- Present
- Chairman Lord Marlesford, Vice Chairman Roger Waterfall, Cllr Diana Howard, Cllr Sam Catling, Cllr Heather McConville & Cllr Lesley Bensley.
- In Attendance
- SCC Stephen Burroughes, ESC Carol Poulter, Mr Richard Cooper and the Clerk.
1. Apologies for Absence
None
2. Declaration of Interests
None
3. Minutes of Meeting Held on 2 October 2020
The minutes were approved correct by the Council and will be signed by the Chairman, proposed Cllr Bensley, seconded Cllr Howard.
4. Matters Arising from the Minutes
None
5. Sizewell C - To Include Four Village Bypass (SEGway) & Proposals for Park and Ride at Wickham Market Sizewell C
Mr Richard Cooper (RCC) reported on the recent meeting he attended with Dr Daniel Poulter MP which took place on 17th December along with Lord Marlesford (LM) attended a meeting held by Dan Poulter (DP) for local parishes. The objective was for a general update on EDF matters, particularly Southern Park and Ride, Wickham Market traffic issues and A12 mitigation measures. At the meeting DP confirmed that it is highly likely that the Government will support the building of Sizewell C, but that the project will have to be subject to value for money considerations.
DP has been successful in securing a commitment from the Roads Minister (Baroness Vere) to a task force to look at issues regarding the A12 north of Ipswich. Terms of reference are yet to be set, but should include re-trunking and delivery of a Four Village Bypass. RCC updated DP on meetings between Little Glemham PC, Marlesford and Suffolk CC Highways on A12 mitigation measures in the two villages – see below.
DP is holding regular meetings with Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson, the EDF Chief Executive responsible for delivering Sizewell C – DP committed to continuing to press our concerns about the project.
Meetings with Suffolk County Council Highways re A12 Mitigation.
Roger Waterfall, RCC and two representatives from Little Glemham have attended two meetings with Steve Merry (Highways Officer with SCC). The purpose of the meetings has been to scope traffic mitigation measures for the A12 through Marlesford and Little Glemham. Proposals for Marlesford include, provision of safe crossing points (including signalised crossing near bus stops). Improvements to pavements either side of A12. Speed limit reduced to 30mph through village (it is currently 40mph). Mitigation measures are being discussed in addition to ongoing lobbying for a Four Village Bypass – it has been made clear that mitigation should not be seen as a substitute for a Four Village Bypass. The proposals were put to EDF at the last meeting with them on 7th December and they have taken them away to consider. It will be their consultants, (WSP), who draw up the plans for SCC to approve.
Meetings with EDF and Neighbouring Parishes Regarding Wickham Market Traffic.
The series of regular meetings with EDF continues - last one was on 7th December and next is scheduled for 25th January. EDF consultants, (WSP), have produced proposals to mitigate worst impacts of Southern Park and Ride on traffic in Wickham Market. These have been reviewed and commented on and are being fed back to EDF in advance of the 25th January meeting.
Southern Park and Ride Landscaping Issues.
Meeting held with EDF in October – as a result, we have achieved: Reinstatement of the bund on the NW boundary (screening views from Hacheston). Alteration of the fence-line and internal roads to allow preservation of established hedges along the western boundary. Preservation of a prominent oak in the western hedge-line. Enhancement of existing hedgerow on southern and eastern boundaries.
Marlesford PC is contributing £500 (with three other parishes) towards an analysis of the adequacy of EDF’s interpretation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA) for the Park and Ride.
Currently in draft form it highlights several areas of weakness in EDF’s approach. The document will be submitted as evidence to PINS.
EDF Timetable
EDF Consulted in November on proposals to reduce HGV movements by increasing use of rail and sea for freight. Marlesford PC submitted its response and we now await EDF’s detailed proposals following the consultation. The Examination proper is expected to start in the spring of this year.
SCC Stephen Burroughes and ESC Carol Poulter both support Richard Cooper in his work. Lord Marlesford also thanked him for his work and for the involvement of ESC & SCC. It is not too late for a 4 village bypass, they are all still pushing hard for this.
6. To Co-opt One New Member onto the Parish Council
No Applications have been received. The Chairman encouraged the council to spread the word of the vacancy, which is advertised on the noticeboard, website & magazine.
7. Finance
- Statement of Accounts. Bank balances as at 8 January 2021, Barclays Community Account £6,748.46 (inc. £3105.76 CIL money), Business Premium Account £839.55. The statement of accounts was approved by all and will be signed by the Chairman.
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Community Infrastructure Levy (CILS) – Annual Return
The Clerk explained that she has created an income & expenditure spreadsheet and completed the CIL annual return, a requirement by ESC. Both will be posted on the website. The Parish Council currently has £3,105.76 CIL money, the Chairman encouraged the council to consider how to spend the money. To be discussed at the next PC meeting.
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Clerks Annual Pay Increase
In August 2020 NALC advised of the new pay scale rates for Clerks, which should be backed to 1 April 2020. The Clerk explained that she is now at point 17 on the SCP scale, this reflects her experience and years as a Clerk. It was agreed by all that the Clerks salary will be raised from £1550 to £1650, increase of 6.45%, proposed Cllr Howard seconded Cllr McConville. The Chairman thanked the Clerk for her work over the past year.
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To consider the Precept Budget for April 2021 to March 2022
The Clerk had forward the draft budget to all for consideration. It was agreed to include £600 in the budget for Quiet Lanes initiative, Cllr Waterfall advised that money will be needed to pay for posts & signs. He also suggests that a contingency amount should be included in the expenditure, as the Parish Council does not have adequate reserves. It was agreed by all that the Parish Precept will be increased from £3,000 to £4,500, proposed Cllr Catling seconded Cllr Howard.
- SALC – Payroll Service, invoice to pay. 6 months payroll service, £22.80.
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Donation requests to consider, for Headway Suffolk & Citizens Advice Bureau.
It was agreed by all to give a donation of £100, the same as last year to the Citizens Advice Bureau. The CAB service has been used by members of the community during the last year.
- Clerks Pay & Expenses. Clerks pay £387.50 (this does not include the new pay increase), expenses £33.40 includes £18.50 she paid for the RBL poppy wreath.
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The Landscape Partnership – Invoice to pay
Invoice for the landscape consultancy work which the Parish Council has had done with the other 3 parishes, regarding the proposed Park and Ride at Hacheston. Marlesford share is £600 inc VAT. All of the above payments were approved, proposed Cllr Howard seconded Cllr Waterfall.
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Approval of Internal Auditors for end of year accounts
It was agreed by all that Heelis & Lodge will be asked to carry out the internal audit for the end of year accounts again this year.
8. Scottish Power North Sea Wind Farms EA1-N & EA2
Cllr Waterfall continues to keep an eye on the situation, particularly, how the large transformers will be transported. If the sea landing does not happen at Lowestoft, they will have to be transported by road, along the A12.
9. B-17 Solar Farm, Old Airfield, Parham
Cllr Waterfall reported that he has received notification of a proposed solar farm on the old airfield. However, he had some difficulty identifying the precise location. No map references given, North was not indicated & no scale given, public roads not easily discernible or local landmarks, such as the Control Tower not highlighted. He has written back to Low Carbon, asking for a better map and better information of the proposal including how wildlife will be affected etc. He has since received an OS map highlighting the area better. The proposed site will cover 196 acres of the airfield and will be masked by hedges. The Chairman suggests that despite the solar farm being better for the environment as it is carbon free, the site will take out some good agricultural land. Cllr Bensley suggests also that questions should be asked as to how long it will take to construct and which route construction traffic will use to access the site? Cllr Waterfall will draft a letter to Low Carbon in response to the consultation and will email to all. He will also liaise with Parham & Glemham Parish Council along with Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Cllr Howard suggests that the proposed site could benefit the village financially. Cllr Waterfall will include in the letter that a contribution could be made to the community e.g., a school bus service.
9a. SCC Stephen Burroughes
Copy of report received prior to the PC meeting which the Clerk has forward to all. Cllr Borroughes reported on the new Covid “Stay at Home Order” by the government. It is extremely important that people abide by this rule as the new variant is very dangerous. Keep him and Cllr Poulter informed of any isolated, elderly or vulnerable people in the village, who may need assistance. Gran Pads are being funded by the local council to help keep people connected.
A lot of flooding onto roads in the area has recently been reported, due to the large amounts of rainfall. The flooding has been caused because ditches are not being maintained as they should be. Consultations with parishes will be taking place, PC to discuss at the next meeting.
Due to Covid it is unlawful to canvass for the SCC elections due to take place in May 2021. Questions are also being asked as to how safe polling stations would be? Elections may possibly be postponed, or digital/postal votes will be implemented.
Cllr Bensley informed that the BBC Suffolk Initiative is supporting people in the communities and are providing laptops for schools. She encouraged anyone with spare IT equipment, as it could be provided to struggling families. Cllr Burroughes agrees that families who are missing out must be supported.
9b. ESC Carol Poulter
Copy of report received prior to the PC meeting which the Clerk has forward to all. Reported that she is the Chairperson of the Framlingham Community Partnership, which is giving funding to families and trying to help as quickly as possible. Gran Pads are also being given to children. She disagrees that elections should be postponed and would encourage everyone to apply for a postal or digital vote.
10. Quiet Lanes - Marlesford
Cllr Waterfall informed that the Quiet Lanes initiative encourages drivers of motorised vehicles to take more cognisance of other road users, like pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. On behalf of Marlesford he has submitted the following single track unclassified roads for consideration to be classed as Quiet Lanes; Marlesford Road (U2213), Ford Road (U2213), Church Road (U2214), Keeper’s Lane (U2212) & Ashe Road (U3820). Other points to consider are the situation in case of an accident. Collaboration from EDF and Scottish Power Renewables. Change to Sat-Nav databases.
Estimate of cost for signs and posts is £975, of which SCC will fund £600. It seems East Suffolk will fund this initiative by up to £300 per route. The Chairman thanked Cllr Waterfall for the work on this.
SCC Burroughes informed that 200 lanes are being added across the county. Road widths need to be reinstated by Highways due to agricultural vehicles churning up the verges. Cllr Poulter & Cllr Burroughes left the meeting at 8.45pm.
11. To Approve the Risk Assessments
These will be approved at the next PC meeting.
12. Reports from Parish Representatives
SALC – Cllr Bensley reported that the Police & Crime Commissioners Survey has been sent out. Encouraged all to look at the SALC E-Bulletin, which has been forward to all by the Clerk. This includes information of how the council tax money will be spent and the Local Plan. There has not been much other activity.
Planning – Cllr Waterfall will contact ESC planning department to request that paper copies of all planning applications are sent to the Parish Council. Some applications have been missed.
Firs Bowling Green – Cllr Waterfall informed that he is in the process of registering the land with the Land Registry and also needs a valuation done.
Footpaths & Access – Cllr Catling reported that the Hacheston Road footpath has recently been cut out well.
Highways - Cllr Howard nothing to report.
Website – Cllr Howard encourages items that she can put onto the website, these should be in a PDF format to make accessible to all. The Clerk will add this in the next magazine article.
13. Correspondence
None.
14. Any Other Business
None.
15. Date of Next Parish Council Meeting
Friday 19th March 2021, 7.00pm.
Meeting ended at 8.55pm
Signed ……………………………………………… (Chairman) Date ………………………………