Meeting of
PAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
7.30pm 28th May 2009, Pakenham Village Hall
Present: Cllr H Painter, Cllr N Farthing, Cllr D Dorling, Cllr R Griffin, Cllr M Sargent, Cllr A Kibbel,. County Cllr R Hopfensperger, Borough Cllr C Spicer, and Mrs M Gardiner (clerk).
1 - Election & Appointment of Chairman & Vice Chairman:
Cllr D Dorling proposed Cllr H Painter as Chairman for the coming year. Cllr N Farthing seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
Cllr A Kibbel proposed and Cllr M Sargent seconded the motion that Cllr N Farthing be appointed Vice-Chairman. All agreed.
2 - Signing of Declaration of Acceptance Form:
Cllr H Painter signed the form for the coming year.
3 - Apologies for absence: Cllr M Bryant
4 - Declaration of interest: none.
5 - Public Forum: no public present.
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6 - Borough Councillor's report:
Cllr Spicer reported that the Borough's share of the Council tax had increased by 0% and the charge had only increased by 2% overall.
He is fighting to challenge the urban attitude to 2035 planning, where little development is planned in villages, with the exception of Stanton and Ixworth. The criteria of the sustainability of villages may be challenged.
The Borough is in favour of West Suffolk becoming a unitary authority after the Local Government Review. This should improve rural planning and enforcement.
SEBC can help with village walks leaflets.
Church Green Wood - SEBC would be happy to sell. Meeting on 8th June arranged with Parish Councillors to discuss price and terms.
Hedge trimming is required at Thurston road crossroads (Clerk for action) and ivy needs removing from fencing at The Dell (Cllr Dorling for action).
7 - County Councillor's report:
Cllr R Hopfensperger presented her report.
A computer at home should be available to every child and grants are available through the schools to facilitate this.
She is still chasing the Grimstone End signs and has asked for a survey to take place to ascertain whether deer signs are also needed. Cllr D Dorling to contact SCC again.
The Chairman asked if a grant might be available to help create a community orchard, Cllr Hopfensperger said this should be possible.
8 - Police report:
PCSO Bob Bailey attended and his report is attached. The team now look after 53 villages in the area.
There will be a meeting regarding the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in Pakenham Village Hall on 25th June 2009 at 7pm to which all are invited. Liz Hartaar from Crimestoppers will be the speaker.
The Chairman convened the meeting.
9 - Approve minutes of the meeting held on 16th April & 11th May 2009:
Councillors agreed that these should be signed as a true record.
10 - Clerk's report:
County Council & European elections take place on 4th June.
11 - Planning applications:
SE/09/0525 - Bridge House, The Street, Pakenham
Conversion of existing outbuildings to form (i) annexe and (ii) residential holiday let with associated alterations including the raising of roof height to accommodate rooms at first floor.
Councillors studied the plans and agreed they had no objection to the proposals.
SE/09/0540 - Bunbury Barn, Brand Road, Gt Barton.
Erection of single storey extension incorporating dormer to accommodate stairwell (revised scheme).
After careful consideration, Councillors agreed that they had no objection to the plans.
Egg unit - Councillors are invited to attend the Planning Committee meeting at which the application for a temporary dwelling will be discussed. The meeting is on 3rd June at the Athaeneum. Cllr Spicer will speak and Cllr Painter and/or other Parish Councillors will do their best to attend.
Granted:
SE/09/0315 - Dell House, 53 The Owell.
SE/09/0392 - Millrise, Grimstone End.
12 - Finance Report:
The Annual Statement of Accounts for 2008-09 have been agreed by the internal auditor. The Audit documents were agreed and signed. The Annual Governance Statement for the external auditor was discussed and completed.
Risk Assessment - Councillors agreed to meet on 11th June to consider the points raised and then payment will be authorised.
A Finance Report was circulated and all payments were agreed.
13 - Correspondence circulated to Councillors:
Equality & Human Rights - Public Sector Equality Duties
EEAPTC - Regional Government
St Eds - Standards Committee; Historic Homes Show
West Suffolk LSP - News May 2009
Structural Review
Suffolk Preservation Society - Suffolk View & AGM agenda
Rural Services Community - Weekly News Focus
Suffolk Acre - Community Buildings petition
SALC advice
Housing related support in Suffolk
Stop Stansted expansion
Playground equipment
14 - Councillor's reports - Church Wood:
The suggestion to buy Church Wood and turn it into a community orchard was discussed again. Grants would be available from St Edmundsbury and possibly from Havebury Housing. The present trees would need to be removed and fencing repaired before planting fruit trees. One of the Church Green Cottage residents has enquired about purchasing the land. Cllr Painter to meet with St Edmundsbury next week to discuss the possible purchase. Some Councillors would prefer to spend money on land which is under threat to save it for the community - Anderson's pit was quoted
15 - Dates of next meetings:
Thursday 23rd July and Thursday 17th September in the Martin Room, St Mary's Church.
