Pakenham Parish Council : Minutes 16th January 2025

PAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 16th January 2025 at 7.30pm
in the Pavilion

Present: Cllr Dorling Vice-Chair, Cllr Bagnell, Cllr Palfrey, Cllr Sargent, Cllr Sidebotham and Cllr Berry. Nine Members of the public were in attendance. Mrs S Brown (clerk) took the minutes.
Cllr Dorling Vice-Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

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

2 - Declarations of interest: Cllr Bagnell in regards item 10i.

3 :-
County Councillors Report: Cllr Hopfensperger did not attend and no report had been received. District Councillors Report: Cllr Speed sent his apologies as he was unable to attend but confirmed he will be attending the meeting in February. A report had been received and circulated which included: the Government's recent English Devolution White Paper outlines plans for broader and deeper devolution, coupled with a programme of coordinated local government reorganisation. On 9 January SCC cabinet agreed to recommend Suffolk for inclusion in the government's Devolution Priority Programme (DPP). Whilst concerns about the potential reduction in local democracy were expressed, the overwhelming feeling was that Suffolk should aspire to engage and participate proactively with the proposals. It is likely Suffolk will see the creation of a directly elected Mayor – covering Suffolk and Norfolk – and the replacement of existing council structures with a streamlined unitary council being set up. A side benefit of the new structure might be greater influence and powers to Parish Councils if they seek it. Cllr Speed advised he has a small fund left in his locality budget if there was a project or venture that needed support. A committee member from PVH & PFA may have a project that needs support and will contact Cllr Speed directly
Public Forum: A number of residents from Mill Road expressed their concerns at the lack of maintenance of Micklemere by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust (SWT). Concerns included a lack of clearing of ditches, a decline in bird species observed, lack of engagement with residents, decline of area due to lack of general maintenance. Council discussed the residents concerns including looking at Micklemere and how it fits within the whole area, possibility of a site visit and meeting with SWT which residents and public could attend. Council agreed the Clerk to write to SWT to ask if a special meeting, preferably, in the daytime could be arranged with a representative/s from SWT to attend to answer residents' questions on maintenance of the area, as well as explain their 4-year plan for the area and their re-wilding approach.

4 - To consider the approval of the minutes of the last meeting:-
The minutes of the meeting held on 11th December 2024 were approved to be signed as a true record.

5 - Reports arising from the previous meeting:-
i. Lawn Cemetery footpath: Cllr Bagnell advised Clarkes of Walsham were sponsoring gravel for the dressing of the footpath. Grateful thanks were given and the clerk to arrange a notice of thanks to be placed in the village newsletter. Cllr Bagnell and Cllr Dorling to carry out the works to the footpath, thanks were given to them.
ii. Clerks Report: Precept demand has been sent and confirmation of receipt received from West Suffolk. An allotment tenant has given up their tenancy and it has been offered and taken up by the next person on the waiting list.

6 - To Consider Review of...:-
i. Grass and Hedge Cutting Contract: Cllr Dorling had contacted Countryside Conservation who confirmed the cost for next year would increase by 5% this equated to £2520 + VAT a total of £3024. Council discussed feeling a good job had been done and would like Countryside Conservation to continue to carry out the grass cutting for 2025-26 season, as well as the strimming. Cllr Dorling advised M&TJs/TBS were happy to carry out the hedge cutting again with a small increase in cost to approximately £450. Council discussed and all were in agreement for M&TJs/TBS to continue for the 2025-26 season.
ii. Allotment Rent: Council discussed Cllr Sidebotham proposed no change to rent seconded by Cllr Berry all in agreement.
iii. Cemetery Charges: Council discussed Cllr Bagnell proposed no change seconded by Cllr Berry all in agreement.
.
7 - To Consider Trees at the Agri-Centre:-
It was confirmed the trees had been dealt with.

8 - To Consider Meadow to be used for annual Open Air Play June 2025:-
All in agreement for permission to be given if sought to have an open air play on the lawn meadow.

9 - Correspondence circulated:-
i. Response from Planning Inspectorate in regards addition to the definitive map: The clerk read out the decision from the Planning Inspectorate which decided 'that there is a case for setting a date by which time the application should be determined. It is appreciated that the Council will require some time to carry out its investigation and made a decision on the application. I consider a further period of 6 months should be allowed.'
An email had been received from the Senior Definitive Map Officer at SCC: who acknowledge receipt of the Inspector's decision. We will commence the investigation asap and notify you in due course when the application has been determined. A brief discussion took place.
ii. Regular information from SALC ebulletins, West Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council -
Noted
iii. BMSDC Norton Neighbourhood Plan Area - Noted
iv. West Suffolk DC Barrow cum Denham Neighbourhood Plan Submission - Noted
v. Email from residents: Kebab van discharge of oily substance onto road - forwarded to Cllrs
Hopfensperger and Speed. Advisement of possible building works Brand Road with pictures - forwarded to planning enforcement to investigate.

10 - Planning Applications for comment:-
i. Application DC/24/1868/HH Misty Meadows, Fen Road
Single storey side extension.
Cllr Bagnell did not take part in discussion.
Council discussed Cllr Sargent proposed no objection seconded by Cllr Berry all in agreement no objection.
ii. Application DC/241869/HH Cotswold, The Street.
Alterations to windows & doors on all elevations.
Council discussed Cllr Berry proposed no objection seconded by Cllr Sidebotham all in agreement no objection.

11 - Finance Report:-
Bank balances
the deposit account had a balance of £10,851.94 at 30.4.24 A receipt of £405 received for
funeral in plot F18.
The current account had a statement balance at 15 January of £6440.95 and once invoices as agreed on the agenda had been paid the balance is £5420.95.
i. Internal audit review & the appointment of internal auditor: Council happy with the internal audit and Mr M Saunders as the internal auditor for Pakenham
ii. To consider any payments to be made: Invoices checked and all in agreement for the payment of invoices. Internet payment to be carried out following the meeting.

12 - Councillors' reports and items for future agenda:-
Cllr Palfrey highlighted they were still experiencing speeding traffic on Fen Road, it was also advised other areas of the village were also experiencing speeding the Clerk to let Cllr Hopfensperger know to see if anything further can be done.
To place benches at lawn cemetery on the next agenda.
To place update on Fen Meadow on next agenda.

13 - Date of next meeting:-
The date of the next scheduled meeting was confirmed as Thursday, 20 February 2025 at 7.30pm in the Pavilion.

There being no further business the meeting was closed at 8.35pm

(Ref: 517-520)