Meeting January 2013

WICKHAM MARKET PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 21ST JANUARY 2013 AT 7:30PM IN WICKHAM MARKET VILLAGE HALL, COMMITTEE ROOM

 

Present: Cllr Colin Tucker (Chairman)

Cllr Alan Biddle Cllr Jill Evans

Cllr Brian Nobbs Cllr Robin Cooke

Cllr Graham Jones Cllr Val Pizzey

Cllr Edna Salmon Cllr John Ridd

Cllr Michael Roseveare Cllr Pete Stone

 

In attendance: Joanne Jones - Parish Clerk. District Cllr Bryan Hall. There was 1 member of the public present.

 

Welcome by the Chairman

Open Public Session

No questions were asked.

 

  1. Apologies

Apologies were accepted from Cllr Frances Etheridge.

The Chairman welcomed Cllr Alan Biddle to the Council.

 

  1. To receive Councillors Declarations of Interest

The Chairman declared a Pecuniary Interest in item 14.2 - Response to the EDF Energy Sizewell C Public Consultation.

2.1. To Consider any Dispensations

There were none.

 

3. To Approve the draft minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Monday 19th

November 2012

The draft minutes of the meeting held on Monday 19th November 2012 were Proposed for Approval without amendment by Cllr Stone, Seconded by Cllr Jones. The minutes were duly signed by the Chairman as a true record of the meeting.

 

4. To receive a report from County Councillor Michael Bond

County Cllr Bond was not present. A written report had been circulated to all Councillors with

e-mail prior to the meeting.

 

To receive a report from Suffolk Coastal District Councillor Bryan Hall

District Cllr Hall's report had been circulated to all Councillors with e-mail prior to the meeting.

He reported that a site visit by the SCDC Northern Area Development Control sub-committee

had taken place on 14th January 2013 in respect of the proposed planning application for the

land South of Featherbroom Gardens. Cllr Hall advised that the application would probably be

considered by SCDC on 27th February 2013. He confirmed that at least one Housing

Association has expressed an interest in the 21 Affordable to rent houses to which he gave

details.

 

District Cllr Hall advised that he was still waiting for Flagship Housing's plans for the re-

development of Deben Court.

 

District Cllr Hall gave details regarding the changes due to take place regarding the Council Tax

Structure. Finally, he confirmed that he was still trying to get the parking charges on Market

Hill reviewed. The Chairman thanked District Cllr Hall for his report.

It was agreed that a letter on behalf of the Parish Council would be sent to SCDC regarding the car parking charges on Market Hill. Cllr Stone recommended that SCDC should review this matter by Easter. Cllr Biddle made enquiries to District Cllr Hall regarding the possibility of SCDC and Waveney District Councils merging. District Cllr Hall gave clarification and confirmed there were no plans for the two Councils to merge at this stage. Cllr Ridd made enquiries to District Cllr Hall regarding the feedback from the recent Housing Scrutiny meeting in which he had attended. Cllr Hall confirmed that he was still waiting for this information. The Chairman thanked Cllr Ridd for attending this meeting on behalf of the Parish Council.

 

5. Matters arising from the previous minutes which do not appear elsewhere on the agenda

5.1. Parish Council Co-option/Vacancy

As a result of the recent resignation of Mr Michael Manning the Chairman reported that

confirmation had now been received from SCDC to advise that this vacancy can be filled by

the means of a Co-option. It was agreed that the Co-option would be held at the next meeting of

the Council on Monday 18th March 2013.

5.2. Any other matters arising

Cllr Stone asked the Clerk if all the allotment rents had now been received. The Clerk

confirmed that all the rent payments for Simons Cross allotments had been paid but there were

still a few outstanding payments for the Glebe allotments to which she confirmed she would

chase up. On behalf of the Council the Chairman expressed thanks to Mr Les Addision for the

recent work in which he had carried out to the Garden of Remembrance within the cemetery.

 

6. Finance and Legal Matters

6.1. Bi-monthly accounts - November/December 2012

These had been circulated to all Councillors prior to the meeting. Approval was Proposed by

Cllr Biddle, Seconded by Cllr Pizzey. All in Favour.

6.2. To consider and approve the 2013/14 draft budget and set the precept

The 2013/14 draft budget and several documents relating to the proposed changes to the

2013/14 Tax Base had been circulated to all Councillors prior to the meeting. The Chairman

gave details regarding a meeting in which the Clerk and Cllr Biddle had recently attended at

SCDC in respect of the changes to the 2013/14 Tax Base. The Chairman and the Clerk provided

further details regarding the 2013/14 budget. Cllr Alan Biddle stated that he felt there could be

further savings made to which he gave details and advised that he felt that the Cemetery charges

were too low to which he gave details. It was recognised that activities such as fund-raising for

the refurbishment of the village hall were going to need significant contributions from the Parish

Council in order for the Management Committee to attract grants from elsewhere. It was agreed

that the Parish Council would also continue to support the Cemetery, Allotments and projects

such as the Youth Bus and the caring groups that make such a valuable difference to the quality

of life within the village.

 

It was RESOLVED that the 2013/14 budget would be Adopted by the Council and that the

2013/14 precept would be increased from £22,500 to £27.500. It was also agreed that the

Parish Council would accept the grant which was being offered due to the changes in the Tax

Base by SCDC for £3,221.50. Approval was Proposed by Cllr Ridd, Seconded by Cllr Jones.

All in Favour. Cllr Ridd recommended that the Chairman should write an article to be

included within the Newsletter in order to explain to Parishioners the Council's reasons for

having to increase the precept.

6.3. To consider implementing a revised Committees Scheme

Further to the last meeting the Chairman confirmed that the Clerk had compiled a list of

suggested Committees along with a draft Terms of Reference in order for the Parish Council to

consider to which he gave details. He advised that these Committees could be made up of

Parish Councillors and Non Council Members.

To consider implementing a revised Committees Scheme cont…

It was RESOLVED that the Parish Council would Approve in principle to proceed with the revised

Committee's Scheme. District Cllr Hall raised concerns regarding the link between the Parish

Council and the Village Hall Management Committee. The Chairman confirmed that the Parish

Council would liaise with the Village Hall Management Committee regarding this matter. Cllr

Stone stated that he felt that the VHMC should be involved in the Parish Plan process.

There was a discussion whereby the Chairman gave details regarding the current

Committee's/Groups and it was agreed that the following Committees would be implemented,

subject to the revised Terms of Reference being Approved at the next Council meeting:-

Planning Committee - Cllrs Evans, Salmon, Jones, Nobbs and Roseveare.

Finance & General Purpose - Cllrs Tucker, Roseveare, Jones, Cooke and Biddle.

Environment/Village Appearance/Recreation - Cllrs Stone, Pizzey, Etheridge, Ridd and Tucker.

Approval was Proposed by Cllr Salmon, Seconded by Cllr Stone.

 

Cllr Evans gave details regarding the Xmas Market and confirmed that Deben Events may be

willing to consider taking this event over going forward.

 

6.4. To Consider an increase in the Clerk's hours

The Chairman gave details regarding the Clerk's hours and recommended that these should be

increased from 11 to 16 per week with immediate effect. Approval was Proposed by Cllr

Biddle, Seconded by Cllr Cooke. All in Favour.

 

7. Police Matters - Report given by John Hoe

The Chairman closed the meeting in order to receive a police report from John Hoe. A report

was given by John Hoe which confirmed there had been 10 reported crimes since the last

meeting on 19th November 2012. The Chairman thanked John Hoe for the report and

reconvened the meeting. Concerns were raised by Councillors regarding underage drinking

taking place within the village and it was felt that this matter should be monitored and if

necessary, it was agreed that the Clerk could write to McColls and the Co-op on behalf of the

Parish Council in order to remind them that drinking on the Market Hill is illegal.

 

8. Parish Plan - To agree the next steps

The Chairman confirmed that a public meeting would be held in the near future in order to form

a Parish Plan Steering Group. There was a brief discussion regarding this matter and the

Chairman highlighted the reasons for and against carrying out a Parish Plan.

 

9. To set a date for the 2013 Annual Parish Meeting

It was agreed that the Annual Parish Meeting would be held on Monday 15th April 2013.

 

10. Planning Matters (see separate appendix)

The Chairman thanked the Planning Committee for their continuous hard work.

 

11. Allotment Matters

11.1. Terms and Conditions of Tenancy Agreement - To receive comments from Cllr Stone

Cllr Stone confirmed that he had recently met with the Clerk in order to discuss this matter. He

recommended that the Environment Committee should meet with the Wickham Market

Allotment Association in order to review the current agreement to which he gave details.

Agreed Unanimously.

 

 

 

 

12. Cemetery Matters

12.1. To consider an increase in the fees

The Chairman provided further details regarding this matter and confirmed that the Finance

Group had recommended a 5% increase for 2013/14. There was a discussion regarding this

matter and Cllr Evans Proposed that charges for burials for a child who is a resident within the

village under 12 years should be removed, Seconded by Cllr Cooke. 7 in Favour, 3 Against, 1

Abstention. CARRIED.

Cllr Biddle Proposed that in order for the charges to be in line with those in neighbouring

towns/villages that a 100% increase should be implemented for 2013/14, Seconded by Cllr Nobbs.

10 in Favour, 1 Abstention. CARRIED.

 

13. Environmental Matters/Car Parks/Highways/Sports & Leisure

13.1. Speeding Restrictions

Cllr Nobbs raised concerns regarding the current speeding restrictions within the Border Cot

Lane area. There was a brief discussion and it was Agreed that the Clerk would write to

Suffolk County Council in order to request that they reconsider some of the speeding

restrictions within this area. Cllr Stone recommended that this matter should be also be

included within the Parish Plan.

13.2. Finger Post

The Clerk gave an update regarding this matter and advised that she was going to apply to

SCDC for funding and liaise with the contractor whom a quote had been received regarding up-

to-date costing's and installation.

13.3. To Consider correspondence received from SCC regarding dedicated parking spaces

within the High Street

The Clerk reported that she had received correspondence from SCC requesting for the Parish

Councils support for a designated car parking bay to be implemented between 181 - 207 High

St to which herself and District Cllr Hall gave further details. Approval for the proposed

parking bay was Unanimously Agreed by the Council. The Clerk confirmed that she would

inform SCC.

13.4. - Report from Cllr Ridd regarding SALC meetings

Cllr Ridd suggested that the Parish Council should advise himself of any matters that they

would like to be raised at future meetings. It was agreed that future SALC agendas would be

circulated in order for Council members to raise any matters of relevance to be discussed.

 

14. Correspondence

14.1. To consider an application from the Wickham Market Family Carers Respite Care

Volunteers for £250.00 grant from the Outreach Fund

Approval for this grant to be paid was Proposed by Cllr Stone, Seconded by Cllr Pizzey. All in

Favour.

14.2. Response to the EDF Energy Sizewell C Public Consultation

Cllr Colin Tucker (Chairman) had previously declared a Pecuniary interest in this item as an

employee of EDF Energy and therefore left the meeting whilst this matter was discussed.

Cllr Roseveare advised that he had attended two events regarding this matter to which he gave

details. There was an in-depth discussion and it was agreed that the Clerk and Cllr Roseveare

would compile the response to EDF Energy in order to highlight the following issues:-

  • General Traffic impact
  • Proposed Park and Ride Site - To request that a Traffic Plan is implemented and ensure that

the correct route is used.

  • Agree to support SCC's request for a 4 village bypass.
  • It was felt as part of the Planning Gain that the Parish Council should ask EDF for a contribution towards the Village Hall rebuild.

 

14.3. Watering of Hanging Baskets

The Clerk confirmed that Mr Alan Hammond had agreed to carry out the watering of hanging

baskets in 2013. The Chairman requested that a letter of thanks should be sent on behalf of the

Council to Mr Hammond and his staff.

14.4. To consider sending a representative to the Town Teams Initiative Workshop/Action

for Market Towns

District Cllr Hall gave further details regarding this event and confirmed that he too would be

attending. Cllr Ridd volunteered to attend this event on behalf of the Parish Council.

Approval for Cllr Ridd to attend this event at the cost of £85.00 was Unanimously Agreed by

the Council.

 

15. Open Public Session

The member of the public raised concerns regarding the condition of the bus shelter roof. It

was agreed that this matter would be considered as an agenda item at the next Council meeting.

Cllr Stone volunteered to obtain quotes for the work needed.

 

The Chairman thanked the members of the public for his attendance and formally closed the meeting at 9:50pm

 

***************************************

 

The next meeting of Wickham Market Parish Council will be held on Monday 18th March 2013 at 7:30pm in Wickham Market Village Hall, Committee Room

 

 

 

Signed:………………………………………… Dated:…………………………

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX 1

9.1 Applications considered since the last meeting:-

Application No: C12/2277

Location: Gambrelle, 22 High Street, Wickham Market. IP13 0HE

Proposal: Change of use from child day-care centre/after school club to small animal veterinary surgery.

The Planning Committee had No Objections to this application, in principle, however they did feel that the applicant had not provided clear details as to where the entrance to the building would be sited. Concerns were also raised regarding the allocation of car parking spaces and as to if the existing fence behind the building would remain. This application has been Granted by SCDC with 5 Conditions

Application No: C12/2215

Location: Wickham Market Health Centre, Chapel Lane, Wickham Market. IP13 0SB

Proposal: Proposed single-storey extension to form new clinic room and enclosure of store (front of property).

The Planning Committee had No Objections to this application. This application has been Granted by SCDC with 3 Conditions

Application No: C12/2269

Location: Agricultural Building North of Valley Farm Cottage, Valley Rd, Wickham Market

Proposal: Building to store agricultural machinery for Health & Safety and Security

The Planning Committee had No Objections to this application, in principle, however they did feel that the applicant had not provided clear details as to where the building would be sited.

Notification has been received by SCDC stating that this application does not require details to be submitted for Approval.

 

9.2 Update on existing applications since the last meeting:-

Application No: C12/2124 - Part Side Garden, 30 King Edward Ave, Wickham Market - Proposed new dwelling in side garden. The Planning Committee had No Objections to this application. No decision has been made by SCDC, to date.

Application No: C12/2123 - Land South of Featherbroom Gardens, High St, Wickham Market - Erection of residential development of the site to provide 65 dwellings with associated car parking, open space, landscaping and new access arrangements. This application was considered by the Parish Council at an Extraordinary Council meeting held on 30th October 2012 - The Parish Council recommended Approval for this application, subjects to matters for consideration. No decision has been made by SCDC, to date.

Application No: C12/0853 - Parma Industries, 123 High Street, Wickham Market. IP13 0RD - Erection of 11 residential dwellings. (Existing buildings to be removed) (Revised scheme). The Planning Committee Objected to this application on the grounds that they felt that the properties fronting the High Street were still too high and therefore this proposal would create overshadowing of the properties on the other side of the road leading to a loss of natural light and suggested that these properties should be moved further back from the road. No decision has been made by SCDC, to date.

Application No: C10/3239 - Former RAF Bentwaters, Bentwaters Park, Rendlesham - Change of use of buildings and land and moving a section of fence. The Planning Committee Objected to this application on the grounds of increased HGV and vehicular traffic through the village). No decision has been made by SCDC, to date.

 

9.3 Tree Work Notifications

Notification No: C12/00163/TPO

Location: 14 Churchill Crescent, Wickham Market. IP13 0RW

Details: 1 x larch - fell to ground excessive shading low amenity, 1x leylandii - fell to ground level, excessive shading low amenity and 1 x pine - fell to ground level - split at top of tree. Granted.

Notification No: C12/00164/TCA

Location: Wyndham House, 92 High St, Wickham Market. IP13 0QU

Details: 1 x larch - Fell to ground level - excessive shading & proximity to building.

Granted.