Minutes
- Present
- Chair Nick Leonard, Cllr Matt Powell, Cllr Karen Wheeler, Karen Grimwood (Parish Clerk), SCC Cllr Chris Chambers and MSDC Cllr Adrienne Marriott and 2 members of the public.
1. Apologies
To receive and approve any apologies for absence – Cllr Debbie Kemp
2. Declaration of Interests
Declaration of any pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests – None
- 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 any report from the District Councillor – See attached report.
- To receive questions from members of the public – None
4. Approval of Minutes
To approve the Draft Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 11th September 2025 – Approved
5. Clerk's Update
To note the Clerk's update from previous Meetings.
- Insurance renewal – Noted
- Response from land agent – Land Tenancy Stowmarket Road. The Land Agent confirmed that legal costs for preparing the Tenancy Agreement would normally be met by the Tenant. A quotation will be obtained from the Landowner’s solicitor once the agreement principles are settled, with estimated fees of £1,000–£1,500 + VAT. The land value figure previously mentioned was indicative only and not a formal valuation. The Parish is advised to obtain an independent valuation. No sale price is being fixed at this stage, although the proposed tenancy would include a future right to purchase at agricultural land value. The PC agreed to await the legal cost quotation, consider obtaining a valuation, and review the Tenancy Agreement principles when available.
6. Planning
- To consider the following planning applications. Agreed
| Reference | Location | Proposal |
|---|---|---|
| DC/25/04083 | 59 Blueleighs Park, Chalk Hill Lane, Great Blakenham, Ipswich Suffolk IP6 0ND | Application for works to Trees subject to Tree Preservation Order MS/141/W1 - Trim 1 No. Oak (T1) by approximately 2 - 2.5 metres – Comments by 10.10.25 Agreed No Comment |
| SCC/0118/25 MS | Whip Street Motors Bramford Road Great Blakenham IP6 0JX | Retrospective application for the retention of weighbridge Comments by 16.10.25 – Agreed no comment |
- To note any planning determinations.
| Reference | Location | Proposal |
|---|---|---|
| DC/25/03466 | Port One, Bramford Rd, Little Blakenham, Part in the Parish of Gt Blakenham | Discharge of Conditions Application for DC/22/06288 - Condition 33 (Surface Water Disposal - Unit 12) Noted |
| DC/25/03648 | 67, Blueleighs Park, Gt Blakenham IP6 0ND | TPO – remove all dead wood Noted |
| DC/25/03793 | 64 Blueleighs Park Chalk Hill Lane, Great Blakenham, Ipswich Suffolk IP6 0ND | Works to Trees subject to Tree Preservation Order MS141/W1 - Pollard 1 No Oak (T1) reduce height and width by 10 ft Noted |
7. Growth, Highways, and Infrastructure
- Joint Neighbourhood Plan – The Chair has attended all meetings regarding the Five Parishes Joint Neighbourhood Plan. After discussion, councillors agreed that the village would not benefit from participation in the plan, as it is will have no impact on the Port One Development. It was noted that there is very little land remaining in Great Blakenham available for future development, and therefore contributing funds towards the consultants would not provide any tangible benefit to the parish. Clerk to email MSDC of their decision.
- Note Joint SHLAA – Noted
8. Governance
- Policy Reviews – It was agreed to amend the Financial Regulations to update the authorised signatories for payment approval. All councillors will now be designated as authorised signatories to ensure that payments can be processed as required, depending on which councillors are present at meetings. This change is necessary due to the small number of serving councillors. Once amended, the Financial Regulations were approved. The Complaints Policy, Data Protection and Information Management Policy, and Equality, Internal control Statement and Diversity Policy were also reviewed and approved.
- Discuss Christmas in the village – Councillors discussed ideas for Christmas activities in the village, including having a Christmas tree, organising carol singing, and decorating the area with solar lights. A budget of £500 was agreed for the project. The Clerk will look into the costs of the proposed items and approach local businesses and stores to see if they are willing to contribute or sponsor any part.
9. Finance
- External Audit Report – The councillors were pleased to note that the external audit report from PKF Littlejohn was very good, with no action points raised. The report has been uploaded to the parish council website as required
- River Gipping Funding Request – It was noted that the River Gipping Trust has done a great job over the past year keeping the paths along the Gipping River clear for everyone to enjoy. They have also worked hard to remove the invasive Himalayan balsam weed. As this work is expensive, the parish has agreed to contribute £1,000 towards it
- Discuss draft Budget/financial report – Councillors have reviewed the six month financial report and have not identified any overspending. The budget is on track, and is anticipated to remain within plan for the end of the financial year. Councillors reviewed the draft budget report 26/27 and noted that amendments are required. It was agreed that the Clerk would include bank clearance fees, consider potential land rent for the land on Stowmarket Road, costs to vacate the allotment site and possibly reduce the funding budget and it will be reviewed again at the next meeting.
10. Village Maintenance
- Bramford Rd Bank Clearance Councillors have approved the quote for the contractor to carry out bank clearance on Bramford Road for the next three years. The clerk is to advise the contractor accordingly.
- Bulb planting – It was agreed that there would be no more bulb planting this year but the money would go towards potential Christmas decoration / tree for the village.
11. Allotments
None
12. Churchyard and Cemetery
- Tree removal in churchyard – The tree in the churchyard has been removed. Work has commenced to tidy the cemetery and reduce the height of the hedges to a manageable level.
13. Training and Development for Councillors and Clerk
No updates.
14. Finance
To consider approving and making the following payments – Approved
| Payee | Method | Description | Amount | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PKF Littlejohn | Bacs | External Audit | £378.00 | LGA 1972 s111 |
| Shades | Bacs | Street Cleaning as per tender - 2756 | £1275.33 | LGA 1972 s111 |
| Shades | Bacs | Grounds Maintenance as per tender – 2757 | £758.33 | LGA 1972 s111 |
| St Marys Church | Bacs | Christmas Fayre | £100.00 | LGA 1972 s111 |
| Cas ltd | Bacs | Insurance Policy Renewal 1.10.25 – 30.09.26 | £967.73 | LGA 1972 s111 |
| Three | DD | Mobile phone contracts | £33.98 | LGA 1972 s111 |
| Payroll | Bacs | Clerk Salary | £1203.12 | LGA 1972 s111 |
| HMRC | Bacs | P30 ending 05.10.25 | £424.96 | LGA 1972 s111 |
| Nest | DD | Pension Month 6 | £70.87 | LGA 1972 s111 |
| Lloyds Card | DD | Microsoft renewal | £104.99 | LGA 1972 s111 |
| Salc | Bacs | Payroll service ending 30.09.25 | £57.60 | LGA 1972 s111 |
Income received
08/09/2025 - Precept Part 2- £27,562.50
17/09/2025 - Cemetery Fees - £250.00
30/09/2025 - Credit Bank Interest - £923.98
Total - £28,736.48
Bank Balance @ 30.09.2025
Unity Trust Current Account Balance - £51,985.11
Unity Trust Saver Account Balance - £164,226.49
Total - £216,211.6
15. Reports
Village Hall Update – The work to upgrade the fire alarm system has been completed. The parish is seeking volunteers to serve as trustees or assist with events. The council is invited to consider collaborating on a Summer Fete in 2026. Councillors agreed that they would be happy to look into join the hall for a summer fete.
16. Correspondence
- Hood Drive maintenance – It has been reported that there is an overgrowth of vegetation and trees adjoining a property on Hood Drive. There has been some uncertainty regarding who is responsible for maintaining this piece of land. It has now been confirmed by Suffolk Highways and Mid Suffolk District Council (MSDC) that they do not own the land. It has therefore been agreed that it is the homeowner’s responsibility to manage and maintain it.
17. Future Meetings
- To note invitation for items to be considered in the next meeting.
- To note the date of the next scheduled Meeting on 13th November 2025 and any items for the agenda.
Karen Grimwood - Email: clerk@greatblakenhamparishcouncil.gov.uk
Date: 10th October 2025.