Minutes Signed

Minutes

Present: Cllr Steve Plume (Chairman), Cllr Will Durrant, Karen Grimwood (Parish Clerk), District Cllr John Field and four members of the public.

1. Apologies for Absence

Cllr Kemp, Cllr McNamee, Cllr Leonard, SCC Cllr Chambers

2. Declaration of Interests

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

3. Public Forum

To receive the report from the County Councillor — See attached Report
To receive the report from the District Councillor — See attached report
To receive questions from members of the public

Resident very concerned with the misleading article in the local paper asking the local public to make suggestions for the gifted Port One land supposedly called Gt Blakenham Riverside Park. Questions were asked about who decided to call it a park, would the PR company retract the article, why has it been suggested for any development when the deeds state the land is water meadow grazing land and is not fit for development, were the parish council aware of the article, who is responsible for the bridge.

Parish council (PC) advised that they were not made aware of the article. Cllr Plume contacted the PR company (PR) and gave them further information about the land and the fact that it floods in the winter, has no vehicle access or potential parking. PR company apologised for calling the project a Park. PC has asked for a meeting so that PR company can come and see the land and have a full discussion on the future of the land. PC would want to ensure that all parties ie MSDC, PR, PC and planning talk to each about the project and who will take over the maintenance. Cllr Durrant will investigate who is responsible for the bridge. It was suggested that the project be called "Water Meadows". PC would be keen to keep the land as wild as possible.

Resident has concerns of proposed Highways Map of two lanes of traffic coming from Sproughton direction towards Claydon merging with the traffic turning left into Bramford Road. It is felt that this will not help the traffic build up but will in fact make it worse.

4. Approval of Minutes

To approve the Draft Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 9th March 2023. Approved. Minutes of the Extraordinary meeting 2nd March were also approved.

5. Clerk's Update

Has now received the breakdown costs for the request to donate towards the replacement of the Parish Room doors and back window. MSDC are making a significant donation so it was agreed that PC would donate the shortfall of £6000.00 to the Parish rooms.

6. Planning

To consider the following planning applications.
- SCC/0083/22M Masons Landfill, Bramford Road, Great Blakenham, Ipswich, IP6 0JX. This is a re-consultation following requests from consultees for additional information. PC has concerns that solar farm would not be environmentally aligned with the land. Would future development planning for the pits such as Valley Ridge have less scope if the view is less attractive with solar panels. Was aware that a recent poll states that the landowners are against a solar farm.
To note any planning determinations.
- DC/23/01177 20 Chequers Rise, Great Blakenham, Ipswich, Suffolk IP6 0LT. This is a re-consultation following requests from consultees for additional information. Noted
Any other planning matters to note — None received

7. Growth, Highways, and Infrastructure

Update on replacement of Zebra crossing lights Stowmarket Road. Cllr Chambers will email to clerk as unable to attend meeting
Update on faulty crossing floodlights Gipping Road adj. Masons Drive. Advised that this has now been fixed
To discuss instalment of bus shelter on Bramford Road. The shelter has been installed and positioned as to avoid underground services; we have been advised that road markings will be renewed soon.
To note report on 3rd Party Asset Maintenance and Energy costs. Suffolk Highways are in procurement stage for a new street lighting contractor who will begin 1st October 2023. Once in place they will have a better idea of the maintenance costs for the forthcoming year. Cost for year 2022-2023 are £2000.64 + VAT
To discuss Gt Blakenham Riverside Park regeneration. Discussed in question 3

8. Governance

To consider new phone contract for Cllrs phone. Agreed a new contract at no further cost but has better minutes, £15 per month
To consider cost of Wifi hub for Parish Council meetings. Agreed as was considered cheaper than requesting to install phone line and paying for Wifi and line on behalf of parish rooms £17 per month
To note internal audit is booked 2nd May-5th May 2023. Noted
To discuss village engagement survey. This will be completed by GBVHC and they will provide PC of outcome once completed.
To discuss communications between clerk and councillors. Postponed until next meeting
To review / adopt policies. Agreed that clerk can update policies if only small change but if there are significant changes will need agreement in council meeting
To discuss play equipment on Village Hall Playing Field. Two reps from GBVHC advised that they have agreed to take full control of the Playground project and maintenance. They will be using Playquip as contractors and this includes a yearly inspection of play equipment. Two new multiplay pieces of equipment have been ordered with an upper and lower section, an inclusive roundabout and renovation of remaining equipment to all safety requirements and stainless steel. Looking at July as installment date. Included will be a pathway to give everyone access to equipment. Would appreciate any help with Phase two of the project to see if any further equipment could be added. Advised that they cannot increase the play area too far as this will encroach on the football pitch. Will be applying for funding to help achieve completion of project. Would like to note that working with the two representatives from the PC on this project was very positive.
To note refund cheque from Barham Picnic Site Project has been reissued due to problems with signature mandate. Noted
To note that communications with Rialtas are ongoing and looking to go live in June/July 2023. Noted

9. Allotments

To note that we have a waiting list for plots. Agreed that clerk can contact all plot holders to see if still want to continue with plots and to see if anyone would be interested in halving a plot so that can offer to people on waiting list.

10. Village Maintenance

To discuss tree maintenance and quotes for Mulberry Gardens. Awaiting another quote for costs as current quote appears to be too high

11. Churchyard and Cemetery

To consider any options for the rebuild and maintenance of the shelter in the Cemetery. Noted

12. Training and Development for Councillors and Clerk

To note that Salc provides 2-hour councillor training for new nominees and anyone requiring refresher. Noted

13. Finance

To consider approving and making the following payments:

Shades Removal and replace of tap at allotments - £73.90
Shades Hackneys Corner Maintenance as per tender - £2200.60
Shades Grounds maintenance as per tender - £507.50
Shades Street cleaning as per tender - £1300.00
Monthly Payroll Month ending March 31st 2023 - £2893.75
HMRC P30 Employer contributions - £256.19
ICO Data protection renewal fee - £240.00
Parish Rooms Yearly Hire fee - £2200.00
Salc Payroll services period ending 31st March 2023 - £54.00
1st Claydon Scout Group Contribution towards new "Cosy Corner" - £1000.00

14. Reports

To receive reports from Councillors assigned to the following:

Gt Blakenham Village Hall — Two reps from GBVHC advised that they have instructed a sustainability report for the village hall and once they receive the report will be looking to renovate the hall as their next project. They will be applying for funding and grants and would welcome any help from the Parish Council and MSDC. They are looking to encourage clubs to use the village hall new and old. Advised that they have completed their yearly finances but just need to be submitted. They have had a recent resignation of their secretary and will be looking to replace asap. Note that they are very positive for the future running of the village hall going forward.

15. Correspondence

Email wanting update on the problems concerning the landfill site. Cllr Chambers will email to clerk as unable to attend meeting
Email concerning access to Blue Barn Lane. This has been reported to Highways and Footpaths as no access for pushchairs or bikes. Awaiting response

16. Future Meetings

To note invitation for items to be considered in the next meeting.
To note the date of the next scheduled Meeting on Thursday 11th May 2023 and any items for the agenda.

Karen Grimwood
Clerk to Great Blakenham Parish Council
Email: pc@qreatblakenham.suffolk.qov.uk
Phone: 07508830777
Parish Council website: www.greatblakenham.suffolk.cloud
Date: 14th April 2023