1

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 MEETING
Thursday 13 February 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 P Dent
Councillor R Elmer
Councillor M Hockley
Councillor M Hurley
Councillor L Matthews
Councillor J Price
Councillor R Wombwell

In Attendance
G White, Parish Clerk
N Reed, Consultant
Four members of the public

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION
Stuart Colbear, the applicant for application DC/25/00470 explained the proposal to create
on Woodlands Farm by conversion and extension of an existing barn, dwellings for himself
and his family and his two siblings and their families. The number of dwellings was reduced
from the existing permission and the properties were reduced to a single level. The footprint
of the development had shifted slightly to accommodate these changes.

The Chair thanked Mr Colbear for his contribution which would be taken into account when
the Council considered the application.

135.24.25 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence received from Councillor Woodcock were NOTED.

136.24.25 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST S OR DISPENSATIONS
None.

137.24.25 MINUTES

2

It was proposed by Councillor Dent, seconded by Councillor Roberts and RESOLVED
(eleven voted for, none voted against) that the minutes of the meeting of 9 January 2025 be
approved as a correct record.

138.24.25 MATTERS ARISING/UPDATES

Minute 117 Items 5 & 6 – Red Lion – The Chair provided an update upon progress made
since the last meeting when the Council agreed to enter into the agreement with Mr
Peachey. Step 1 of the agreement, the line painting, had been completed. In relation to Step
2, valuation, the Council had commissioned a firm of Chartered Surveyors to conduct a ‘Red
Book’ valuation. This was expected by 25 February. On 28 February Arthur Charvonia, CEO
Babergh DC, will host a further meeting between the parties before which it is hoped the
parties will be able to exchange valuations and establish whether there is consensus. If the
valuations differ the two parties will need to see whether the differences can be resolved
through negotiation.

The Chair explained that a working group comprising herself, the Vice-Chair, and Councillors
Elmer and Davies had met on weekly occasions and had looked at funding options including
the Public Works Loans Board, for which there was a complicated process. Before the
Council could seek a loan, it requires an application for borrowing approval from the
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The application to DLUHC will
require a purchase price to be agreed, a business case written, funding resources (including
parish council resources) to be identified, an analysis of the results of a full consultation with
the village, and a formal resolution of the council to make application for a loan. The Group
is gathering evidence to accompany such application for the approval of the council.
Consultation with the village is also required. Councillor Davies is talking to Babergh DC to
establish whether there are any funding opportunities via CIL or Section106 funds. A
business case is required and the working group will submit a draft to the next meeting for
consideration. The meeting between the Council group, Mr Charvonia and Mr Peachey on
28 February will be important to establish the latest positions.

This matter will be a standing item on Council agenda whilst the matter is ongoing.

Councillor Hockley said he considered it vital that users of the car park would have free
access from The Street and he was concerned if a ransom strip was retained.

In answer to Councillor Hockley, Councillor Roberts explained that a ‘Red Book’ valuation
was one carried out on a standard basis via a RICS template. If both valuations were carried
out on the same basis any variances should be easy to identify. The Council’s valuation
would cost £3400 + VAT.

Councillor Dent asked if there had been any discussion with Mr Peachey. The Chair said
there had and this was reflected in the agreement. There has been a further meeting which
Arthur Charvonia had chaired between Mr Peachey and his representative, the Chair, Vice-
Chair and Councillor Davies.

Councillor Davies referred to the Council resolution to seek the listing of the pub as an asset
of community value and asked whether a community nomination had been submitted. The
Chair explained that such nomination required the collection of substantial evidence and this
was being undertaken. However, the priority was the purchase of the car park.

3

Minute 121 East Bergholt United Charities – Councillor Hurley asked if there was any further
explanation as to why the Charities had declined to meet the Parish Council. Councillor
Hockley, a trustee of the Charities, said that the Trustees did not think they had anything to
discuss with the Parish Council. The Chair said the Council wanted to discuss the sand and
gravel pits and also other community matters to which both parties might combine to realise
community benefit. The Clerk was requested to write appropriately to the Secretary of the
Charities.

Councillor Hurley said he found the attitude of the Charities to be incredibly disappointing
though Councillor Price said this was a false impression. The Chair remarked that this was
not how it felt to her. Councillor Price considered the Chair’s remark to be inappropriate.

Councillor Hockley said that certain trustees do not want interference from anyone else and
that it was not for third parties to interfere in matters which were not their business. This was
not a view held by all trustees and Councillor Hockley said he was working on recruiting new
trustees with a broader perspective. The United Charities do a good job with the Alms
houses, but Councillor Hockley thought the substantial reserves of the charity should be
used for community benefit.

Minute 117 – Item 1 Babergh Initiative – In reply to Councillor Roberts’ question, Councillor
Matthews advised that the Community Group was not eligible at this time for a grant under
the scheme.

139.24.25 COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

The report from County Councillor Hall had been circulated and was NOTED. Councillor
Roberts did not consider it to be a helpful report and it would be more helpful if she would
attend meetings regularly as there were a number of current issues requiring of dialogue
with the County Councillor, such as Suffolk’s budget, devolution, and the Suffolk SEND
report which was considered to amount to a whitewash but for which there was no member
of the Conservative administration present to answer members’ criticisms. On top of this
Suffolk CC elections in 2025 had been postponed, prolonging the current administration and
leaving electors disenfranchised.

Councillor Roberts proposed, Councillor Hurley seconded and it was RESOLVED (ten voted
for, none voted against) that County Councillor Hall be advised of the Council’s
dissatisfaction of her sporadic attendance at Parish Council meetings and requests more
regular attendance in the future.

District Councillor Davies presented her report which had been circulated and expanded
upon it.

The Babergh budget was depressing due to the severe financial pressures.

Upon devolution, there will be elections in 2026 for a Suffolk Mayor but the Shadow Authority
elections have been put back to 2027. The new Authority will be established in 2028.
Babergh DC along with the other Suffolk districts is endeavouring to arrive at a single Suffolk
solution but at present the County Council favour one authority for Suffolk whereas the
districts are seeking two, at least. A proposal has to be submitted to Government by the
autumn. The Chair encouraged the districts to stick to their guns in the interests of truly local
community representation.

4

Councillor Price added that there has been no public consultation so far and it is understood
that authorities have submitted proposals to Government for new town areas. District
Councillor Davies said that no such proposals had been submitted for Suffolk.

Regardless of all the foregoing the Joint Local Plan for Babergh is continuing to be finalised
and will extend to 2044 with a review every five years by whichever new authority/authorities
is/are established. It must be noted that Babergh is required to identify sites 775 houses per
year from 2024-2044, a total of 15,500 and any areas for development should be identified
to give a strategic idea of what is going on in Babergh and to enable design control.

In terms of community representation Babergh DC aims to express its dissatisfaction with
both the County Council and central government upon proposals which will take
representation too far away from local people. In the new order there may be an enhanced
role for parish councils as that will be the only local representation available.

The Chair thanked District Councillor Davies for her contribution.

140.24.25 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 EB Parochial Church Council Request for grant aid
2. Undated St Elizabeth Hospice Request for grant aid
3. Undated Babergh DC Great British Spring Clean
4. 10/01/25 Rob Smith Red Lion
5. 30/01/25 National Grid Consultation
6. 31/01/25 Dedham Vale Society Manningtree Station Car Park – Legal
case
7. 03/02/25 Suffolk Preservation Society Application DC/24/04060 (Oranges and
Lemons)
8. 23/01/25 Brantham PC Request for grant aid

Item 1 – It was proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Hockley and
RESOLVED (unanimously) that the East Bergholt Parochial Church Council be praised for
their project and pursuant to Section 1 of the Localism Act 2011 a grant of £163.54 be
awarded.

Item 2 – It was proposed by Councillor Hockley, seconded by Councillor Hurley and
RESOLVED (unanimously) that pursuant to Section 1 of the Localism Act 2011, a grant of
£250 be awarded to St Elizabeth Hospice.

Item 3 – There were no volunteers to take on this project this year.

Item 4 – The Clerk will forward his response to Mr Smith and if necessary the Chair will
respond to clarify that the car park alone was not for sale, it was only for sale in combination
with the development land.

5

Item 5 – In response to an enquiry from Councillor Roberts, the Chair advised that the
Council had already taken a view that the preferred solution was that the cabling be
underground or via the sea. She would re-submit the Council’s views.

Item 6 – The Council congratulated the Dedham Vale Society on its success in the landmark
legal case. It noted that the Society had said there is much work still to do.

Item 7 – The representations will be taken into account when the application is considered.

Item 8 – The request for grant aid was referred to the Strategy, Policy and Finance
Committee for consideration.

141.24.25 PLANNING

141.1 Planning Consultations received

DC/25/00054 White Cottage, Cemetery Lane, East Bergholt, CO7 6RZ –
Householder application – Erection of single storey Garden
Room, Insertion of new door, side screens, and storm porch
(following demolition of conservatory.

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

DC/24/04060 Land adjacent to Oranges and Lemons Café, Rectory Hill, East
Bergholt, CO7 6TL – Planning application. Erection of 1no two-
storey dwelling.

The Council noted that refusal had been recommended on 10
October 2024, and whilst the building has now been set back slightly
and the ridge height reduced, the reasons for refusal remain the
same as before. In addition, the Council supports the views of
Suffolk Preservation Society.

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor
Matthews and RESOLVED (ten voted for, two voted against) that
refusal be recommended on the following grounds:

This site lies in the EB conservation area and in the Dedham Vale
Natural Landscape.

The introduction of a new building on this space will have a
significant impact on the character assessment of this corner of the
village, impacting negatively on its sense of place, and directly
impacting on the views of the listed building of the Town House and
the Kings Head building (now known as Oranges and Lemons).

This garden plot (previously the pub garden) is part of the
commercial business estate relating to the King’s Head and had
previously been used for serving beer and lunches for the King’s
Head pub. Currently along one side of the garden is car parking for
the very successful Oranges and Lemons café and shop. The

6

parking for the café business is already difficult as it is a busy road,
one of the main car arteries of the village, and which forms the
tourist route from the village centre to the
National Trust’s Flatford Mill (200,000 visitors per year).

Building a new house along this road side will reduce the car parking
space spaces along the road currently used by the business
customers of Oranges and Lemons causing damage to the business
of the currently thriving facility which is important for East Bergholt
residents and for visitors from across the District. The entrance to
the proposed House’s car park is directly adjacent and merges with
the entrance to the Oranges and Lemon’s car park causing a safety
hazard with all the car movements each day and all day.

Policy EBP2 of East Bergholt’s Neighbourhood Plan includes the
following paragraphs:

• “Would not have an unacceptable adverse impact on the
Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Map 9), Local
Green Spaces or sites biodiversity and geodiversity importance;”

• “Conserves, enhances and respects the Conservation Area
(Map 18), heritage assets and built character of the local area,
respecting the density, rhythm, pattern, proportions and height of
existing development in the street scene;”

• “Would not have an unacceptable adverse impact on the local
highway network;”

• “Would be of an acceptable size and scale that contributes to
the character of the village and the “Sense of Place”

This application contravenes these policies by:

• Having an unacceptable impact on this are of the Dedham Vale
Natural Landscape and the East Bergholt conservation area by
creating infill in this area that is commemorated in John Constable’s
paintings, part of our village’s local history tourist route.

• Has direct impact on the listed Town house building to the east and
the heritage Kings Head to the west of the site, closing down what is
currently a cosy village scale scene with the crowded infill of another
significant building.

• Has a direct impact on parking as the entrance to the property
would take away much needed parking space impacting on the
Oranges and Lemons business viability.

• Takes away from the “sense of place” of this ancient corner of
our village

Although the Heritage report says there will be no substantial harm,
this is non-compliant with the National Policy Planning Framework.

7

DC/25/00161 7 Hop Meadow, East Bergholt, CO7 6QR – Householder
application – Erection of two storey side extension to double
garage to form annexe accommodation for family members.

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

DC/25/00297 Home Farm, Straight Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6UU –
Application to determine if prior approval is required for a
proposed erection, extension or alteration of a building for
agricultural use. T&CP (General Permitted Development)
(England) Order 2015 (as amended) Schedule 2 Part 6 –
Erection of 1no agricultural building.

Babergh DC marked this consultation as urgent with a reply
needed in 7 days. An extension was sought.

Babergh refused the extension, stating:

This is the standard time we offer for this type of application.

It should be noted that this is not a formal planning application
insofar as we can debate the compliance with the Development
Plan. Instead, this is a notification on if the scheme proposed
accords with the General Permitted Development Order (2015).
Regardless of the views expressed, this is more so a black and
white decision of does it accord with Schedule 2, Part 6.

As expressed within the notification letter that was issued, time
constraints are key in this case, and if a decision is not made in
a timely manner deemed consent will be granted. This means
regardless of if the scheme complies with Schedule 2, Part 6,
they would be free to go ahead.

District Councillor Davies advised that prior approval had not been
required and that earlier in the day Babergh DC had determined that
Permitted Development had been approved.

DC/25/00262 Doria, White Horse Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6TU – Application
under s73 for removal or variation of a condition following
grant of planning permission DC/22/05433 dated 31/03/23. To
vary Condition 2 (Approved plans and documents) as per
revised plans submitted.

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

DC/24/04684 Bowls Club, Sportsfield, Gandish Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6TS
– Planning application – Erection of shed 8’ x 6’

8

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

DC/25/00470 Woodlands Farm, Park Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6XT –
Planning Application – Phased self-build and custom-build
development consisting of conversion and extension of
existing barn to form 1no dwelling and the erection of 3no
single storey dwellings (in lieu of Class Q Approval
DC/24/01183), associated landscape works and improved
highways access.

Councillor Roberts commented that the proposal for the barn
conversion was consistent with current Neighbourhood Plan policy
and the proposal to demolish the barn with class Q approval for 5
dwellings and instead build 3 single storey dwellings on the site
would provide a better planning outcome.

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

141.2 Planning Correspondence

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

142.24.25 STRATEGY, POLICY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

142.1 Schedule of Payments and Income – It was proposed by Councillor Elmer, seconded
by Councillor Allen and RESOLVED (nine voted for, none voted against), that the schedule
of payments and income and the bank transfer be noted and the payments due in January
amounting to £16,294.49 be approved.

142.2 Bank Reconciliation Statement – The bank reconciliation statement for January 2025
was NOTED.

142.3 Half Year Audit 2024/25 – The Clerk presented his report and the Internal Auditors’
Half Year Audit report 2024/25. The financial processes and procedures were considered
adequate and appropriate and only three minor recommendations were made which had all
been addressed.

It was proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Price and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that the Half Year Audit Report 2024/25 be received and approved.

143.24.25 OTHER COMMITTEE MATTERS

Roads, Footpaths and Flatford Committee – Councillor Price reported that the Footpath
Warden’s work will be publicised on social media by the Media consultant but Councillor
Price asked members not to inundate him with additional tasks as he is a volunteer and has
only limited time available.

9

There is a minor works training scheme for volunteers promoted by Suffolk County Council
who provide the necessary equipment and training. This may fit into a wider volunteering
project should the Council wish to promote one.

Flatford Lane has been cleaned out but water continues to flow down the road in adverse
weather. Councillor Price said he would continue to pester the highway authority until this
was completely resolved.

Councillor Price considered he had been too cautious in dealing with the Stour Valley
Cycleway Project and with the assistance of the Assistant Clerk was now going to formalise
and maintain a document library with appropriate shared access.

Speed Indicator Device sites were being explored and risk assessments for the Litter Picker
and the car Park had now been approved.

Burial Grounds Committee – Councillor Hurley reported that the job description for the
Cemetery Groundsman position had now been settled by the committee and the post was
advertised until the end of the month. He would be seeking volunteers from the committee
for an appointments panel.

Councillor Hurley had been given a demonstration of the digitised burial system by the
Assistant Clerk. He has seen it up and running, working and in daily use. The one
outstanding feature is the digital map. The officers require it to show in separate colours for
the filled, reserved and empty graves and this feature is under development but not yet in
place. Pending that the officers are running parallel systems using the old maps for some
grave identification issues. Councillor Wombwell thought we should ask for a project
completion report from the contractors so that we can see whether we have a satisfactory
return on investment. It is intended to make the system available to the public but we need to
consider whether reservations should remain private.

Playing Fields Committee – Councillor Hockley stood in for Councillor Woodcock who was
absent due to family issues. He reported that the Pavilion project was almost completed.
There had been a major clearance of the area behind the tennis courts to enable the cricket
club nets project to proceed in time for the 2025 cricket season.

There is serious weed infestation on the sports field itself which was not treated in the
autumn and a contractor has been asked to submit a quote for the necessary work. The
field will not be sanded this year. There is also rabbit infestation and new or better fencing
may be required. Dog mess is causing issues on and around the football pitch and a
publicity campaign is under consideration.

A potential solution to the car parking problem would be to move the children’s playground
completely and re-site it behind Constable Hall thereby enabling a 70-90 vehicle car park to
be established. The Chair said this proposal needed to be put to the Playing Fields
Committee for consideration and a resolution before any formal consideration could be made
by the Council.

There is still quite a lot of work to do on the Tennis Club project and the Chair said she was
going through all the paperwork with the Clubs lead to verify the financial and procedural

10

aspects so as to be able to sign-off orders for works. Negotiations are ongoing in respect of
bringing large plant on site.

The Chair thought it would be useful for representatives of the tennis and cricket clubs to
have some dialogue so that the two project do not conflict with each other.

Expressions of interest for groundworks must be referred back to the Playing Fields
committee.

Neighbourhood Plan Committee – Following the Extraordinary Council meeting on 6
February concerning the Neighbourhood Plan review, there was no further report.

Young People Committee – Councillor Davies reported that 4YP was the contractor selected
to undertake the youth club project. Earlier in the week Councillor Burns had shown their
representative round Constable Hall, the Pavilion, the Congregational Church and The
Lambe School and he would consider these venues for their plans.

Councillors Davies and Matthews had met parents of Under 5s to see what facilities they
would like for their small children.

The requirements of working mothers and those at home all day need to be researched, with
the Parish Council potentially able to facilitate for those wishing to provide services to those
categories.

Other Working Groups

Website Working Group – Councillor Wombwell was not satisfied with the report received
from the consultant and cannot report on the success of the project until he has answers to
the questions asked. He hoped to be able to report fully to the next meeting. The Chair said
she had received good feedback on the navigability of the new website.

Community Drop-in – Councillors Matthews and Hurley presented the report which had been
circulated. The current form of Drop-in sessions will be replaced with sessions every other
month based on the B-Well bus together with associated activities. The Chair asked what
action was necessary to make the new style of sessions work and what can CAS and the
Shaw Trust do to get the community to congregate on the stated dates to help develop a
plan with Babergh DC’s Community Liaison Officer.

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Hockley and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that sessions on the stated dates be held based on the B-Well bus with the
Lambe School in support and that a plan be developed for the future in conjunction with
Babergh DC’s Community Liaison Officer.

144.24.25 SUMMER FAIR

The Council considered the report from the Assistant Clerk. It was proposed by Councillor
Burns, seconded by Councillor Hurley and RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Summer Fair
2025 be scheduled for 6 July 2025 on the Playing Field and that a Working Group led by
Councillor Burns be established to organise the event.

Councillors Hurley, Matthews and Dent volunteered to join the Working Group.

11

145.24.25 THE GRANARY

Councillor Matthews declared a non-pecuniary interest as a volunteer for the National Trust
and left the meeting.

Consideration was given to the report submitted by Joyce Baker. The Chair said that the
Council was being asked to assist with the listing of The Granary in respect of which Joyce
Baker had been unsuccessful both in her application and upon appeal, but new and better
evidence was now available and an application from the Parish Council might carry more
weight. Councillor Roberts said it would require specialist expertise to lead the project and
the Chair considered such expertise was available through volunteers who could collate the
evidence and prepare the case for the Parish Council to submit.

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Burns and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that with the assistance of expert volunteers, the Council collate the evidence
and submit an application for the listing of The Granary.
Councillor Matthews returned to the meeting.

146.24.25 REVIEW OF COUNCIL POLICIES – STANDING ORDERS

The Clerk submitted his report which recommended that the current Standing Orders be
approved for a further year.

Councillor Burns proposed, Councillor Hurley seconded and it was RESOLVED (ten voted
for, one voted against) that the gender neutral word ‘Chair’ replace ‘Chairman’ throughout
Standing Orders.

It was proposed by Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Davies, and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that reference to the Young People Committee and its terms of reference be
added to Section 13 of Standing Orders.

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Hurley and RESOLVED
(unanimously) that subject to the two foregoing amendments, Standing Orders attached to
this report be approved and adopted and reviewed in February 2026.

147.24.25 RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PUBLIC (INCLUDING THE PRESS)

It was proposed by Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Allen 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.

148.24.25 MINUTES

It was proposed by Councillor Price, seconded by Councillor Roberts and RESOLVED
(eleven voted for, none voted against) that the confidential minutes of the meeting of 9
January 2025 be approved as a correct record.

149.24.25 MATTERS ARISING/UPDATES – CAR PARK

12

Councillor Hurley declared a non-pecuniary interest in the Car Park due to his friendship
with the Landowner and left the meeting.

The Chair updated the Council on matters relating to the purchase of the car park and the
application for borrowing approval. The final outcome of these matters will be placed in the
public domain but at present there remain a number of uncertainties.

The meeting closed at 10.43pm

Date of next meeting Thursday 13 March 2025

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