Public Participation Session:
Suffolk County Cllr Lindsay highlighted a number of issues from his report, including the Budget Cuts approved by the Cabinet, Citizens Advice Cuts, Investment in Special Educational Needs facilities, the Orwell (wet dock) Bridge Plan, School Admissions Consultation, the new Opt-In Policy for School Travel and provided an update on the 30mph missing sign at Cross Green.
Babergh District – Cllr Arthey confirmed the composition of the 2019-20 Council Tax, advised on the Babergh & Mid-Suffolk CIFCO Investment (Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils’ property investment management company) and provided a CIL 123 Bid Update.
Parish Clerk’s Report:The Clerk highlighted some key items from the report, namely, receipt of the 2017-18 VAT Refund, BMSDC acknowledgement of the Precept and the need for a new Section 19 Small Bus Permit. The Clerk was asked to apply for a new Permit.
Glebe Land Purchase:The Meeting reviewed the Clerk’s summary Report, Draft Contract and Transfer Documentation and raised a number of questions which were answered by the Clerk. Cllr Morley Proposed and Cllr Webster Seconded the approval of the Exchange of Contracts with the Diocese. The Proposal was carried and Cllr Southgate and Cllr Morley signed the documents.
2019 Elections (2nd May 2019): The Clerk explained the process and timescales for Councillor Nominations for the 2019 Elections and reminded Councillors of their responsibilities during the Moratorium Period.
The Clerk described details of Nomination, Address and Consent forms and how to access them. All nomination papers have to be lodged in person and rules allow the Clerk to deliver Nomination forms to BMSDC, on behalf of existing councillors wishing to stand for election.
The Clerk explained the process for filling any vacancies should there be any after 2nd May 2019 election
The Clerk was asked to review dates of the Annual Parish Meeting and the Annual Parish Council Meeting as these have to align with statutory timescales associated with the Elections.
Pavilion: Cllr Webster confirmed that he had drafted ‘Guidance for Hirers’, but highlighted the need to conclude;
a) The Football Club’s consent for Hirers of the Pavilion to be able to utilise the furniture in the Pavilion,
b) Clarify the maximum number of people allowed in the Pavilion “fire limit”
c) Copies of PL Insurance Certificate, Fire Certificate, Fire Risk Assessment and General Risk Assessment for display at the Pavilion.
d) The Clerk was requested to commission an LCA contractor to undertake the Legionella risk Assessment.
Greens Management: It was agreed maintenance works should proceed as seasonal needs and weather allows for;
(a) Fertiliser treatment (b) Harrowing (c) Aeration/Hollow Tyning (d) Herbicide treatment.
Local Needs Housing: Cllr Morley provided an update on the Mackenzie Place development in that work continues by the Housing Association and Babergh with detailed design engineering and site investigations and advised that a series of themed articles in Green Links would be published on a regular basis.
Parish Paths: Cllr Turner advised that the handrail on the steps leading from the Earls Hall road bridge down to the meadow was loose and required maintenance. Cllrs Morley and Williams were asked to investigate repairs.
Highways and Emergencies: Cllr Cutting-Keyton advised that Suffolk Highways were about to repair potholes in the Smithwood Green area, would also be re-filling the grit in the Village Hall Carpark bin. Commitment had been received to resolving the long running flooding problems at the junction of the A1141 and Windsor Green.
Play Equipment: Cllr Williams to be asked to undertake urgent Weed control of the bark in the playground area.
The Clerk was asked to contact Suffolk Highways as it is believed the new Playground sign has been installed in the wrong position. i.e. too far to the Chapel Road end.
The Parish Council would like Suffolk Highways to install an additional post at the Great Green south side on which to support the traffic speed warning device.
It was noted that the following Babergh DC decisions have been received:
DC/19/00361 – Non-Material Amendment DC/18/05163: Change of colour from white to grey for all new and replacement doors and windows. Change bathroom side window. 2 Dukes Meadow, Cockfield, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 0HR. Amendment Details Approved.
DC/18/05573 – Full Planning Application – Conversion and adaptation of existing outbuilding to create a residential annexe: Bullswood Lane Farm, Bullswood Lane, Cockfield, Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP30 0JE.
Planning Permission has been Granted.
DC/18/04698 – Householder Application. Erection of a single storey extension to annexe: South Barn, Cross Green, Cockfield, Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP30 0LG.
Planning Permission has been Granted.
DC/18/04716 – Application for Listed Building Consent. Erection of a single storey extension to annexe: South Barn, Cross Green, Cockfield, Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP30 0LG.
Listed Consent has been Granted.
DC/18/05445 – Discharge of Conditions Application for DC/18/00474 – Condition 7 (Archaeological Works): Land to the South of Water End Cottage, Cross Green, Cockfield, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 0LG.
Approved Conditions.
