Pakenham Parish Council : Minutes - 24th April 2008

PAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held Thursday 24th April at 7.30pm
in the Martin Room, St Mary’s Church

Present: Cllrs H Painter, N Farthing, D Dorling, M Sargent & R Griffin. Mrs M Gardiner (clerk) was in attendance. Several members of the public were present.

1- Apologies for absence: Cllrs M Bryant, A Kibbel, Borough Councillor C Spicer

2 - Members’ declaration of interest: Cllr Painter (SE/08/0485)

3 - Planning applications:-
Councillor Painter left the room for this discussion and decision.
SE/08/0485 : Wheelwrights Cottage, Fen Road, Pakenham
Erection of part single & part two storey rear extension (following part demolition of existing) Councillors carefully considered this application and unanimously agreed that they have no objection. Councillor Painter returned to the meeting
SE/08/0517 : Bull House, Bull Lane, Pakenham
Erection of single storey pitched roof extension (following demolition of existing single storey outbuilding)
Councillors discussed this application and unanimously agreed that they had no objection to the proposal
SE/08/0546 : Woodlands, Fen Road, Pakenham
Erection of first floor to existing bungalow to form two storey dwelling
The Parish Council discussed this application and unanimously object to the proposed alterations. This dwelling occupies an imposing position in the village, adjacent to the conservation area and Councillors feel a more appropriate design could be used, possibly a cottage or chalet design.  Councillors commented that the previous alterations were poorly carried out and spoil this part of the village.  The design of the proposed conversion is very harsh and will not improve the situation
TPO236(1997)9 : 1 The Greenwood, The Street, Pakenham
Remove lowest lateral limb from one Lime tree which is overhanging neighbouring garden.
It was agreed that a site meeting was required.  An extension in time will be requested.
2 Micklemere : Planners have informed the Council that the medical condition of the applicant’s mother is being submitted to support the application for temporary use of the extension as a separate dwelling.
Andersons Pit : Planners have told the Council that this application will not be heard by the Borough before June. The Environment Agency have reported their findings regarding the possibility of flooding. An amendment to the application is awaited with regard to the siting and/or size of the bund. Local residents are still concerned about noise and pollution of the river. They and the Council are not happy with the report on the noise survey undertaken earlier. The Council has requested an independent survey and a site meeting with the planners. Letters were handed to the Clerk for onward transmission to the planners.
Upper Town crossroads : The Chairman reported that some of the signs at the crossroads were to be lowered to a consistent height. He also asked SCC to tidy the ground at the corner.

4 - St Edmundsbury Borough Council’s Local Development Framework Core Strategy:-
The above document has been drawn up and councillors are invited to comment on the options available.
4a - Business as usual
4b - Urban growth – Bury St Edmunds & Haverhill with lower growth in rural areas
4c - Regeneration of Haverhill, with lower growth in rural areas
4d - Rural development
4e - New settlement – 3,000 homes plus jobs & community facilities

Following much discussion, Councillors and the public present agreed unanimously that the regeneration of Haverhill (4c) would be the best option. Haverhill has good road links with major towns, it already has some industry so jobs are available for new residents. St Edmundsbury will be informed of our decision.

5 - Date of next meeting: Monday 22nd May 2008.