Pakenham Parish Council : Minutes 22nd February 2023

PAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday, 22nd February 2023 at 7.30pm
Pakenham Village Hall

Present: Cllr Dorling vice chair, Cllr Bagnell, Cllr Davey, Cllr Palfrey, Cllr Sargent and Cllr Sidebotham
Four Members of the public were in attendance. Mrs S Brown (clerk) took the minutes.
Cllr Dorling chaired the meeting and welcomed everyone to the meeting.

1 - Record Councillors' apologies for absence: Apologies received and accepted from Cllr Painter

2 - Declarations of interest:-
Declarations of interest received from Cllr Bagnell in regards item 10iii on the agenda.

3:-
County Councillor's Report: Cllr Hopfensperger did not attend and had sent apologies, no report had been received.
Borough Councillor's Report: Cllr Brown did not attend and had sent apologies, no report had been received.
Public Forum: A resident complained about the state of the local roads, a brief discussion took place. It was reported Bull Bridge had a large amount of mud on side of road which is causing a nuisance it was recommended to report on the Suffolk County Council website. The burning of plastic was reported, it was advised to report this to environmental health. Four bridleway signs had been vandalised, the Clerk to report to SCC. Cllr Dorling reported a resident had complained about the problem of crossing the A143 between Ixworth and Pakenham, it was highlighted there was also a blind spot on the crossing area caused by the sun. It was suggested a sign could be erected advising 'Pedestrians Crossing'. To bring these items to the attention of County Councillor Hopfensperger at the next meeting.

4 - To consider the approval of the minutes of the last meetings:-
The minutes of the meeting held on 18 January 2023 were approved to be signed as a true record.

5 - Reports arising from the previous meeting:-
i. Highways: The Clerk had nothing to report. Cllr Sidebotham reported she had complained to a coach company for bringing a coach through the village which had problems getting through The Street. Larger vehicles coming through the village due to the bridge weight limit on the A1088 were briefly discussed.
ii. Clerks Report: The Clerk had attended the election briefing and gave a resume of the main dates. Nomination forms had been printed and circulated. The Clerk had asked for an appointment with West Suffolk Council to take in the nomination papers for 24 March 2023. Three allotments holders had given notice with the plots available from 6 April, those next on the waiting list to be informed.

6 - To consider tree survey quote for Dell/Church Green Wood/Allotments/Lawn Cemetery:-
The Clerk had received a quote from Urban Forestry of £585.88 plus VAT £117.18 giving a total cost of £703.06. Council discussed and all in agreement to accept the quote. The Clerk to inform Urban Forestry.

7 - To consider headstone memorial for Plot F6:-
Council discussed and all in agreement to approve the headstone memorial for plot F6.

8 - To review grass & hedge cutting contract and quote:-
The Clerk had received prices for the 2023 season which were read to Council. Councillors discussed Cllr Dorling advised weeds were growing to the front of the church wall, all in agreement to accept the quote and ask M&TJs to add sweep leaves and weed at the front of the church wall at bottom of steps where it meets the road. Cllr Dorling to inform M&TJs.

9 - Correspondence circulated:-
Regular SALC ebulletins, Suffolk County Council, West Suffolk Council.
i. Update West Suffolk Local Plan Programme: The local development scheme January 2023 (update) was circulated to Council – Noted
ii. Email received from resident in regards possible unauthorised change of use of land at land north of A143 Ixworth by Pass, Stow Road, Ixworth: The Clerk advised West Suffolk Council planning department had been informed and the Enforcement Section was investigating Reference EN/23/0025.
iii. Notification that the Stephen Williams 10k Road Race is taking place on Sunday 7 May which starts and finishes at Thurston Rugby Club however some of the race will come through Pakenham – Noted
iv. West Suffolk Council voter registration – Noted
v. Email from Walsham le Willows advising the cost of planning advice in regards the Sheperds Grove development – Noted
vi. Email from resident asking for an update on footpath being added to the definitive map – Clerk had updated resident.

10 - Planning Applications for comment:-
i. DC/23/0097/HH : 6 Council Houses, Fen Road
Part single storey & part two-storey side & rear extension (following demolition of existing single side & rear extension).
Council discussed Cllr Bagnell proposed no objection seconded by Cllr Dorling all in agreement no objection.

ii. DC/23/0049/HH : 5 St Marys View
Installation of 16 solar panels to rear roof.
Council discussed Cllr Bagnell proposed no objection seconded by Cllr Sargent three Councillors no objection one Councillor abstained. No objection majority decision.

Councillor Bagnell left the room.
iii. DC/23/0117/FUL : Oak Farm, Pakenham Road
Change of use of agricultural land for dog walking & exercising.
The applicant explained what they would like to do.
Council discussed Cllr Davey proposed no objection seconded by Cllr Sargent all in agreement no objection.
Cllr Bagnell re-joined the meeting.

iv. DC/23/0218/HH : Crossways, Brand Road
a. alterations to windows & doors
b. replacement roof
c. cladding to all elevations
d. 2 chimneys removed
e. PV array to side & rear elevations
f. flue to side elevation
g. covered raised decking to rear elevation.
Council discussed Cllr Dorling proposed no objection seconded by Cllr Davey all in agreement no objection.

11 - Finance Report:-
The current account held a cleared balance at 31 January 2023 of £14,635,61
with an uncleared balance including unpresented payment, payment received of £124 memorial payment and invoice below of £14,443.61.
The deposit account held £16,647.19 at 30 April 2022.
All in agreement for the payment of invoices:-

12 - Councillors' reports and items for future agenda:-
Cllr Dorling stated the memorial in the lawn cemetery was looking very good and thanked Cllr Bagnell for the splendid job he had done, all in agreement. Cllr Palfrey advised a resident had reported a number of accidents had occurred outside their property, the Clerk to add to the list for Cllr Hopfensperger at the next meeting. It was advised a resident had stated they were putting in an access point from the road and various other changes to land they owned, it was highlighted planning permission would probably need to be sought. Cllr Sidebotham advised the village hall was now free on the Saturday of the Coronation weekend. Cllr Dorling asked if a change of day for parish council meetings could be added to the next agenda.

13 - Date of next meeting:-
The date of the next scheduled meeting was confirmed as Wednesday, 15th March 2023 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

There being no further business the meeting was closed at 8.45pm

(Ref: 434-436)