Pakenham Parish Council : Minutes 18th October 2012

PAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held 7.30pm 18th October 2012
Pakenham Village Hall

Present: Cllr H Painter, Cllr D Dorling, Cllr C Palfrey, Cllr I Brookman, Cllr R Griffin and Cllr M Sargent. Borough Councillor C Spicer arrived after the presentation. Mrs M Gardiner (clerk) was also in attendance. Members of the public were also present.

The Chairman welcomed Louise Wilby of Suffolk Acre, who presented the results of the Housing Needs Survey. Julie Salisbury from St Edmundsbury Borough Council was unable to attend. Louise summarised the report to the meeting. (The summary is attached to these minutes). She reported that a site for 10 homes would be desirable (note – the report states 12).
She told the meeting that the Parish Council must now consider the results of the survey. When a site has been found, we should talk to the planners and St Edmundsbury will recommend a housing association to work with.
Louise was asked if we would fit into the government grant plan? She suggested that we prepare a plan and wait for funding to become available. The survey is relevant for about four years. It would be possible to build on an exception site outside the village envelope.
The next thing to do is to formally decide if we want to go ahead, then a meeting of a small working group can be arranged. For the next meeting’s agenda.

1 -Apologies for absence: Cllr M Bagnall .
 
2-Declarations of interest:-
Cllr Griffin expressed an interest in the planning application for Trelawne and withdrew from the meeting for the discussion and decision on this application.

3-Public Forum:-
Residents reported that ditches in Fen Road are being filled in by householders to improve access to their properties. This may cause problems in heavy rain.
The end of Mill Road near the bypass is covered in mud and stones and looks like a farm track. The mud has been put there by owner. His vehicles drive on and off the mud, as do other vehicles when it is used as a passing space. Every time it rains the mess flushes along the road and fills the drains. It is very dangerous.
The clerk will contact Cllr Hopfensperger to ask for a site meeting with Highways and someone from the Borough Council to discuss the re-instatement of the verge and possible erection of kerb-stones or similar. A representative from Environmental Health should also be invited to discuss the rat problem.
It was reported that the new signs for Baileypool Bridge have been erected.
Speedwatch – Eleven volunteers have been found to take part. The co-ordinator from Stowlangtoft has not yet contacted Mrs Sidebotham with a view to sharing equipment. A partnership would help with the cost. Clerk to approach Stowlangtoft again.
The Fox Public House – In reply to a question, the Chairman reported that nothing further has been heard from the developer. Residents suggest that the developer should be asked to remove the awning advertising the carvery. Visitors to the village still stop and assume that the pub is open. The Parish Council will write to the developer again.
Residents reported that the bottle bank at the pub is still being emptied.

4-County Councillor’s Report:  no report available.

5-Borough Councillor’s Report:-
Ivy needs to be removed from the pole and sensor on the streetlight at Maulkins Drift. 
The footpath behind The Owell belongs to Havebury Housing. Cllr Spicer has cut back some overhanging hedges there.
Land at Mill Road – Mr Reynolds has been convicted on every count and fined heavily.
Cllr Dorling told Cllr Spicer about the problems with mud and suggested that bollards could be erected to stop vehicles driving on to the muddy banks.
Slabs on the path between Manor Garth and the playing field have become dangerous. Cllr Spicer suggested that the clerk contacts the Borough Council as he believes the path is their responsibility.

6-Police report: No crimes reported since the last meeting.
Results of SDR monitoring have been received but need to be summarised. For next meeting.

The Chairman convened the meeting.

7-Approve minutes of meeting held on 20th September 2012:-
The minutes were approved and signed as a true record. 

8-Planning applications:-
SE/12/11241/FUL – Oak Farm, Pakenham Road
Continued use of land for the stationing of a temporary mobile home previously granted by Application No. SE/09/0422 as a dwelling to supervise a free range egg production unit.
Councillors unanimously agreed that they have no objection. The site has been landscaped as promised.
SE/12/1303/HHCA – High House, The Street
Erection of extension to garage and erection of pitched roof above.
After careful consideration of the plans, Councillors agreed that they have no objection to this application.
SE/12/1302HH – Trelawne, Fen Road
Erection of first floor addition to existing bungalow to form a two storey dwelling.
Councillors were unanimous in objecting to this proposal. It is neither pleasing to look at nor is it in keeping with neighbouring properties. The north elevation, which would be clearly seen from the road, looks more industrial than residential.
SE/12/0635/FUL - Land adjacent to Newbury, Fen Road.
An appeal has been lodged with the Planning Inspectorate.

9-Parish Plan:-
Newsletter – Councillor Brookman reported on the meeting he attended with Councillor Palfrey, the Churchwardens and other members of the PCC. He presented the draft Heads of Agreement for a village newsletter, to be called Village and Church News, covering Pakenham village and the Benefice of Pakenham with Norton and Tostock.
Borough Councillor C Spicer reported that he is currently responsible for advertisements and finance of the Church newsletter and hopes to continue in the future with the new village newsletter. Accounts will be available for inspection. He told the meeting that 14 pages of advertising would pay for the copies needed for Pakenham. The same printers will be used as at present. Cllr Spicer requested a start-up grant of £300 to cover set-up costs. The Parish Council agreed to this. The Parish Council will proof-read the village entries.
Cllr Spicer requested help with delivery, as copies will be delivered free to every house in the parish. Mr Bacon, churchwarden, will co-ordinate deliveries. The start date is agreed as 1st March 2013. 
For next meeting – information to be included.

10-The Dell/Church Green Wood:-
Only one Councillor visited the wood and he agreed that work was needed to ensure public safety. The site meeting will now take place on Friday 19th October at 2.30pm.

11-Finance Report:-
A Finance Report was circulated and agreed. Our usual donation to the Royal British Legion was requested towards a wreath for the Remembrance Day service. Agreed.

12-Clerk’s report:-
Councillors were reminded of the forthcoming election for a Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, which will  take place on 15th November.

13-Correspondence:-
St Edmundsbury BC : Vision 2031 update; Draft Suppl Planning Document
SALC : Rural Statement 2012; Council Tax

14-Councillors' reports:-
Councillor Dorling agreed to represent the parish Council at the Remembrance Day service.

15-Date of next meeting:-
Thursday 22nd November 2012 in the Village Hall.