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.
Exciting developments are underway as the Barham picnic site plans to introduce a preschool, café, and community garden. Drainage repairs on Stowmarket Road are set to begin, and Chapel Lane will be resurfaced soon. Plus, the council will confirm support for local projects in the upcoming meeting.

1. Apologies for Absence

  1. Cllr Debbie Kemp, MSDC Cllr Marriott

2. Declaration of Interests

  1. Councilors' 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 councilors(s) / to sign declaration of acceptance. None

3. Public Forum

  1. To receive the report from the County Councillor — See attached report. SCC have agreed that the drain that caused the flooding on Stowmarket Road is their responsibility and will instigate the repairs. The drainage works on Gipping Road is underway and will last 3–4 weeks. The road in Chapel Lane has been agreed to be resurfaced. It is hoped that the drainage issues will be sorted at the same time.
  2. To receive the report from the District Councillor — See attached report.
  3. To receive questions from members of the public
    • Has there been any updates on how the Water Meadows project is proceeding? Clerk to contact MSDC for update.
    • Have PC been in contact with River Gipping Trust about replacing Lock plank? Confirmed that it had been agreed in previous meeting that we would cover the cost of the materials when the work was ready to be completed. Clerk to contact the trust to confirm again.
  4. To receive Barham picnic site presentation/report.
    • The Barham picnic site showcased the plans for a Pre-school, cafe, inclusive play areas, community garden, wildlife study, and exercise trial. They asked for £25,000 in support to cover costs not funded by official sources like legal fees. The project will be implemented in phases, with the preschool being part of phase two. PC will confirm support in the next meeting on 9th May 2024 when local project allocations will be agreed.

4. Approval of Draft Minutes

To approve the Draft Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 14th March 2024 — Approved

5. Clerk's Update from Previous Meetings

  1. Tree guards on Hackneys Corner installed. Noted
  2. Hedgehog tunnels have been ordered. Noted

6. Planning

  1. To consider the following planning applications.
  2. To note any planning determinations.
    • SCC/0091/23MS Land south east of Masons Landfill, Bramford Road, Great Blakenham, IP6 0JX. Construction and operation of a pyrolysis facility and associated infrastructure. Consent granted
    • DC/23/04693 DC/23/00589 Appeal Ref: Port One Logistics Park, Blackacre Hill, Bramford Road, Great Blakenham The Chequers Inn, 19 Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham, IP6 0LP Land RIO253 Stowmarket APP/NV3520/W/ Road (off Old Bell Lane), 23/3319410 Great Blakenham, Application for Consent to Display an Advertisement(s) Consent Granted Retention of change of use of public house (Sui Generis) to Indian restaurant (Use Class E(b)) and ancillary residential accommodation for employee use at first floor. Consent Granted The development proposed is the erection of 3 detached bungalows with associated parking facilities served by extension of Old Bell Lane. Appeal denied

7. Growth, Highways, and Infrastructure

  1. Inventory for street lighting & costs. Noted a preliminary cost approx £2,1000 but awaiting official invoice for payment

8. Governance

  1. To note SALC annual subscription has increased and aligned with all other councils. Noted
  2. To note Suffolk Police & Crime Commissioner Election on 2nd May 2024 — Noted
  3. To note internal audit booked with SALC for week 10th June 2024 — Noted
  4. To note PKF Littlejohn advises external audit deadline is received no later 1st July 2024 — Agreement to use PKF Littlejohn for audit.
  5. To note Clerk pension scheme with Nest has been set up. Noted and agreed to set up bank mandate for payments and for SALC to arrange contributions under payroll service.

9. Allotments

  1. The lease for Plot 25 has been finalised. Noted
  2. Remaining plots — Clerk to contact to see if new tenants happy to take over plots and clear themselves as having issues locating a contractor to complete.
  3. Update on advice from SALC on license. SALC have agreement with Birketts solicitors and provide 20 minutes consultation free and to advise of costs. Clerk to contact SALC to arrange a call.

10. Village Maintenance

  1. Update on painting of White Bridge on Gipping Road
  2. Update on Speed Indication Devices — Still awaiting posts to be installed and relevant permissions.
  3. Update on Flooding on Stowmarket Road — See 3a
  4. Note that contractors have renewed Public Liability Insurance. Noted

11. Churchyard and Cemetery

  1. Ongoing review of documents — Clerk to send cemetery booklet to Chair to review and to provide fee costings

12. Training and Development

  1. Training and Development for Councilor's and Clerk - Clerk to send full training list to councilor's

13. Finance

  1. To consider approving and making the following payments:
    • Shades Hackneys Corner as per tender - 2447
    • Shades Grounds maintenance as per tender — 2448
    • Shades Street Cleaning as per tender - 2449
    • HMRC P30 ending 5th April 2024
    • Payroll Ending 31.03.24
    • Rialtas Moves of Wvare to new computer - 31287
    • SALC Membership subscription 2024/25 - 28594
    • SALC Payroll services period ending 31.03.24
    • Three Mobile ending 31.03.24
    • Reimbursement for Mobile/wifi hub
  2. Payments outside of meeting
    • ICO Renewal fee data protection certificate - Paid 02/04/24
  3. Payments Received
    • MDC B Precept 2024/2025 Part 1

14. Reports

To receive reports from Councilor's assigned to the following:

  1. Village Hall — Cllr Plume

15. Correspondence

None Received

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 9th May 2024 and any items for the agenda.

Karen Grimwood
Clerk to Great Blakenham Parish Council
Email: pc@greatblakenham.suffolk.gov.uk
Phone: 07508830777
Parish Council website: www.greatblakenham.suffolk.cloud
Date: 6th April 2024

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