Minutes
- Present
- Vice Chair Debbie Kemp, Cllr Matt Powell, Cllr Karen Wheeler, Karen Grimwood (Parish Clerk), SCC Cllr Chris Chambers and 2 members of the public.
- To receive and approve any apologies for absence.
- Cllr Leonard, Cllr Durrant & Cllr Adrienne Marriott
- Declaration of any pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests
- Councillor's declaration of interest appropriate to any item on the agenda. Cllr Durrant 6a
- To receive written requests for dispensations for disclosable pecuniary interest (if any)
- To grant any requests for dispensations as appropriate.
- Co-option of parish councillor(s) / to sign declaration of acceptance.
- 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 - Two members of the public raised questions regarding the future of the allotment site and whether the Parish Council could guarantee provision of allotments after the expiry of the current licence in October 2026. They also noted that some plots were empty so would give the appearance that the site is not needed or used. The Council noted that a number of plots are currently standing empty, as potential tenants have declined to take them on due to the short-term nature of the existing licence. The Parish Council currently has access to the land until October 2026, after which the landowner intends to sell the site for development. The Council is actively exploring all avenues to retain the site, though the high value of development land presents considerable challenges. A Community Asset request submission to Mid Suffolk District Council (MSDC) is an option but without a viable funding solution this may not be sufficient to secure the land. Councillors at present time cannot guarantee the availability of allotments beyond October 2026. However, the following steps are being taken:
- Investigating alternative land options.
- Engaging in discussions with the current landowner.
- Considering a suggested alternative site on Stowmarket Road (opposite Meadow Drive), though this location is prone to annual flooding and is likely to be unsuitable.
- To approve the Draft Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 12th June 2025. - Approved
- To note the Clerk's update from previous Meetings. None
Signed... Date...
Planning
- To consider the following planning applications.
- DC/25/02875 Retail Unit, 7 Moses Walk, Great Blakenham, Ipswich Suffolk IP6 OGT - Application for consent to display an Advertisement(s) - Installation of 3 No fascia, 8 No dibond, and 1 No Gantry sign - Deadline 22nd July 2025 - No Objection
- SCC/0053/25 Malting Farm GT Blakenham IP6 UX - Retrospective application for the change of use of land to enable the expansion of the existing recycling facility for the processing of inert waste and aggregates, - Deadline 22nd Jul 2025 - No Objection
- DC/350520 30A Blueleighs Park Chalk Hill Lane Great Blakenham Ipswich Suffolk IP6 OND - Application for Works to Trees subject to Tree Preservation Order MS141/VV1 - T1 - Ash Remove tree as it's not suitable for location and has poor form. Tree splits low down and moves dramatically in the wind. - Deadline 12th July 2025 - Would prefer tree to be pollard rather than cut down as long as safe
- DC/350520/S 1 Aspen Close Great Blakenham Suffolk IP6 OHQ - Erection of single storey rear extension following removal of existing conservatory — Deadline 12th Jul 2025 No Objection
- XZTJPSH06001 Land Adjacent Pesthouse Lane Barham Suffolk - Extension of existing vehicle parking area approved under 3277/15, and conversion of building to associated office (Class E) - Deadline 15th Jul 2025 No Objection
- To note any planning determinations. - None
Growth, Highways, and Infrastructure
None
Governance
- Pilot Workshop Meeting and Port One/Devolution — Cllr Leonard participated in a meeting on July 9, 2025, where a proposal was discussed for the five local parish councils to meet with MSDC and a consultant. The aim of this meeting is to gather information regarding the costs and processes involved in developing a joint neighbourhood plan. Councillors have agreed to send a representative to the upcoming meeting to assess the costs involved in developing the plan, which is expected to take approximately two years. They also think that Nettlestead should be included in this initiative.
- Risk Assessments — The Parish Council reviewed and approved the following Risk Assessments: Allotment management, battery-operated hedge trimmer use, bus stop and signage cleaning, gravestone inspections, community litter picking, office desk setup, financial matters, grass cutting schedules, health & safety procedures, and volunteer planting initiatives.
- Finance update — The Parish Council reviewed the Quarterly Finance Report and noted that no issues were identified.
Village Maintenance
- Bus stop repair Stowmarket Rd — The Parish Council wanted to thank a local resident for voluntarily repairing the fascia board at the bus stop on Stowmarket Road. The Council greatly appreciates the resident's contribution to maintaining community amenities.
Allotments
Signed ... Date ...
Response from land agent for land on Stowmarket Rd - The councillors discussed the proposal regarding the lease of land (approx. 7 acres) for community use. The land agent suggested that a long-term lease possibly could be offered (10–20 years) to enable fundraising with the ultimate aim of purchasing the land. The indicative rent would be linked to agricultural rent, estimated at around £400 per annum. It was noted that this figure would not be prohibitive, but is open to further discussion regarding terms. Councillors agreed that the principle of leasing the land was worth exploring further, but felt the rent proposed was too high. Clerk to ask whether the rent could be reduced. It was acknowledged that the land is not suitable for allotments, but councillors discussed the importance of retaining it for community use, particularly as a green space and for wildlife.
Churchyard and Cemetery
None
Training and Development for Councillors and Clerk
None
Finance
- To consider approving and making the following payments: Payments Approved
- HMRC Payroll Bacs P30 ending 05/07/2025 £327.79
- Shades Bacs Ending 31.06.25 £1050.22
- Shades Bacs Street Cleaning as per tender Inv 2706 £1316.67
- Shades Bacs Hackneys Corner as per tender Inv 2708 £135.00
- Shades Bacs Grounds maintenance as per tender Inv 2707 £507.50
- Payments outside of meeting
- Three DD Council phone contracts £33.98
- Nest DD Month 3 Ending 30.6.25 £50.61
- UniTrust DD Bank Fees £6.00
- Lloyds Bank DD Multi card fee £3.00
Income received - Unity Trust Credit Interest - £320.04
Bank Balance @ 30.06.2025 Unity Trust Current Account Balance - £30,177.68 Unity Trust Saver Account Balance - £162,352.51 Total - £92,530.19
Reports
Village Hall — A new Chair and Vice-Chair have been elected. Representatives from Port One have invited two members of the Parish Council to attend a meeting. The purpose is to discuss the potential benefits for the Village Hall regarding the proposed development at Port One. The Village Hall will be purchasing a container unit for storage. As the Parish Council are custodians of the deeds, it was requested that the Parish Council apply for planning permission, which would allow a discount on the fee. It was agreed that all members will undergo DBS checks. With the success of the bar, particularly with Friday openings, and an increase in hall bookings there is a growing need for additional voluntary bar staff. Councillors noted report and agreed to apply for the planning application for storage unit hardstand.
Correspondence
- Parking Issues - Complaints were received regarding residents parking vehicles on pavements, obstructing access for pedestrians, wheelchair users, and prams. It was also reported that such parking can at times block drivers' line of sight when entering/exiting roads. The problem appears to be particularly prevalent in the Blakenham Fields area. The Council advised that these incidents should be reported to the police, who hold the authority to take enforcement action if necessary.
- Sackers Explosions - The Council received correspondence from the East Anglian Daily Times regarding reports of explosions/bangs originating from Sackers, which have allegedly caused windows to be shattered in flats on Gipping Road. The Clerk responded with a comment that the Council is already aware of these incidents and has been monitoring the situation. The Council is in regular discussions with Suffolk County Council and the Environment Agency to seek solutions and ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent further occurrence.
- Elite Travel/Boardley & Roberts - The Parish Council noted complaints from residents regarding potential planning breaches and operating hours at the land owned by Boardley & Roberts in Plummers Dell. Concerns included the presence of large vehicles in a residential area and associated noise levels, with Claydon Travel and Elite Travel currently operating from the site. The Clerk has contacted the Planning Department at Mid Suffolk District Council (MSDC), who confirmed they will be meeting with the landowner's agent to assess the situation. The Council agreed to await further clarification from MSDC before pursuing further. The Council received contact from Elite Travel, who advised that they are keen to work with the Parish Council and local community. The company expressed their willingness to help mitigate any issues raised, and emphasised their commitment to working together with residents, not only as an employer but also as a community partner.
Future Meetings
- To note invitation for items to be considered in the next meeting.
- To note the date of the next scheduled Meeting on 11th September 2025 and any items for the agenda.
Karen Grimwood - Email: clerk@qreatblakenhamparishcouncil.gov.uk
Date: 11/07/2025
Signed........ Date