Parish Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting Date:

Summary
This summary is generated by AI and may contain errors. It does not form part of the official minutes.
Emergency pothole repairs on the B1133 have begun, thanks to Cllr Chambers, but more work is needed. The council is also opposing two planning applications due to concerns about local infrastructure, noise, and environmental impact. Keep an eye on these developments as they may affect our community.

Agenda

  1. To receive and approve any apologies for absence – SCC Chris Chambers and Cllr Karen Wheeler
  2. Declaration of any pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests
    1. Councillor’s declaration of interest appropriate to any item on the agenda - Cllr Leonard in regards to 8a Headway
    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. The Parish Council wished to thank Cllr Chambers for arranging the emergency repairs to the potholes on the B1133, leading to the Claydon Roundabout. It was noted that only some of the potholes have been filled, and further repairs will be required. According to the Highways reporting tool, the remaining repairs have been scheduled since 10th February 2026. The Clerk will monitor the situation to ensure that the remaining repairs are completed.
    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 8th January 2026 - Approved
  5. To note the Clerk’s update from previous Meetings.
    1. Allotment clearance – Have not received a response from landowners solicitors in regards to clearance of land. Clerk has chased twice.
    2. Land Stowmarket Road – Have not received a response from land agent in regards to leasing the land.
  6. Planning
    1. To consider the following planning applications.
      Reference Location Proposal
      DC/350520/ Units 5 To 6 29 Gipping Road Great Blakenham Suffolk Retrospective planning application for the stationing of a Portakabin and use as an office (Use Class E(g)(i)) in conjunction with the existing uses on the site and the creation of 5 associated parking spaces. The Parish Council objected to the application on the grounds of the absence of a lighting assessment, concerns about noise pollution, and concerns received from residents.
      DC/25/05114 Land At Field Quarry (Also Known As Masons Quarry) Bramford Road Great Blakenham (Part In The Parishes Of Little Blakenham, Nettlestead And Baylham) IP6 0XJ Outline planning permission (with layout, scale, appearance and landscaping being reserved) for the extension of Port One Logistics Park. The Parish Council resolved to object to the application on the following grounds: it is contrary to the adopted Local Plan; highways concerns; impacts on nature and biodiversity; failure to adhere to previous Section 106 agreements; and the results of the community survey highlighting significant concerns regarding the impact on the village and local infrastructure.
      DC/25/03044 – Reserved Matters Port One Business And Logistics Park, Bramford Road, Little Blakenham (Part In The Parish Of Great Blakenham), IP6 0RL Application for Approval of Reserved Matters following approval of Outline ((Hybrid)) Planning Application DC/22/06288 dated 09/05/2024 Town and Country Planning (Development Planning Procedure) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) details to be considered Appearance Scale and Layout for Units 14 and 15 of the Port One Business and Logistics Park. The outline application was not an EIA. The Parish Council objected to the application on the grounds that a full updated Transport Assessment has not been provided and that further transport evidence is required prior to determination.
    2. To note any planning determinations.
      Reference Location Proposal
      DC/25/00445 The Chequers Inn, 19 Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham, Ipswich Suffolk IP6 0LP Application under S73a for Removal or Variation of a Condition following grant of Planning Permission DC/23/00589 Noted
  7. Growth, Highways, and Infrastructure
    1. Port One - At the last meeting with the Planning Department, it was suggested that the planning application expiry date may be extended to the end of March 2026, but this has not yet been confirmed, nor is it clear whether the extension would apply to the public or only to parish councils. The seven parishes forming the Parish Alliance have met to discuss formally objecting to the Port One Planning Application and considered engaging professional support from a planning consultancy. A quote was obtained for £3,300 plus VAT to review the application, identify key issues, and prepare arguments against the proposal based on local planning policy, site suitability, and the need for a full Environmental Impact Assessment. It was suggested that the Parish Alliance commit up to £5,000 for this work, with costs allocated across the parishes via the precept, which would result in a potential cost of £1,019 for Great Blakenham. The Parish Council is happy, in principle, to pay this amount but advised caution, recommending that a final decision be deferred until a more defined plan is available, as the application can be amended and the approach may need to adapt.
  8. Community Survey - The Parish Council undertook a community survey to gather residents’ views on the proposed development. We received 91 responses via both hard copy submissions and the online community platform. The results demonstrate significant concern among residents regarding the potential impact of the development on the village, its infrastructure, and its environment. Key Concerns Identified:
    • Traffic Levels & Congestion (63%) A majority of respondents expressed concern about increased traffic volumes and the potential impact on daily routines, safety, and journey times.
    • Pressure on Roads & Infrastructure (63%) Residents are worried about the additional strain on local roads, utilities, and public services resulting from increased traffic and development.
    • Wildlife & Environmental Impact (60%) Many respondents highlighted concerns about the potential effects on local flora, fauna, and overall environmental quality.
    • HGV Routes & Numbers (32%) The movement and volume of heavy goods vehicles through the village were identified as a significant concern, particularly in relation to safety, noise, and road suitability.
    • Road Safety (23%) Concerns were raised about increased risks to pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
    • Drainage & Flooding (14%) Residents are worried about flood risk, water management, and whether existing drainage systems are adequate to cope with additional development.
    • Air Quality (12%) Some respondents expressed concerns about the potential deterioration of air quality due to increased traffic and construction.
    • Light Pollution (7%) Respondents noted that additional lighting associated with development could negatively affect the rural character and night environment.
    • Noise (6%) Increased noise levels from traffic and construction were also identified as an area of concern.
    • Impact on Village Character (31%) Maintaining the village’s heritage, visual character, and strong sense of community was highlighted as an important priority, with residents concerned that development could alter the village’s identity and overall feel.
  9. Discuss Piip plan - Agreed that it may be beneficial to undertake a PIIP plan. Cllr Kemp to investigate the work required and lead on this.
  10. Governance
    1. Funding requests – Agreed to award £500 donations to the following charities: Headway, Citizens Advice, Lighthouse Women’s Aid, Oxygen Therapy Centre, and Communities Together. Cllr Leonard had previously declared an interest in Headway and therefore did not participate in the discussion or decision regarding that donation.
    2. Earmarked reserves – PC agreed to earmarked reserves for the new financial year.
      • £50,000 - Village hall sustainability
      • £10,000 - Obtaining lease and planting management for Meadows on Stowmarket Road
      • £3000 - Election Costs
      • £2000 - Port One Consultancy costs
  11. Note MSDC Consultations – Noted
  12. Note Salc Internal Audit Service – Noted the increase in audit costs. Agreed that PC would engage the auditors to complete the upcoming internal audit.
  13. Village Maintenance
    1. Note nature recovery grant – Noted. Cllr Leonard to see if he can attend the launch.
  14. Finance
    1. To consider approving and making the following payments – Payments Approved
      Payee Method Details Amount Authority
      Payroll BACS Payroll ending Jan 2026 £1075.63 LGA 1972 s111
      Nest Pension DD Month 10 ending 31.01.2026 £53.99 LGA 1972 s111
      Glasdons BACS 3 x slim grit bins £672.88 LGA 1972 s111
      Anglian water (Wave) DD 9.10.25 – 08.01.26 - 16051228 £175.84 LGA 1972 s111
      Three DD Phone contracts £33.98 LGA 1972 s111
      Parish Rooms DD Room hire 2026 £200.00 LGA 1972 s111
      Unity Trust DD Bank Service Charge £6.00 LGA 1972 s111
      Shades BACS Street cleaning as per tender - 2815 £1213.33 LGA 1972 s111
      Shades BACS Ground maintenance as per tender - 2816 £758.33 LGA 1972 s111
      Lloyds DD Card service charge £3.00 LGA 1972 s111
  15. Bank Balance @ 31.01.2026

    Unity Trust Current Account Balance -£ 31,926.27 Unity Trust Saver Account Balance - £165,181.79 Total - £197,108.06

  16. Reports:
    1. Village Hall - No update had been received from the Village Hall. Invoices had been received for the upgraded fire and security systems: SOS Services £2,376.00 and CFS East Anglia Ltd £7,438.22 (total £9,814.22). Contributions received were £1,000 from Mid Suffolk District Council (03/11/25 – Cllr Marriott) and £1,404 from SCC Chris Chambers. The remaining balance of £7,410.22 was previously agreed to be paid by the Parish Council. The Parish Council agreed that the payment would be met from the £50,000 earmarked reserves, thereby reducing the total available in the new financial year.
  17. Correspondence
    1. Email regarding Boardly & Roberts land - A resident has raised concerns regarding the use of the land adjacent to Boardly and Roberts, specifically relating to planning permission and the impact of the existing lighting on nearby properties. MSDC have confirmed that a planning application (ref DC/25/01207) is currently under consideration for part of the site for the operation of Claydon Executive Travel, while the remainder of the site benefits from permission for B8 use (storage or distribution). The lighting system, installed approximately eight years ago, was temporarily non-operational due to a technical fault, which has now been rectified, and is primarily intended for security purposes. Landowner has indicated his willingness to engage with residents regarding specific lighting concerns and is prepared to implement adjustments, including converting the lights to motion-sensitive operation if required.
  18. 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 12th March 2026 and any items for the agenda.
Karen Grimwood
Email: clerk@greatblakenhamparishcouncil.gov.uk

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