Summary report for the Parish Council meeting held 26th July 2018
Following recent work on the Asset and Risk Registers these were adopted.
County Councillor Robert Lindsay noted the SCC school bus strategy review had concluded with the new arrangement to now be implemented in September.
Cllr Linsey also confirmed his 50% contribution to an additional playground sign at Great Green. However, lead time from the Highways is an astonishing 12-14 weeks.
District Councillor Clive Arthey noted in this round of CIL bidding 7no bids had been validated by Babergh as meeting the criteria. The Council believed it somewhat odd they were now required as statutory consultees to comment on its own bids and that of the Village Hall management committee. Nevertheless, after discussion the clerk would respond formally to BDC on the points raised.
It was noted that the Babergh move to transfer small pockets of land, namely those in Dukes Meadow, to Parish ownership had not moved forward in the month. However, further investigation was needed on stability, tree root risk and responsibility. In addition, following notification from BDC the council would investigate the implication of a resident apparently showing interest in a parcel of this land.
Whilst the principle of a defibrillator was agreed there was some concern whether the old telephone box in Howe Lane was actually fit for purpose and the most appropriate location. As such checks would be made into the practicality of relocating the box or if a possible standalone installation at the village hall could be considered better.
Cllrs agreed to approach a village trades person for urgent refurbishment and to paint the deteriorating boxes on a not to exceed nominal budget.
Our insurer was continuing to investigate if the trees around the pond were contributing to the cracking in a wall of the pavilion.
The clerk had carried out an audit of electricity usage at the pavilion. Further investigation on usage and efficiency would be undertaken. Discussion would be held with key users to see where improvements could be made.
The Council agreed it needs to undertake a review of the pavilion management hire etc and align responsibilities between the Community Council and the Parish Council.
The Council had obtained a guidance document for village recorders. Whilst not a direct Council responsibility there was anxiousness village events were not being covered for future generations. Further discussion to be held with the recorder on the matter.
The play area at Great Green had the bark covering spread and cleared. It was noted the annual safety inspection was booked for the ROSPA September area rota. Cllr Brinkley to attend.
An additional speed awareness display device was agreed to be purchased with a different display format, although a slightly different bracket arrangement was required to fit our current posts. Cllr Turner was to investigate.
Cllr Williams noted the new shed had been erected at the Earls meadow site.
The event to mark the hundredth anniversary of the end of the first world war. Having registered interest, details had now been received from the Pageant Master outlining the arrangements for such events. The lighting of the beacon would be explored in a joint effort with the community council to join in with national commemorations.
Next Meeting – It was noted that the next Ordinary Meeting of the Council would be held on Thursday 27th September at 7.30pm in Cockfield Village Hall.
The Parish Council may be contacted through the Clerk, Steve Ball 01284 828987 or by email at parish.council@cockfield.org.uk
Planning Decisions: It was noted that the following Babergh DC decisions have been received
DC/17/05332 – Erection of 42 no. dwellings (Full Planning. Application); Erection of 9 no. self-build plots (Outline Planning Application), including access road, shared surface roads, community open space and footpath connections to existing community meadow. Land To The North West Of, Mackenzie Place, Planning Application Granted
DC/18/01547 – Discharge of Conditions Application for DC/17/05303 – Condition 4 Land South West Of, The Croft, Windsor Green, Condition Satisfied.
DC/18/02619 – Erection of two storey rear and single storey side extensions and associated alterations to existing outbuilding to form 1 No. dwelling: Variation of Condition 2 The Old Manse, Chapel Road, Application Granted.
DC/18/01878 Erection of agricultural storage building. Earls Hall Farmhouse, Earls Hall Road, Cockfield, Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP30 0JD Planning Application Refused.
Full details of all planning applications can be found on the Babergh District Council website. Details of how to make public comments on any planning application are also available on the Babergh website.
