BARDWELL PARISH COUNCIL Chairman: Peter Sanderson Vice Chairman: Barry Felton

Minutes of the Meeting of Bardwell Parish Council held in The Tithe Barn, Up Street, Bardwell on Tuesday 1st October 2013, commencing at 7.30pm

Present Cllr Peter Sanderston (Chairman) Cllr Barry Felton (Vice Chairman) Cllr Walter Banes Cllr Andrew Smith

Pauline Smith (Clerk) 6 Members of the Public

13.187 Apologies for absence were received from: Cllr Roberts, Cllr Babraff, Cllr Bull, Cllr Spicer (SCC), Cllr Wade (SEBC), and The Police

13.188 Declarations of interest: No declarations of interest were received.

13.189 To confirm minutes of the meeting held Tuesday 3 September 2013 The Minutes were received and signed by the Chairman as an accurate record.

13.190 Suspension of meeting i. To receive report from County Councillor, Joanna Spicer (Written report received). Bardwell Primary School has re-opened for the Autumn term with Caroline Clarke back full time as Head Teacher. Cllr Spicer is in full support of Wildlife Trust’s plans for Heath. ii. To receive report from Borough Councillor, Paula Wade (Written report received). Cllr Wade has been busy familiarising herself with the workings of St Edmundsbury Council, the various departments and their councils. The problems with the SEBC on-line planning section of their website are temporary whilst the IT department update their computer system. Cllr Wade hopes to have a council email address by week beginning 7 October, but in the meanwhile she can be contacted at [email protected]

Cllr Wade will be representing local residents at the DCC meeting on 3 October concerning the application for the erection of 2 no.dwellings at Firwood, following the proposed demolition of the existing bungalow. A complaint has been received from a resident on The Croft concerning a deep pot hole close to the junction of the road with Quaker Lane: Cllr Wade and will liaise with Cllr Spicer to try to action a speedy repair. (The Clerk commented that she had not been notified about this specific pot-hole.) Cllr Wade has arranged a ‘Meet your MP’ to take place at the Tithe Barn on Friday 11th October. She asked that the posters advertising the event be placed on the Village Notice Board. (This had already been actioned - Clerk) A date is still to be arranged for a meeting between Cllrs Spicer, Wade, the Duke of Grafton and Andrew Blenkiron (Euston Estate Manager), to discuss issues surrounding roads and planning matters. iii. To receive report from the Police (written report received) There have been ‘no crimes of interest’ since the September Parish Council meeting. Priorities for the area have recently been re-set and are now: 1. Speed checks and enforcement 2. Hare coursing patrols 3. Pre-emptive burglary patrols

A spread sheet detailing the speed check locations and results for the area was provided for the period 7 – 30 September 2013. During this period the police had carried out speed checks at Low Street, Bardwell on 30 September 2013 between 1220 - 1640: No details noted re speeding offences.

1/5 iv. To receive report from Suffolk Wildlife Trust re Knettishall Heath from Samantha Gay, People and Wildlife Ranger.

Samantha Gay spoke about the work that has been undertaken since Suffolk Wildlife Trust purchased Knettishall Heath during 2012 and the plans for the future. Suffolk Wildlife Trust is working on a long-term vision for the heath that ensures that the remaining high-value habitats are maintained and degraded habitats restored. Public access will be protected and improved and the landscape significantly enhanced, restoring the context of important archaeological features.

At the heart of this vision is recognition that Knettishall Heath is a uniquely important place, highly valued by local communities. Therefore, habitat restoration will be a gradual and sensitive process undertaken with great care over a period of years, while public access improvements will be implemented quickly.

Livestock grazing is the traditional method that will be used to manage the heath and wood-pasture.

It is hoped that the introduction of cattle grids (subject to planning permission) and road signs will be a successful traffic calming measure, reducing the speed of cars driving through the heath, for the safety and benefit of visitors and livestock. Roadside fencing will be removed enhancing the landscape, and fences and gates will no longer impede walkers.

A comprehensive document, ‘Knettishall Heath a vision for the future’, can be viewed by contacting the Parish Clerk.

Q. In the enclosure close to Peddars way, areas of turf have been removed. Why is this? A. The ground needs a lot of disturbance for the benefit of seeds, invertebrates, and reptiles. Surveys are being carried out into the results of taking this action.

Q. In woodland there are metal rods at 45%. Are these to remain? A. These will be removed.

Q. Parking has been a problem. A. The main car park will remain. However the middle car park will be extended whilst the Peddars Way car park will be brought further towards the road for ease of access. v. To receive questions and comments from members of the public. The Parish Council was asked whether it would be providing representation at the DCC meeting on 3 October, during which the Planning Application for Firwood is to be considered. This was discussed at item13.194 (planning).

Dissatisfaction was expressed by residents relating to the fact that a detailed letter of objection (a copy has been received by the Parish Council) emailed to SEBC on Monday 30 September had been received marginally too late. Therefore, SEBC declined to include the submission with late papers for circulation to members of the Development Control Committee. (It is understood that standard practice in these circumstances is for a verbal precis to be given to Councillors during the DCC meeting.) It was re-stated - along with other details - that the properties on the current plans are larger than those for which the application was previously refused.

The Parish Council appreciated the comments from one of the neighbours who have been objecting to the application, who thanked the Parish Council for its support in relation to this application.

13.191 Finance i. To receive financial report: Details of bank account balances and invoices to be paid were circulated to Councillors. ii. BDO: The audit for the year ended 31 March 2013 has been completed. There were no issues to report. It was proposed that the annual return should be approved and accepted by Bardwell Parish Council. Proposed: Cllr Banes Seconded: Cllr Felton Unanimously agreed iii. Invoices for payment: The following payments were agreed Cheque no. 200487 M Endicott Litter-picking 1 - 30 Sept 2013 £54.00 200488 BDO Audit 2012/13 £120.00 200489 Realise Futures BVN Sept & Oct 13 £385.92 200490 Bardwell Village Hall Hall Hire Oct Parish Council meeting £12.00 200491 P Smith Clerk’s Salary Sept & October 28, 2013 £356.76

Proposed: Cllr Felton Seconded Cllr Banes Unanimously agreed

2/5 iv. To consider the purchase of 25kg daffodil bulbs: c.£45 - £50 re planting at village boundaries. Resolution: It was proposed by Cllr Sanderson, and unanimously agreed, that daffodil bulbs for planting at village boundaries will be purchased and funded from the Village of the Year prize money. Actions: Cllr Sanderson will source bulbs and organize working party.

New signs are expected imminently Action: Clerk to establish time frame. v. To consider quotation for the purchase of projector screen to be installed in the Tithe Barn. On behalf of the Tithe Barn committee, Mr Stokes has investigated the options relating to available projector screens. Full details of the proposal are detailed in the attachment – Projected Image Screen for the Tithe Barn. His recommendation is to purchase an electric screen 4:3 150”, 305x229cm from SAM International: Cost: £283.25 + £56.65 vat + Total £339.90

As well as benefitting residents and village groups, this will assist at Parish Council Meetings: St Edmundsbury Borough Council has previously advised that planning applications will not be posted to Clerks – information will be emailed: It is expected that plans will be displayed during meetings via wifi from the on-line planning section of the SEBC website, projected onto a screen. The Tithe Barn does not have wifi access: Applications will be downloaded in advance of meetings.

Resolution: It was unanimously agreed that the Parish Council will fund the cost of the purchase of a projection screen to be installed at the Tithe Barn. Action: Mr Stokes to progress order. vi. To receive draft budget proposals for 2014/15 Draft budget proposals had previously been circulated to Councillors. As a result of changes in Government funding, St Edmundsbury Borough Council will be withdrawing the revenue support and council tax support grants currently provided to Parish Councils, over the next 4 years. The consequence of this – even if the current precept requirements remain unchanged - will be an increase in the Parish Council element of council tax bills.

It is currently unknown whether/or when the Government will impose the opportunity for a referendum to be called by local residents in the event that a Parish Council increases its requirements in excess of 2%. In the event that this should happen in Bardwell, the cost of the referendum (entirely funded by the Parish Council – c. £1,700) is likely to be far greater than the increase itself.

Precept request to SEBC 2013/14 = £8,350 Total grants received during 2013/14 = £1,925 Bardwell households each currently pay a proportion of £6,425 relevant to their property band: The Bardwell Parish element of council tax bills for a band D property during 2013/14 is £21.76.

Consideration is currently being given as to whether the precept request for 2014/15 should be increased to immediately take account of the loss of grant funding in its entirety. Budget proposals will be brought to next meeting Parish Council meeting: 5 November 2013

Details of Bardwell Parish Council spending will be detailed in Bardwell Village News when the budget has been agreed.

It was suggested that the cost of advertising in Bardwell Village News should be increased from £50 to £55 per year (half page adverts). Action: Clerk to discuss with Village News Advertising Manager

13.192 Chairman’s Report – No report

13.193 Highways: i. Response from Suffolk County Council regarding road repairs. The Ditch at Low Street has been cleared. The roads will not be resurfaced until the new Anglian Water main has been constructed: Spring 2014. SCC (Charlie Mitson) will monitor the situation. ii. Grit bins audit: Subject to SCC audit, consideration to be given to the purchase of additional grit bin/s for which quotes have been received. SCC Highways Department has responded that in its opinion the Parish Council has the requisite number of bins or sites for grit heaps. It was suggested that the Parish Council may wish to provide grit bins where there are currently grit heaps. No further decision was taken with regards to additional bins. Cllr Felton disputed that the position stated by SCC for the grit heap in Knox Lane was correct or appropriate. Action Clerk

3/5 ii. Knox Lane/Hillside – Overgrown hedge. Action: Clerk - SCC to be again asked to trim the hedge 13.194 Planning Matters

New Applications i. DC/13/0135/FUL - The Euston Estate PROPOSAL Planning Application - Change of use and conversion of existing barns to 2 no. dwellings with construction of new vehicular access (following demolition of a dilapidated wing on the southern block) ( As previously approved under SE/10/0978) LOCATION Barningham Park Barns Park Road Suffolk No objection ii. DC/13/0136/LB - The Euston Estate PROPOSAL Listed Building Application - Change of use and conversion of existing barns to 2 no. dwellings with construction of new vehicular access (following demolition of a dilapidated wing on the southern block) ( As previously approved under SE/10/0979) LOCATION Barningham Park Barns Park Road Coney Weston Suffolk No objection iii. DC/13/0058/FUL - The Dun Cow PROPOSAL Planning Application - Re-instatement of opening at first floor level and the provision of an external fire escape to rear elevation LOCATION The Dun Cow Inn Up Street, Bardwell No objection iv. DC/13/0059/LB - The Dun Cow PROPOSAL Listed Building Application - Re-instatement of opening at first floor level and the provision of an external fire escape to rear elevation No objection v. DC/13/0343/TCA Mrs Sara Trowell PROPOSAL TCA13/2524 - Trees in a Conservation Area Notification - (i) Crown lift Norway Maple (T1) to 4 metres over road; (ii) Reduce two ash trees (T2_T3) by 2 metres off roof; (iii) Crown lift snake bark maple (T4) to 3 metres; (iv) Fell small lime (T5) and one plum (T6); (v) Crown lift persian iron wood (T7) to 3 metres over garden; and (vi) Crown lift group of small trees and shrubs (G1) to 4 metres. LOCATION The Old Pottery Low Street Bardwell Bury St Edmunds No objection vi. DC/13/0352/HEDGE Applicant: Mrs Jean Cayless – Anglian Water PROPOSAL HH13/17 - Hedgerow Removal Notice - Removal of hedgerow 6 metres long at two locations to facilitate laying of new treated water main between Barnham Cross Water treatment works and Little Whelnetham reservoir. Grid references 593891 274698 and 593897 274694 LOCATION Land Owned By Ms J Allum Near Spring Road Bardwell No objection vii. Proposed cattle grids – Knettishall Heath. PROPOSAL Construction of four cattle grids in the highway around Knettishall Heath. The landowner of Knettishall Heath, which is adjacent to the highway, is Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Suffolk Wildlife Trust is proposing to take down internal fences on the heath for environmental benefits, enabling animals to roam free. The cattle grids are needed to restrict animal movements. No objection

Planning applications received after posting this agenda. viii. DC/13/0356/HEDGE Applicant: Mrs Jean Cayless – Anglian Water PROPOSAL HH13/18 - Hedgerow Removal Notice - Removal of hedgerow 6 metres long at three locations (10,11,12) to facilitate laying of new treated water main between Barnham Cross Water treatment works and Little Whelnetham reservoir. Grid references 10. 594960 272401, 11. 595035 272190 and 12 594867 271935 LOCATION Land Owned By Frederick Hiam Limited between Davey’s Lane and the A143 Bardwell No objection x Outstanding Planning Applications updates • SE/13/0167/FUL Firwood, Low Street, Bardwell This application will be considered by the St Edmundsbury Borough Council Development Control Committee on Thursday 3rd October 2013. Cllr Banes will represent the Parish Council.

The Chairman will review previous submissions to avoid repetition and will consider whether there are other material planning considerations, not previously stated, which are relevant to the Parish Council’s objection statement.

• DC/13/0050/HH 5 Old Mill Court. Bardwell - Awaiting response • DC/13/0070/FUL Bardwell Playing Field - Awaiting response. 4/5 Reports 13.195 Bardwell Playing Field Association Progress has been made with grant applications for the purchase and development of additional land. Agreement for grants have been received from the Havebury Partnership and Suffolk County Council. Further favourable responses are hoped for during the next month. The next meeting of the BPFA will be held on 7 October 2013, 7.30pm in The Pavilion.

13.196 Village Plan Group to include update re Ditch at Spring Road Ditch: It has been agreed with Matthew Lee of SCC, that the ditch will either have been strimmed and cleared prior to the next Parish Council meeting (5 November), or alternatively he will inform the Clerk of the intended date for commencement and completion of this work. Once cleared, an assessment of the problem relating to the water flow will then be made and a resolution established.

Field Entrance: It is not possible to install a gate at the planned position due to the level of the land, according to the SCC Contractor. A suggestion has been made for a barrier, which would be lowered and locked at night. Another suggestion is for bollards. Action Cllr Smith to give consideration to options

13.197 Tithe Barn Committee - No report

13.198 Transport - Nothing new to report. The lack of suitable transport in rural areas is a countrywide problem. It was suggested that the Borough Councillor might wish to highlight the issue with SCC. At the very least a midday bus connection into Bury to supplement the 0720 and 0924 would be beneficial.

13.199 Dog bin at Tithe Barn - Has a more appropriate location been established? A great deal of consideration had been given to the positioning of dog bins and the current location at the Tithe Barn was, and is, considered appropriate. Action: everybody to note/monitor situation re broken glass close to the bins. A suggestion was made that the bin should be moved closer to the boundary of the Tithe Barn. Action: Clerk speak to TB Chairman

13.200 Clerk’s Report to include Freedom of Information draft; Notice board; Village Map Freedom of Information draft: not yet complete. This will be available for next meeting.

Notice Board and Village Map: Progress is being made and more substantial information will be available by the November meeting. Action Clerk 13.201 Defibrillator – The East of Ambulance Service co-ordinator incorrectly informed Bardwell that the village was on the Co-operative List for a ‘free’ defibrillator. It is understood that the grant from British Heart foundation remains available. Will the Parish Council agree to provide a donation to cover the cost in part or in whole for the balance required?

Awaiting information from British Heart Foundation re status of application. A Bardwell resident is currently participating on a First Responders course. Action: Clerk Additional details to be obtained 13.202 Correspondence of note: i. Public Meeting with Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore and Chief Constable, Douglas Paxton will take place on Wednesday 2 October 2013. 6.30pm – 8.30pm at the Athenaeum, Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds. (Details have been displayed on notice boards.) ii. Free School: Statutory Consultation document with questionnaire received from Seckford Foundation Free Schools Trust. (Individual copies have been circulated to Councillors.) It was resolved that Councillors, should they so wish, will complete the consultation individually.

13.203 Meetings to be attended by Councillors Parish Conference 22 October 2013 SALC AGM 12 November 2013

13.204 Questions to the Chair – None

13.205 Next meeting: Tuesday 5 November 2013, 7.30pm in The Tithe Barn

The meeting closed at 9.25pm

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