Minutes Signed

Meeting Date:

Summary
This summary is generated by AI and may contain errors. It does not form part of the official minutes.
Concerns were raised about visibility issues caused by a new fence during roadworks between Sproughton and Bramford, and the council is addressing this. Residents also discussed safety concerns over trees near their property, leading to council support for careful tree management. Additionally, the council is awaiting feedback on green waste collection.
Present
Vice Chair Cllr Debbie Kemp, Chair Cllr Nick Leonard, Cllr Will Durrant, Karen Grimwood (Parish Clerk), District Cllr Addrienne Marriott, SCC Cllr Chris Chambers and three members of the public

1. To Receive and Approve Any Apologies for Absence

None

2. Declaration of Any Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Interests

  1. Councillor's declaration of interest appropriate to any item on the agenda. None
  2. To receive written requests for dispensations for disclosable pecuniary interest (if any). None
  3. To grant any requests for dispensations as appropriate. None
  4. Co-option of parish councillor(s) / to sign declaration of acceptance. None

3. Public Forum

  1. To receive the report from the County Councillor — See attached report. Cllr Chambers is still waiting for feedback regarding Sackers from the last meeting. Cllr Marriott expressed concerns about the fence that has been installed whilst the roadworks between Sproughton and Bramford are being completed, noting that it obstructs visibility. Cllr Chambers will raise.
  2. To receive the report from the District Councillor — See attached report
  3. To receive questions from members of the public — None

4. To Approve the Draft Minutes of the Meeting of the Council Held on 24th September 2024

Approved

5. To Note the Clerk's Update from Previous Meetings

  1. Hedge trimmer has been purchased. Noted
  2. Email has been sent to Highways to see if they can collect green waste. Awaiting response. Noted
  3. Insurance policy has been renewed with Cas Ltd. Noted
  4. Contacted MSDC requesting advice on dog fouling issues in the village. Awaiting response. Noted

7. Planning

  1. To consider the following planning applications. DC/24/04350 26A Blueleighs Park, Chalk Hill Lane, Great Blakenham, Ipswich Suffolk IP6 0ND Application for works to trees subject to Tree Preservation Order MS141/W1 - Fell 3 Ash trees (T1, T2 and T3) - Deadline 22/10/2024. Two residents participated in the meeting to address the planning request concerning their property affected by the trees. They expressed safety concerns for themselves and their property in the event of falling trees during severe weather. Although they own their property, they lease the land, leading them to believe that the landowner should bear the costs of ensuring the trees' safety. Nonetheless, they are in favor of the planning permission proceeding while they negotiate costs with the landowner. Council are against the removal of any trees on this site; however, the safety concerns for residents are paramount. Agreed to support this application, provided that only the minimum necessary measures, such as pollarding or coppicing, are undertaken to ensure the trees' and residents' safety, rather than complete removal.
  2. To note any planning determinations. None

8. Growth, Highways, and Infrastructure

  1. Speed device data - See attached report. Clerk to post on social media.
  2. Port One Liaison Update - The upcoming liaison meeting with Port One and MSDC is scheduled for November 17, 2024, with the Chair confirming attendance. There is a general sense of disappointment regarding the slow progress on solar panels and Gipping Meadow, which will be raised at the meeting.

9. Governance

  1. Gipping Valley Bowls Club update - The project has submitted quotes for the necessary work to be completed. Confirmation is requested to ensure coverage, allowing them to proceed with the work. Payment will be made to Gipping Valley Bowls Club upon receipt of a proforma or invoice.
  2. Policy Reviews — Internal Control Statement, Data protection & Information and Financial regulations policies all reviewed and approved
  3. Royal British Legion / St Marys Xmas fair — Agreed to contributing £50 for the Remembrance Day wreath and £100 for the Christmas fair.
  4. CIL money - The Parish Council has received a Neighbourhood CIL payment of £4,125.00 following a referral to debt collectors due to non-payment by the developer. This amount is expected to be deposited into the Parish Council's bank account on or after October 15, 2024
  5. PKF Littlejohn External Audit - The councillors expressed their satisfaction with the external audit conducted by PKF Littlejohn, noting significant improvements compared to previous years. They attributed much of this progress to the clerk, acknowledging her contributions since her appointment two years ago. The issues identified by the audit have already been addressed by the internal audit and incorporated into the current action plan.
  6. River Gipping Trust - The councillors reviewed the support request submitted by the River Gipping Trust and agreed to donate £1,000 to help cover their annual insurance expenses. This decision recognises the Trust's considerable efforts to improve pathway accessibility for all residents in Great Blakenham and nearby areas.
  7. Draft Budget - The clerk presented provisional six month & year-end figures and a draft budget for review and approval at next month's meeting. Preliminary assessments indicate that an increase in the precept may be necessary for the financial year 2025/26 due to increased costs.

10. Allotments

  1. Update — Allocation of plots is currently in progress.

11. Village Maintenance

  1. Tender Contracts - Contracts for village maintenance, street cleaning, and litter picking discussed. Council members agreed that tenders need to be reviewed and possibly issued separately for each service. Clerk requested to collate all the information for further discussion.

12. Churchyard and Cemetery

Hedge cutting was delayed but should be completed by the end of October.

13. Training and Development for Councillors and Clerk

Training booked for Cllr Leonard

14. Finance

  1. To consider approving and making the following payments: Approved
    • PKF Littlejohn Audit Fee ending 31.03.24 - SB20242611
    • HMRC P30 Ending 05/10/2024
    • Payroll Clerk - Ending 30.09.24
    • Shades Street cleaning as per tender - 2548
    • SALC Training - Cllrs chairing meetings - 29343
    • EE/K Grimwood Reimbursement for WiFi hub/phone
  2. Payments outside of meeting — Approved
    • Printerland Xerox Standard Capacity Toner Pack
    • Nest Month 6 Pension Ending 30.09.24
    • Lloyds Bank Card fees
    • Unity Trust Bank Service Charge
    • Three (HG) Clerk phone
  3. Money Received — Noted
    • MSDC Precept-Part 2 Plot D11 - Vincent £26,250.00
    • Cemetery Fees EROB £200.00
    • Unity Trust Bank Credit Interest £65.31
    • Unity Trust Current Account Balance @ 30.09.2024 £214,022.91
    • Unity Trust Saver Account Balance £9,641.73

15. Reports

To receive reports from Councillors assigned to the following:

  1. Village Hall — Cllr Debbie Kemp. The parish council is concerned that no new trustees have been appointed to the village hall, which is essential for its full operation and that they have not received any minutes from the last meetings. There are still unresolved issues regarding funding, tenders for roof repairs, and necessary details for the installation of solar panels. Councillor Kemp and the clerk will collaborate to assist the trustees in advancing these matters as much as they can without getting involved with the day-to-day running of the hall.

16. 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 21st November 2024 and any items for the agenda.

Karen Grimwood
Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer
Email: pc@greatblakenham.suffolk.gov.uk
Phone: 07463329570
Date: 04/10/2024

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