Minutes Signed

Meeting Date:

Summary
This summary is generated by AI and may contain errors. It does not form part of the official minutes.
Explore the latest updates on local waste management as a new analysis of bin contents is set to begin. Residents are encouraged to report any concerns about the Masons Landfill site. Plus, exciting developments at Gipping Valley Bowls Club with a new pavilion underway.
Present
Chair Cllr Nick Leonard, Cllr Matt Powell, Cllr Will Durrant, Karen Grimwood (Parish Clerk), SCC Cllr Chris Chambers, MSDC Cllr Marriott and 2 representatives of the GBVH Committee.

Minutes

  1. To receive and approve any apologies for absence.
    1. Cllr Wheeler & Cllr Kemp
  2. Declaration of any pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests — None
    1. Councillor's declaration of interest appropriate to any item on the agenda.
    2. To receive written requests for dispensations for disclosable pecuniary interest (if any)
    3. To grant any requests for dispensations as appropriate.
    4. Co-option of parish councillor(s) to sign declaration of acceptance.
  3. Public Forum
    1. To receive the report from the County Councillor — See attached report.
      • Waste - During June and July, the Waste Analysis Company will conduct anonymous sampling of random bins in Suffolk. This initiative aims to gather insights into the contents of residents' bins, which will be valuable for future waste management strategies.
      • Masons Landfill - Cllr Chambers has received information from SCC indicating that their investigation concluded the landfill site is adhering to its operational conditions. However, Cllr Chambers does not fully agree with this assessment and encourages anyone who observes any activities that appear to violate these conditions to take a photograph and report it to the parish council.
    2. To receive the report from the District Councillor — See attached report
    3. To receive questions from members of the public
      • Why has GBPC not had an article in the Intouch magazine? We encountered some instances where our articles were not published due to unexpected issues, along with some challenges related to their volunteer distribution. However, we are pleased to report that these matters have now been resolved.
      • Any updates for No 88 Bus route? Cllr Chambers has indicated that an update will be provided once all necessary support for the routes has been secured.
  4. To approve the Draft Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 8th May 2025. Approved
  5. To note the Clerk's update from previous Meetings.
    1. Shades Home Maintenance have accepted the contract offer for the maintenance tenders. Noted
    2. Gipping Valley Bowls Club expresses its gratitude for the support received in constructing the new pavilion. They would like to extend an invitation to the councillors for another visit to see the progress firsthand. - Clerk to arrange a visit
  6. Planning
    1. To consider the following planning applications.
      • DC/25/02395 7 Moses walk, Great Blakenham, Ipswich, Suffolk IP6 OGT Installation of four rapid electric vehicle charging stations and ancillary equipment within the car park of Blakenham Stores. No objections
    2. To note any planning determinations.
      • 21 Hood Drive, Great DC/25/01400 Blakenham, Suffolk, IP6 ONP Erection of single storey rear extension and two storey front extension. Granted
  7. Growth, Highways, and Infrastructure
    1. Note Travel behaviour survey report for Suffolk — Noted
    2. Note Publication of the Baylham Neighbourhood Plan Exam Report — Noted
    3. Port One — A meeting took place with Port One on May 28, 2025, where they shared their vision for the proposed expansion area extending to Blueleighs and the Great Wood, and further to Circular Road, pending the approval of planning applications. The presentation detailed the potential developments and transformations that could arise if the project proceeds. Council members were presented with various options highlighting possible benefits for the village.
    4. Offer of alternative allotment land — The land agent has proposed an alternative site for the allotment, located opposite the junction of Meadow Drive. They provided a concept of how the land could be developed, along with the potential for a long-term lease or outright sale. The clerk will inquire about the costs associated with the lease before any decision is made.
  8. Governance
    1. GBVH funding request — The Village Hall committee has requested funding to upgrade their intruder and fire alarm systems to meet safety standards and comply with insurance requirements. The estimated cost for this project is around £28,000. Recognising the village hall's importance as a community asset, the councillors have agreed to contribute up to £26,000, while the committee will seek additional funding from other sources.
    2. Gipping Meadows Management Plan - The report seeks to preserve the site's natural character, enhance its ecological significance, and ensure ongoing public access. To achieve this, MSDC has enlisted the expertise of an ecology consultant to evaluate the site and develop a management plan. This plan will focus on identifying key ecological features, outlining strategies for their enhancement, and integrating these efforts with the needs of public access and recreational activities. Clerk to enquire how ponds will be maintained and whether an elevated walkway will be included in the plans.
    3. Consultations from BMSDC on Licensing policy, Community Governance Review, CIL Charging Schedules, Listed Buildings - Noted with no comment
    4. Local Government Reorganisation - Town and Parish workshops and survey Noted
    5. CIL expenditure report — Report was approved by councillors. Clerk to submit to MSDC
  9. Village Maintenance
    1. Speed Device — The speed monitoring device on Gipping Road is believed to be malfunctioning due to vandalism. Parish Council are currently investigating whether it can be repaired by an electrician or if it needs to be returned to the manufacturer.
  10. Churchyard and Cemetery. None
  11. Training and Development for Councillors and Clerk - None
  12. Finance
    1. To consider approving and making the following payments: Approved
      • Suffolk County Bacs Council Yearly streetlight maintenance — Inv 9555629 £1,050.22
      • Paroll Endin 31.5.25 £1,316.67
      • Shades Street Cleaning as per tender Inv 2681 £197.00
      • Shades Hacknes Corner as per tender Inv 2683 £507.50
      • Shades Grounds maintenance as per tender Inv 2682 £48.84
      • Payments outside of meeting Three DD Council hone contracts £50.61
      • Nest DD Month 2 Endin 31.5.25 £6.00
      • UniTrust DD Bank Fees £216.80
    2. Income received
      • Bank Balance @ 31.05.2025 Unity Trust Current Account Balance - £185,037.71
      • Unity Trust Saver Account Balance - £12,032.47
      • Total - £197,070.18
  13. Reports - To receive reports from Councillors assigned to the following:
    1. Village Hall representative — Cllr Karen Wheeler has volunteered for this role. Clerk to inform GBVH secretary.
    2. Village Hall update - The hall has recently appointed Steve Plume as its new chair, alongside some adjustments in trustee roles. The accounts have been submitted to the charities commission accurately and punctually. A new website is currently in development, and profits have shown a positive trend. To meet mandatory standards and insurance requirements, there are plans to upgrade the fire and intruder alarm systems. Event bookings remain strong and consistent, and there is an ongoing search for more volunteers to assist with various hall activities.
  14. Correspondence
    1. Boardly & Roberts Land — We have received several complaints about the business next to and owned by Boardly and Roberts, highlighting concerns about its proximity to residential areas and the unsuitability of the access road to Plummers Dell for heavy goods vehicles and coaches, as indicated by the signage. There are also issues regarding the presence of large vehicles, measuring 12 meters and weighing up to 15 tons, which raises safety concerns for both pedestrians and other vehicles. Additionally, the site appears to be inadequately developed for such operations, lacking necessary wheel stop provisions for nearby residents, and floodlights have been installed without the required planning permission. The Clerk will contact MSDC regarding these planning issues, while Cllr Marriot and Cllr Chambers will investigate further.
  15. Future meetings
    1. To note invitation for items to be considered in the next meeting.
    2. To note the date of the next scheduled Meeting on 10th July 2025 and any items for the agenda. Clerk to

Chairman …………………………………………………. Date ………………………...........

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