined the proposals and was now
able to update on the basis of the submitted application DC/25/05596. The Group needs to
add additional bedrooms to make the business viable and fourteen bedrooms with contained
parking was the subject of a pre-application enquiry which the planners considered
appropriate.

The Group has been through all the comments made on the planning portal and has also
worked with neighbours to include their requests as far as possible. Mr Fairbanks confirmed
that the Car Park and the Toilets would remain with the latter benefitting from wooden
cladding and in the light of the Parish Council’s request an access gate with a walk through
to the Congregational Church has been added. The bedrooms will not have balconies but
rather ‘balconettes’.

James Knight, a resident of The Manse, Cemetery Lane noted that the first floor external
walkways would overlook his garden and property and the windows of the rooms will look
directly into this property. Mr Fairbanks said that the walkways were in-facing and would not
overlook at the front of the building and were not located at the back.

Mr Fairbanks said that sensitive lighting would be used and he did not envisage the
walkways as a place where guests would congregate in numbers. Mr Knight commented that
pub guests were not permanent residents but very temporary and unlikely to exercise the
same concerns for neighbours as would permanent residents. Mr Fairbanks said guests
would be asked to be respectful of neighbours and that it was up to the pub to manage this.

Richard Martin, a resident of The Old Manse, was concerned about both the scale and style
of the development. He questioned the need for two storey blocks and for fourteen additional
rooms when the pub currently had only five. He thought the style had contradictions with the
conservation area and the AONB and that the building materials were not wholly
sympathetic. Mr Fairbanks said that the building materials were led by Babergh DC who
specified what could and could not be used.

Margaret White wondered if there was sufficient parking. Mr Fairbanks said there were
fifteen spaces, one for each room plus a service space. Mr Martin considered that fifteen
spaces on the pub back land was too much and would create too much noise. He was also
concerned about egress from the car park to The Street which he considered to be difficult.

Charlie Stannard thought Babergh DC had specified building styles some years ago though
the Chair did not know or recall this. Mr Fairbanks said the style and materials had been
represented to the planners.

Councillor Roberts asked if there was any limit on the length of stay. Mr Fairbanks said there
was not though the variable pricing regime and the fact that rooms were merely bedrooms
and bathrooms with no additional facilities would probably discourage stays of more than a
few days.

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Councillor Burns asked why fourteen rooms and not, say, seven. Mr Fairbanks said that the
Chestnut business is around pubs with rooms rather than just dining facilities. There is a
current demand for such establishments and it is a key part of their business plan.

Councillor Davies observed that the plans showed two trees on the border with The Manse
which would mitigate the overlooking issue. However, these trees were not currently in situ
and new ones would take time to grow.

Councillor Roberts wondered if an end board might help to reduce overlooking from the first
floor walkways.

The Chair said that the Council would consider the application later in the meeting and all
visitors were welcome to stay and observe the consideration. She thanked all those who had
contributed and closed the open public session.

141.25.26 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence received from Councillors Hurley, Matthews and Smith were NOTED.

142.25.26 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST S OR DISPENSATIONS

None.

143.25.26 MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF 8 JANUARY 2026

It was proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Price and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that the minutes of the Council Meeting of 8 January 2026 be approved as a
correct record.

144.25.26 MATTERS ARISING/UPDATES

Minute 130.25.26 – National Planning Policy Framework – Councillor Roberts asked
Councillor Davies if Babergh had issued any briefings on the NPPF. Councillor Davies said
there would be no summary but Babergh DC’s full response would be available in due
course once the officers and members had completed their review of the consultation
document and would share appropriate papers with the Parish Council when completed.

Minute 138.25.26 Development in South West Babergh – Councillor Roberts asked if there
was any update on the invitation to join other parishes. The Chair said she had today
received details of possible dates for a meeting, the first face-to-face and thereafter virtual.
Most parishes had responded positively to the invitation.

Minute 119.3 East End Liaison Group – In response to a question as to progress with the
meeting with Circles, the Clerk said he was waiting to hear from the Chair and Councillor
Davies upon the nature, venue and attendees for the meeting. It was agreed that all relevant
residents should be invited; that Circles be asked if they would host the meeting and
Councillor Davies said she would send the Clerk a list of agenda items.

145.25.26 CHAIR’S REPORT

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The Chair presented her written report and expanded upon the item relating to East Bergholt
Community Land Trust. She reported that an application for CIL funding had been made by
the CLT and as there was a time limit on the opportunity the Council should consider the
application shortly. To that end she was calling an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council and
after discussion it was agreed that this should be scheduled for Thursday 19 February.

The Chair’s report was noted.

146.25.26 COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

County Councillor Hall presented her written report and expanded upon it. SCC had
approved its budget for 2026/27. It had also been notified that its request for elections to be
deferred would be agreed by Government extending the term of current County Councillors
by two years.

SCC Highways had reported to County Councillor Hall that a successful meeting had taken
place with East Bergholt PC representatives upon proposals to improve safety on the B1070.
Councillor Roberts was pleased a meeting had finally taken place. PJA had updated design
drawings and County Councillor Hall said she would follow up with officers. PJA will forward
the new set to SCC and then hope to liaise with the officers. County Councillor Hall will
follow up with officers as the matter progresses.

The Chair mentioned that a 20mph speed limit was also discussed yet despite indications
that these would be easier to obtain, the engineer did not sound as though it would prove to
be any easier and Councillor Roberts believed that officers will still be persuaded by their old
practices even though the political mindset is shifting. The Chair asked County Councillor
Hall to follow up on this impression and establish if the members and officers were working
to the same agenda.

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

District Councillor Davies presented her written report and expanded upon it. The Grange
operators now have a list of residents who wish to be permanent residents and they are
considering how to organise it, not least because those residents are located variously
throughout the site. 65 households have so far indicated their wish to be designated as
permanent residents, however not all relevant residents have given their views yet so this
figure could rise. The Chair advised that the outcome of these considerations needs to be
written down so that the planning agreement, legal agreement and any other document can
be reviewed annually and the current intent is not lost in years to come. District Councillor
Davies said that the Council Tax position remained chaotic and yet to be resolved.

In reply to a question from Councillor Burns as to the new tenant of the old Co-op store, the
Chair said that she had been informed by the Co-op representative that the due diligence on
the lease was still proceeding but we could expect some news in a couple of weeks’ time.
With regard to seeking to list the store as an asset of community value, District Councillor
Davies said that she had been informed that the Parish Council would have a reasonable
chance of obtaining a listing if it could produce the right evidence which she was
endeavouring to collect and would report back to the Parish Council in due course. On

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balance she thought it best for the Parish Council to await the new tenant before passing a
resolution to seek an ACV listing.

District Councillor Davies reported that the limousine business is still being conducted from
Whites Field though Babergh DC lawyers are likely to take enforcement action shortly.

Councillor Price mentioned the trimming of trees along the verges of Hadleigh Road
adjacent to the school. No-one was quite sure who owned this land and the Clerk was
requested to conduct a search at HM Land Registry.

District Councillor Davies referred to Ipswich Borough Council’s bid to become the next City
of Culture (apparently a town is allowed to enter the competition) and she sought the Parish
Council’s support for Ipswich in this regard, which support was given by the Council.

The Chair thanked District Councillor Davies for her contribution.

147.25.26 CORRESPONDENCE

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

Date Sender Subject
1. 04/02/26 Local resident Pedestrian Safety
2. 08/02/26 Babergh East Parish and
Police Forum

Minutes of meeting of 3 December 2025

Item 1 – A resident had expressed concern about safely crossing the B1070 from Foxhall
Fields to Constable Gardens and vice-versa. Councillor Roberts, who has been involved in
B1070 issues offered to respond to the resident.

Item 2 – If any member has any questions upon these minutes, they should contact
Councillor Matthews direct.

148.25.26 PLANNING

148.1 Planning Consultations received

DC/26/00115 Woodgates Farm, Woodgates Road, East Bergholt, CO7
6RE – Application for listed building consent. Repair of
timber frame and repairs to ground floor windows of the
front elevation.

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

DC/25/05596 The Red Lion, The Street, East Bergholt, CO7 6TB – Full
planning application. Erection of 14no bed and breakfast
rooms, cladding of existing public toilets and associated
works.

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It was noted by the Chair that the application was incorrect as
it stated the approved access to the land behind the car park
was via a gate adjacent to the toilets whereas the car park
lease provided that such access was adjacent to the gate to
the cemetery.

Consideration was given upon whether to seek a condition
relating to preserving local heritage with reference to building
materials and height but on balance the Council was not so
minded.

It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by
Councillor Allen and RESOLVED (unanimously) that approval
be recommended subject to the following conditions:
1. A condition to minimise the impact on the amenity of
neighbours with reference to overlooking, excessive
light and noise and how these issues might be
mitigated;
2. A Construction Management Plan be in place before
the works commence to minimise disruption within the
car park during the construction period; to enable the
car park and public toilets to remain available
throughout the construction period; and to facilitate
vehicular and pedestrian access to the cemetery
throughout the construction period.

DC/26/00157 Land east of the Constable Country Medical Centre,
Heath Road, East Bergholt – Application for the
modification of a section 106 planning obligation –
variation of section 106 legal agreement dated 8
February 2018 relating to B/16/01092 with a first deed of
variation dated 8 December 2021 and a second dated 17
January 2023.

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor
Burns and RESOLVED (eight voted for, none voted against)
that no comment be made upon this application.

DC/26/00047 Kenalan, Park Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6XS –
Householder application – Erection of single storey flat
roof extensions to sides and rear (following demolition of
existing garage and boot room).

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

DC/26/00500 Willy Lott’s Cottage, Flatford Lane, East Bergholt, CO7
6UL – Planning Application. Installation of
commemorative stone and re-alignment of adjacent
fence and associated works.

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

148.2 Planning Correspondence

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

149.25.26 STRATEGY, POLICY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

149.1 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 be noted and the payments due in January 2026 amounting to £26,066.30 be
approved.

149.2 Bank Reconciliation Statement – The bank reconciliation statement for January 2026
was NOTED.

150.25.26 OTHER COMMITTEE MATTERS

150.1 Burial Grounds Committee – The draft minutes of the Burial Grounds Committee
meeting on 29 January 2026 were noted. Councillor Davies said she was very opposed to
the extermination of moles in a natural habitat, which she could not condone under any
circumstances. Councillor Allen said that the moles were burrowing into and disturbing
graves and whilst the committee did not want to have to commission pest control contractors
to effect extermination, all other measures had failed to deter the moles and it reluctantly
considered it was the only way the safeguarding of the cemetery could be preserved.

150.2 Neighbourhood Plan Committee – The report from Councillor Roberts was noted.

150.3 Playing Field Committee – The draft minutes of the Playing Field Committee meeting
on 22 January 2026 were noted. Councillor Woodcock reported that the Solar Project for the
Pavilion was now complete. He was particularly grateful for the assistance of the Assistant
Clerk. Chris Tuppen and Councillor Roberts during the course of the project. The Chair
asked about the lock on the gate behind the Tennis Club clubhouse. Councillor Hockley
explained that the matter had become very complex and he was in the process of achieving
a sensible resolution and will report back.

150.4 Roads, Footpaths and Flatford Committee – The draft minutes of the RFF Committee
meeting on 22 January 2026 were noted.

150.5 Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee – The draft minutes of the SPF Committee
meeting on 29 January 2026 were noted.

150.6 Young People Committee – The report from Councillor Burns was noted.

150.7 Other Working Groups – In Our View – The report from Councillor Burns was noted.
The Chair congratulated Councillor Burns and John Lyall for their interview on Suffolk

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Sounds. Councillor Price added that it is likely that Constable Hall will be the venue for Any
Questions on Radio 4 on 17 July.

Community Events – The report from Councillor Matthews was noted.

151.25.26 CONSERVATION AREA EXTENSION

The Chair recounted the history of the conservation area and the reason for seeking an
extension which was to provide extra protection for the views which Constable painted; to
protect the heritage of the village and the way it had grown up around the old Heath
(common land); and to preserve the green spaces and heavily used green footpaths through
the centre of the village. She presented the appraisal prepared by HCUK together with her
short summary and in particular the slide Figure 5 on page 4 of the summary which showed
the proposed extended conservation area boundary. Public consultation was necessary to
explain to the village why an extension was considered necessary and this would commence
with an open day on 28 February at the Congregational Church. Once wider consultation
had taken place by way of introduction to village groups and residents, Babergh DC will take
on the formal process.

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Burns and RESOLVED (eight
voted for, none voted against) that the Council approve the area for extension of the
conservation area as shown on the plan 1.2 Figure 5 of the appraisal.

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Davies and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that the Parish Council hold a public open day be held on 28 February at the
Congregational Church and further consultation with village groups and residents over the
following month so they are well informed about the conservation area proposals ready for
the formal consultation processwhich Babergh DC will lead.

152.25.26 SUMMER FAIR 2026

Councillor Burns presented her report upon proposals for a Summer Fair on Sunday 14 June
2026 which would take place at the end of Constable’s birthday week and be coordinated
with In Our View, the celebration of 250 years of John Constable.

It was proposed by Councillor Burns, seconded by Councillor Roberts and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that the Council in collaboration with East Bergholt Community Council
organise the Summer Fair 2026 on Sunday 14 June 2026 and that a working group chaired
by Councillor Burns undertake the arrangements and report to Council every month up to the
date of the event.

153.25.26 REVIEW OF COUNCIL POLICIES

The Clerk presented his report covering the review of a range of Council policies.

It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor Elmer and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that the amended Standing Orders attached to the report be approved and
adopted.

The Chair requested that those Standing Orders legally required be emboldened for ease of
reference.

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It was proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Elmer and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that the amended Persistent or Vexatious Correspondence and Complaints
Policy, attached to the report be approved and adopted.

It was proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Davies and RESOLVED
(eight voted for, one voted against) that the Media and Social Media Policy attached to the
report be approved and adopted.

The Website Accessibility Statement was withdrawn for further consideration.

It was proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Davies and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that the Equality and Diversity Policy attached to the report be approved and
adopted.

It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock, seconded by Councillor Davies and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that the Grant Application Form attached to the report be approved and
adopted.

154.25.26 URGENT COMMUNICATIONS

None

155.25.26 KEY POINTS FROM THE MEETING

The main points from this meeting for further publicity were:

Conservation Area Extension, Red Lion application, Co-op update, Summer Fair, B1070
meeting, SCC election postponement.

The meeting closed at 9.47pm

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

Date of next meeting Thursday 12 March 2026