Hundon Parish Council

Held on Wednesday 20th November 2019 at 7.30pm at Social Club, Village Hall, North Street, Hundon

Present: Councillor B Barnett (Chairman) Councillor P Impey (Vice-Chairman) Councillor R Langridge Councillor A McGregor Councillor G McLeod Councillor G Spooner Councillor J Thomas

Apologies: West Suffolk Councillor K Richardson West Suffolk Councillor M Rushbrooke Suffolk County Councillor Mary Evans

In Attendance: 2 members of public Vicky Phillips, Clerk

Action HPC Apologies 19/064 The above apologies were noted.

HPC Declaration of interests and requests for Dispensation 19/065 No declarations or requests for dispensation were made.

HPC Minutes of Meeting 2019 19/066 It was proposed by Councillor P Impey and seconded by Councillor G McLeod that the minutes of the meeting held 16th October be adopted as a true record. All in favour. RESOLVED

HPC To note progress of any actions arising from the Minutes, not 19/067 covered by this Agenda None

HPC Review of Internal Audit Report 19/068 The Clerk referred members to the Internal Auditor’s report previously circulated. Recommendations were noted and agreed that the Clerk would carry out the recommendations. Clerk It was proposed by Councillor R Langridge, seconded by Councillor G Spooner, that the Internal Auditor’s report for the year ending March 31st 2019 be accepted. RESOLVED

HPC Review of Draft Budget 19/069 The Clerk referred members to the Draft Budget report previously circulated. Amendments to the budget to be carried out by the Clerk on the income from the Astro Turf and to be brought back to the

January meeting for approval. Discussion took place over the budget for the Grass cutting for 2020, it was suggested that in the new year three quotes were to be obtained if possible. Clerk NOTED

HPC Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment 19/070 (SHELAA) 2019 Stakeholder consultation The Clerk referred members to the report previously circulated. It was proposed by Councillor J Thomas, seconded by Councillor G McLeod, that the responses (attached appendix (i)) to the consultation be submitted. RESOLVED

HPC Trees at Galley Road 19/071 The Clerk reported that the land search had confirmed that West Suffolk District Council owned the land and the trees at Galley Road. The clerk had contacted Matt Vernon, Tree Officer, at the Council, who explained that the trees were regularly inspected on a four year cycle and are inspected for safety and legal nuisance issues in line with current legal requirements and best practice guidance. The policy can be found at www.westsuffolk.gov.uk Any private work carried out to the trees would be considered criminal damage, however, Mr Vernon did explain that under some circumstances, if the branches were to grow over a resident’s property boundary, some pruning could be carried out, although this was not recommended without consultation with the Tree Officer. The Clerk is to request when the trees would be inspected. Clerk

HPC Cricket Outfield and Football Pitch Grass Cutting 19/072 It was proposed by Councillor G Spooner and seconded by Councillor J Thomas to approve the grass cutting for 2020. Three quotes were to be obtained before the cutting season. RESOLVED

HPC Reports from County and District Councillors and Public Forum 19/073 A report was received from Suffolk County Councillor M Evans, which the clerk read to the members, (attached appendix (ii)).

The Clerk agreed to find out from Cllr Evans when the white lines Clerk outside the Church entrance were to be painted.

Public Forum A member of the public reported that the footpath was breaking up outside of Workhouse Yard. He also reported that at Lower North Street, the surface which had recently been laid was coming loose Clerk to report to SCC Clerk

HPC Financial Matters 19/074 It was proposed by Councillor R Langridge and seconded by councillor G Spooner that the monthly budget report and listed payments totalling £2,082.34 be authorised. RESOLVED

HPC Payroll Service Legal Agreement 19/075 It was proposed by Councillor B Barnett and seconded by Councillor A McGregor that the Service of Agreement for SALC be approved. RESOLVED

HPC Rogeron Estate Charity Reports 19/076 Sarah Upson gave her apologies before the meeting due to being unwell. Councillor P Impey circulated an updated report to members (attached). NOTED

HPC To approve correspondence list and receive urgent 19/077 correspondence It was proposed by Councillor Barnett and seconded by Councillor Thomas that the correspondence list be approved. APPROVED

HPC To consider Planning Applications to West Suffolk 19/078 i) DC/19/2007/HH – (i) two storey rear extension and (ii) single storey rear extension. NO OBJECTION

ii) DC/19/2004/FUL – (i) conversion of existing brick and timber framed barn to form 1no. dwelling (ii) demolition of existing modern barns (iii) single storey barn to provide ancillary accommodation NO OBJECTION

iii) DC/19/2005/LB – (i) conversion of existing brick and timber framed barn to form 1no. dwelling (ii) demolition of existing modern barns (iii) single storey barn to provide ancillary accommodation (iv) repair works to wall NO OBJECTION

iv) DC/19/2188/LB - (i) alterations to convert barn to 1no. Dwelling (following partial demolition of existing barn on west elevation and demoltion of existing barn NO OBJECTION

HPC Chairman’s Report 19/079 Cllr B Barnett informed the meeting that he was standing down from the Council and that this was his last meeting. The Councillors and Clerk thanked him for his work on the Council.

Cllr Langridge had recently attended SALC conference, his report his attached (appendix (iii).

HPC Date of next meeting 19/080 TUESDAY 17th December 2109, 7.30pm at Social Club, Hundon Village Hall

HPC Closure 19/063 8.30pm

Signed ……………………………… Date…………………… Chairman

Appendix (i) Appendix E Site Proformas

Hundon Parish Council responses:

Reference Site Summary Response WS115 Land at Mill Road The site is located on the Northern edge of Hundon Access which is designated within the former St There are concerns over access to the site, given Edmundsbury area Core Strategy as a local service that access would be from a single track road. centre and so capacity has been restricted to 10 Old Windmill Site: dwellings on the site Consideration should be given to the fact that the

site may contain elements of historical interest Sewage and drains Consideration must be given to the current sewage and drainage, there are already issues with backing up and overflowing and any additional development will add to this problem. WS116 Land between Church Street The site is located within the settlement boundary of Constraints and Lower Road Hundon which is designated within the former St There may be Covenants or restrictions under the Edmundsbury area Core Strategy as a local service Rogeron Trust centre and so development has been restricted to 10 dwellings on the site. Part of the site is currently used as allotments and would need to be retained. There are a number of constraints on the site which may delay the delivery of the site.

WS200 Land between Valley Wash The site is located on the Western edge of Hundon Suitable states there is a registered village green and Church Street, Hundon which is designated within the former St Edmundsbury – this is incorrect. (also known as field adjacent area Core Strategy as a local service centre and so There is however a Traffic Restriction Order. to Mizon Close) capacity has been restricted to 10 dwellings on the site. WS117 Land at Mill Lane No comment

We agree with the Deferred Housing list (red on the Map) and the constraints to the sites.

Appendix ii) Report from Councillor Mary Evans Clare community hub started operations at the library on Monday 18 November from 10am-12noon and will meet every Monday to offer advice sessions from CAB and Haverhill REACH

Here is the link to the Suffolk Community Self Help scheme which might be of interest to the parish council – this link also takes you to the template letter for parishes to send out requiring landowners to cut back hedges https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/community-self-help-scheme/

1. Re the meeting with the police - we are looking to re-arrange it. I have also been asked by other parishes whether we should have a meeting about drug activity locally and what parents and communities can do to protect and educate our young people. I would be interested to know if this something the parish would like such a meeting.

2. A new and improved recycling centre will open in Bury St Edmunds at the end of November. The flagship site in Fornham Road will replace the current recycling centre at Rougham Hill, Bury St Edmunds, which will close its doors permanently. The new centre will be the first open air site in Suffolk where all containers can be accessed by the public from ground level, removing the need for struggling up steps. Visitors will be able to recycle the same wide range of materials currently available at the Rougham Hill Recycling Centre. A charity Reuse shop, which will take materials suitable for reuse from our recycling centres, will also be opening on site towards the end of the year.

3. In the run up to Christmas we can all get carried away looking for bargains. Please be very wary of special offers especially via the internet. Suffolk Trading Standards are warning people "don't be tempted to participate" in sharing an Argos giveaway post as it "is fraudulent." A post on the Suffolk Trading Standards Facebook page said: "A post claiming that everyone who shares and takes part in an Argos giveaway post will be in a chance of winning £1000 in vouchers, is currently circulating on Facebook.

This post is fraudulent and has no connection to Argos. Nobody who participates will receive the vouchers. If you see one of these giveaway posts, don't be tempted to participate.

"You have no chance of winning the promised prize, and you may risk your privacy and security by sharing your personal information with online scammers."

It comes after Suffolk Trading Standards issued a similar warning about a £50 Morrisons voucher giveaway, which is also fraudulent.

4. The local government boundary commission for England is reviewing Suffolk County Council to bring the divisions into line – the population size can vary from just over 5,000 to nearly 9,000. Currently there are 75 County Councillors. We have agreed to cut the number to 70 although our Liberal/Green/Independent colleagues wanted to maintain the status quo or even increase the number. The decision to reduce to 70 means division sizes will be about the size of the existing Clare division but I do expect there will be changes in the make up of the division.

5. On a personal note, I have left highways. There was an unexpected reshuffle at SCC last month and I have taken over the role of cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills. I have launched a review of the implementation of the new home to school transport policy which is being led by Suffolk’s Fire Chief Officer Mark Hardingham. I am also focussing on the children’s mental health, improvements to the support we provide to the young people leaving care and provision for more school places for children with SEND.

Mary Evans Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education & Skills County Councillor for Clare Division, Suffolk County Council

Appendix (iii) Report from Councillor Langridge ‘Shaping Suffolk, a Conference that brings together the three tiers of local government with a view to opening new dialogues and constructive conversations about where development and growth is happening in Suffolk’

I attended the above Conference in Ipswich. At the last Parish Council Meeting I was asked to give some feedback. The agenda was spread out over three Sessions: Session One: Principles of Engagement. Session Two: Responding to Planning Applications. Session Three: 3a: Infrastructure Assessment, Funding and Delivery. 3b: All about Cil (Community Infrastructure Levy).

SALC's own summary best expressed the general feelings of the gathering: "It is no wonder that Town and Parish Councils feel the poor relation in what is now a very complex process and highlighted, that despite various national reviews, complexity had grown and posed the question, "whatever happened to Localism?"

Then some key final thoughts: Planning Gain - can be your friend Don't be the forgotten partner If you can't stop it, shape it, and, Opportunity! My own thoughts, in summary: The Parish Council is definitely the bottom of the governmental food chain. Government, of whatever persuasion is committed to building more houses and County Councils have had to look for "suitable" sites. Hence the Strategic Housing and Economic Land Assessment Availability Sites (SHELAA) to which we have already sent our responses. We are almost certainly going to have to accept that some houses will be built in and/or around Hundon at some time in the future. We are outgunned by Landowners, Developers, Builders, etc: in terms of finance, knowledge and expertise. The legislation involved is a complex and constantly changing minefield.

So what can we do? At the moment, my understanding is that nothing is yet decided for Hundon. I suggest that, as a matter of some urgency, we contact the West Suffolk Planning Authority and ask who, if anyone, is our "Case Officer" and what is the future "timetable" for possible development in Hundon. Depending on what we find out, perhaps we should form a "Planning" Sub Committee, involve people from within the Community who may have relevant experience. This would enable matters to be discussed urgently and even decisions taken, if necessary, outside of Parish Council Meetings. We cannot throw up barricades, man the ramparts and defy allcomers! We must engage with the developers (I'm afraid that means Pigeon!) at the earliest possible opportunity and have a sensible, realistic, conversation about what is, and is not, possible, conducted in a cooperative rather than adversarial spirit. Having said that, we need to ensure that we are not just rolled over. We need to seek expert advice to effectively fight our corner. M/s Birketts have such a service headed by Tom Newcombe whom I met at the Conference and whom we could approach to find out what he could do for us and what it would cost. Birketts have a place on the Crown Commercial Service Panel which I believe means that their fee levels are constrained. We need to investigate Cil funding. Perhaps most importantly of all, we must involve the Community, listen to them and keep them informed of what is happening and why. We may need to raise a "War Chest"?!

Meanwhile SALC are developing "A Good Practice Guide for Community Engagement in Suffolk". I will bring a copy for each Councillor at the next meeting. There were also useful handouts of the power point presentations but the wording is so small as to be illegible! I have asked for a legible copy and have been informed that they will all be posted on their website.I looked this morning but they are not there yet so I will chase that up. I will be happy to try and answer any questions at the next Meeting. Cheers Richard