Suffolk Village of the Year 2023

Parish Council Meeting Report, 24th Sep 2020

Summary report of the Ordinary Parish Council meeting held on held on 24th September 2020 held by Skype Video Conference

A number of matters / actions arose from previous meetings:

Safe Walking Route from Mill Corner to the School: The Clerk now has details of the appropriate contact at SCC, before arranging a site meeting to determine the viability of this.

Noticeboards: It was noted works were progressing and further quotations were being sought in order to maintain the various notice boards in good order in the most economic manner.

Quiet Lanes: Cllr Southgate confirmed that he had received a response to the application and was liaising with the QL Team to secure the correct extent of the route.

Public Participation Session:

Suffolk County Cllr Lindsay circulated his report prior to the meeting, key headlines were:

A1141 overgrown pavement – (Whilst the area opposite the Windsor Green junction had been resolved, Parish Councillors reinforced that the “Mill” to Mill Corner pathway requires urgent attention by highways

Footway to school

Verbal update

Sizewell C opposition

Infrastructure Board established to oversee costs of large projects

Closures of Children’s Centres goes ahead after scrutiny gives it the nod

Consultation on division boundary changes begins again for 2025

BMSDC Cllrs‘ Maybury & Arthey provided an update on various ongoing and new issues:

Limited re-opening of Leisure Centres in Sudbury and Hadleigh.

New Hadleigh pool scheduled to open in November.

Council has approved its consultation response to the Govt proposed ‘Changes to the current planning system’.

Consultation on the Government’s White Paper ‘Planning for the Future’.

Land behind the Plough and Fleece – affordable housing requirement within this development.

‘Mackenzie open space project’ – outstanding work and CIL funding.

BDC repairs at 6 Crowbrook.

Planning application ‘land east of Sudbury Road’ ( Loft Corner).

The potential that the Market Hill in Sudbury should be permanently pedestrianised.

Planning Applications Received for Parish Council consultation:

DC/20/03798: Application for works to tree/s in a Conservation Area – Fell 2No large and 4 No. small Lawson cypress trees and grind stumps, as roots are close to septic tank potential risk of damaging drains, and excessive shading. Branches from the two smaller trees regularly fall and damage the shed roof, two large trees cause excessive shading. Tudor Cottage, Cross Green, Cockfield, Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP30 0LG (Consultation Response Deadline 24/09/20).

The Parish Council has no objection to this application

DC/20/04006: Full Application – Conversion of kennel block to single-storey dwelling, including erection of porch and chimney and construction of link between kennel buildings. Erection of double garage & store room, following removal of existing cattery, sheds and outbuildings, approved following appeal reference APP/D3505/W/17/3170002, amended scheme to include extension.

Location: Roundwood House, Windsor Green, Cockfield, Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP30 0LY. (Consultation Response Deadline 07/10/20).

The Parish Council objects to the application – (Full details of the Parish Council’s response can be seen on the BMSDC Website).

APP/D3505/W/20/3253754: Application for Outline Planning Permission (some matters reserved – access to be considered) – Erection of 2No detached dwellings and creation of new vehicular access. Abbey Farm House, Bury Road, Cockfield, Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP30 0LB. (Appeal start date 11/09/20).

The Parish Council objects to and is not able to support the appeal.  (Full details of the Parish Council’s response can be seen on the BMSDC Website

Pavilion Update: Councillor Levitt noted that remediation works were now not as extensive as first anticipated and the council exposure on cost contribution was reduced. However, a final scope needed to be confirmed by the loss adjusters. The council are reviewing the latest proposals.

Maintenance: councillors noted that a full asset review is due at October’s meeting in advance of budget setting.

Greens: Tree work had been completed and the play equipment contract had commenced. The council would see how a formal opening could be facilitated when the work is completed, although this would be determined by any Covid limitations at the time

The Greens Committee / Council agreed that Bury Town U13 Football Club could hire the green supported by Cockfield United FC. This was subject to correct pitch management and the necessary Covid procedures being in place.

Village Hall Carpark: Councillors agreed the Parish Council could undertake the hedge trimming under our maintenance remit subsequent to it previously being the school / SCC jurisdiction given the SCC responsibility had lapsed.

Neighbourhood CIL: Cllr Morley and the Clerk had met with the Contractor to agree the extent of further culvert repairs, which will be funded by the Provisional Sum allowance contained in the Parish Council’s approved CIL 123 Bid B14-18.

Local Needs Housing: Cllr Morley continues to liaise with Orwell Housing to ensure resident are aware of progress.

Mackenzie Open Space Meadow: The bridge over the stream to the railway line requires further repair. This was after the removal of the sleepers to expose the steelwork which determined it is  in far worse condition than anticipated. Cllrs discussed the safety risk, various options and potential costs. The bridge remains cordoned off as it is not usable at present. There is a temporary alternative route from the footpath to the former railway line. A working group will report back to the new meeting with recommendations.

Cross Green: The clerk noted there had been no further communication back since recent correspondence from the PC. It was noted that issues appear to have subsided.

Parish Councillor Vacancy: Cllr Levitt indicated from discussions he was aware some interest has been expressed although any formal approach has not yet occurred.

Bandstand: Councillors discussed recent observations of antisocial behavior and littering and how this could be dealt with. In the first instance advice from Suffolk Police SNT would be sought with potential increase in patrol visibility.

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