Summary report of the Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 25 November 2021
Please note: To obtain a copy of the full formal minutes of this meeting, please email the Parish Clerk, parish.council@cockfield.org.uk.
On-going residual actions:
Bandstand: Cllr Southgate had provided a work scope and specification to the Clerk for the refurbishment works to seek quotation. Whilst the paint work needed to be delayed until the spring the timber repairs should be actioned as soon as practicable.
Pavilion Balustrade: Quotations for the further external refurbishment remained outstanding. However, again this work would now be carried out in the Spring.
Village Hall Car Park: Cllr Cutting-Keyton had compiled a schedule of Maintenance work relating to the Village Hall Car Park. At this point mainly weeds and vegetation issues.
Suffolk County Councillor and Babergh District Councillor Reports.
Council Robert Lindsay provided a written report as he was not able to attend, which gave updates on;
£12.8m investment into ensuring Council buildings become carbon neutral,
Motions for full council meeting 2.12.21:
First motion calls on the County Council to urge Suffolk police to publicly commit to enforcing 20mph zones,
Second motion asks the County Council to confirm its responsibility to making our roads safer for Suffolk residents and visitors,
Shortage of Flu Jabs in East of England Lorry Route Map Review in Suffolk
Councillor Margaret Maybury submitted a written report covering her wider ward activities although nothing explicitly concerning Cockfield.
Councillor Clive Arthey noted we would soon hear about a key central government initiative roll out “Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans” (LCWIP)
Public comment:
Neil Ashton attended to advise he had been elected the chairman of the Community Council;
Paul Heather raised a number of concerns relating to highways / footpaths, which the Council would review / action.
Planning: applications received by the Parish Council for consultation:
DC/21/01336: Submission of Details (Reserved Matters in Part) following approval of DC/18/00474 and subsequent DC/20/04440 for the Appearance, Layout, Scale and Landscaping of Plot 2. (Phased development for the erection of 3No dwellings). Plot 2, Bury Road, Cross Green, Cockfield Suffolk IP30 0LG.
(Consultation Response Deadline: 01/11/21) The Parish Council consulted on this application in April and did not support the Reserved Matters Application but were given a 2nd opportunity (of one working day) to add any further comments on the scheme negotiated by the Applicant with BMSDC. Cllrs supported the amended scheme.
DC/21/06007: Full Planning Application – Erection of a vehicle workshop with office and staff welfare facilities (following the demolition of existing vehicle workshop). Location: Mgt (Suffolk) Ltd Corner Farm, Lawshall Road, Cockfield, IP30 0JP. (Consultation Response Deadline: 25/11/21). Clerk has notified BMSDC that the PC will not be commenting on this application as it is outside the Parish Boundary.
DC/21/06047: Full Planning Application – Erection of 1No Self-Build Dwelling including new vehicular access and landscaping (re-submission of withdrawn application DC/21/05029). Location: Land Adj. To Gambrel, Chapel Road, Cockfield, Bury St Edmunds IP30 0HE. (Consultation Response Deadline: 26/11/21) The Parish Council supported this on a majority vote
APP/D3505/W/21/3277336: The Horseshoes Inn Ltd: Erection of 2No detached five-bedroom dwellings, rearranging the car parking relating to the public house. Creation of vehicular access drive to serve the two dwellings. Demolition of the existing double garage together with additional landscaping Location: Three Horseshoes, Stows Hill, Cockfield, Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP30 0JB (All Comments Must Be Received By: 13/12/21) The Parish Council reiterated it position of objection as there was not material evidence change
Babergh District Council planning permissions/refusals received:
DC/21/01336: Submission of Details (Reserved Matters in Part) following approval of DC/18/00474 and subsequent DC/20/04440 for the Appearance, Layout, Scale and Landscaping of Plot 2. (Phased development for the erection of 3No dwellings). Plot 2, Bury Road, Cross Green, Cockfield Suffolk IP30 0LG. Decision: Reserved Matters Approved.
DC/21/00279: Submission of details for reserved matters following approval of DC/18/00474 and subsequent DC/20/04440 for the appearance, layout, scale and landscaping of Plot 1. (Phased development for the erection of 3No dwellings). Land At Bury Road, Cross Green, Cockfield, IP30 0LG. Decision: Reserved Matters Approved.
DC/21/03660: Discharge of Conditions Application for DC/19/04755- Condition 8 (Estate Roads and Footpaths), Condition 10 (Parking), Condition 11 (Refuse Bins), Condition 12 (Construction Management Plan), Condition 13 (Construction Environmental Management Plan), Condition 14 (Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy), Condition 15 (Landscape Environmental Management Plan), Condition 17 (Levels), Condition 19 (Surface Water Drainage Scheme), Condition 26 (Swift Boxes), Condition 27 (Hedgehog Fencing), Condition 28 (Rainwater Harvesting), Condition 29 (Electric Car Charging Points) and Condition 30 (Tree Survey) Location: Land To The Rear Of Plough And Fleece Inn, Great Green, Cockfield, Bury St Edmunds Suffolk. Decision: Approved Conditions.
DC/21/04445: Householder Application – Erection of an outbuilding Windsor Green Farmhouse, Windsor Green, Cockfield, Suffolk IP30 0LY Decision: Planning Permission Granted.
DC/21/02296: Submission of details (Reserved Matters) under Outline Planning Permission DC/19/04755 dated 22/02/2021. Appearance, Landscaping, Layout and Scale for Erection of up to 28no. dwellings (Plots 5, 6 and 7 of Reserved Matters Permission DC/19/02020 to be repositioned/amended). Land To The Rear Of Plough And Fleece Inn, Great Green, Cockfield, Suffolk. Decision: Reserved Matters Have Been Approved.
DC/21/03720: Discharge of Conditions Application for DC/18/00306- Condition 15 (Surface Water Drainage Scheme), Condition 16 (Implementation, Maintenance and Management) and Condition 19 (Foul Water Strategy) Location: Land To The West Of Plough And Fleece Inn, Great Green, Cockfield, Suffolk. Decision: Approved Condition.
APP/D3505/W/21/3271431: Land North of Howe Lane, Cockfield, Suffolk • The appeal is made under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 against a refusal to grant planning permission. • The appeal is made by Mr C. Shallow (David Hodge Farms) against the decision of Babergh District Council. • The application Ref DC/20/05849 dated 21 December 2020, was refused by notice dated 12 February 2021. • The development proposed is erection of 2 no. detached dwellings and associated garages (with access). Decision: Appeal Dismissed.
APP/D3505/W/21/3269479: Plough and Fleece Inn, Great Green, Cockfield IP30 0HJ • The appeal is made under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 against a refusal to grant planning permission. • The appeal is made by R East & J Sadler against the decision of Babergh District Council. • The application Ref DC/20/04886, dated 30 October 2020, was refused by notice dated 22 December 2020. • The development proposed is the Change of use of public house to a single dwelling. Decision: Appeal Dismissed.
Neighbourhood CIL: (New Bus Shelter at Mackenzie Place); A Street furniture application has now been lodged with SCC, this will allow us to provide a larger and updated bus shelter and bus stop facility.
Future of the Village Minibus: The Working Group (Cllrs Southgate, Brinkley, Morley, Levett and Golding) had met to discuss opportunities for further use of the bus. It was agreed to continue with funding given the COVID situation and it is hoped circumstances next year will allow better conditions to promote the bus usage. The vehicle requires to be sign written similar to the previous bus, such it has greater visibility / appeal.
Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebrations 2022: Councillors heard that plans are still in the initial stages and the working group continued to explore cost and arrangements for the event.
Councillors agreed to purchase an Elm tree to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee as part of the “Green Canopy” Celebration.
BMSDC Draft Housing Land Supply Position Statement Consultation: The Parish Council saw no reason to make any formal comment to the Authority. It was noted the land supply as being in excess of the 5 year threshold at 6.86 years. A key value when considering planning applications and compliance.
Greens Management: Councillors noted that Tom Shepherd was no longer able to cut the perimeter of the Great Green. Therefore the Clerk would seek alternative providers for next season.
Glebe Land: It was agreed that the Parish Council purchase annual membership of the National Allotment Society at a cost of £55.00 + VAT.
Earls Meadow: Councillors noted the excellent work of the volunteers and in particular the dedication of Melvin Cocksedge in mowing and the like to keep the area in good condition.
Playground: The Clerk had met with the Contractor concerning the hand strap issue together with the matter raised on the insufficient safety surface. However, the contractor was able to demonstrate compliance with the requirement, after it was found the surface had been covered with soil.
Parish Paths: It was noted that action is required to repair / replace the footpath sign and bridge at the “Stone”.
Other Assets: Maintenance work is required to the notice board at Crowbrook and the picnic table at Great Green.
Highways and Emergencies: It was noted that at Cross Green a hole directly abutting the A1141 had developed and was growing larger. This would be reported to highways as believed to be their responsibility
