Meeting of
PAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
7.30pm 17th September 2009, Pakenham Village Hall
Present: Cllr H Painter, Cllr N Farthing, Cllr D Dorling, Cllr R Griffin, Cllr A Kibbel, Borough Cllr C Spicer and Mrs M Gardiner (clerk).
1 - Apologies for absence: Cllr M Sargent, Cllr M Bryant
2 - Borough Councillor's report:
Church Wood - Cllr Spicer is querying ownership of the wood with St Edmundsbury.
Mill Road land - The Chief Executive of St Edmundsbury has had a meeting with the owners.
Local Development Framework - Sites for new homes are still needed in the area but those already suggested have been told that they do not conform to the Core Strategy.
Road signs - all the missing road signs in the area will be replaced by SCC.
3 - County Councillor's report:
No report has been received. Clerk to write to ask Cllr Hopfensperger to attend the next meeting.
.
4 - Police report: none received.
5 - Public Forum:
The Planning Consultant for the owner of Shetland Boats site showed us his proposed plans and answered questions. Residents present at the meeting and the Councillors are happy with the proposal to erect three homes on the site.
A member of the Royal British Legion discussed the proposed Remembrance Day Parade. The Council is happy for the RBL to continue to organise this event. The Parish Council confirmed that the Council has public liability indemnity insurance.
How Green is your Parish? A local resident attended this conference, where there was an agenda item on community orchards. The conference was very worthwhile.
Cllr Dorling reported that a survey of traditional orchards is being undertaken and residents will be asked if they own one. If we have enough orchards a speaker on the subject will be invited to a future meeting.
Land at Mill Lane - A neighbour thanked Cllr Farthing and other village residents for their support during the appeal hearing. The neighbour was, in turn, thanked by everyone at the meeting for the work they had done.
The overgrown hedge along Fen Road has still not been cut. Cllr Dorling has contacted the owner to no effect. SCC Highways Dept will contact owner. Clerk to request SCC to cut it as, after two months, it is proving a danger to highway users.
Possible incinerator at Stanton. Villagers asked for a progress report. Cllr Spicer reported that there was a great deal of opposition to this site. Stanton Parish Council can be contacted for updates on the situation.
The Chairman convened the meeting.
6 - Declarations of interest: none.
7 - Approve minutes of meetings held on 23rd July & 13th August 2009.
Councillors agreed that these should be signed as true records.
8 - Planning applications:
No new applications
Appeal lost
Land at Mill Road, Pakenham.
Granted
SE/09/0891 - Greenwoods Farm
SE/09/0767 - Maulkins Hall Farm
The erection of a log cabin in Fen Road is being considered by the enforcement officer.
9 - Parish Council website:
This should be more widely advertised and village groups should be invited to be linked. Councillors email addresses to be deleted.
10 - The Dell:
Councillors agreed to a quote of £365 to clear ivy etc from fence surrounding the site. A copy of the contractor's public liability cover to be obtained before the order is placed. Cllr Dorling to organise. He will also ask a tree consultant to do a risk assessment on the trees in the Dell.
11 - Clerk's report:
The Clerk has emailed and written to Cllr Hopfensperger about various village matters but, as yet, has received no reply.
Most Councillors agreed that the Clerk could forward to them items of interest emailed to her.
Power of well-being training - Thurston have invited us to join them, or trainings are also held at SALC. Clerk to attend.
Parish Council Conference - Tues 10th November, West Suffolk House, BSE. Cllr Farthing may attend.
12 - Finance Report:
A Finance Report was circulated and all payments were agreed.
The audit had been returned by the auditors with the comment that our reserves were a little high. Councillors unanimously voted to accept the auditors' findings.
The PVH & PFA have agreed to reduce the cost to the Council when they hire the village hall for public meetings.
Cllr Spicer requested a donation to the CAB and other charities - for budget meeting.
13 - Correspondence circulated to Councillors:
SCC - InfoLink
St Edmundsbury - Update on structural review, Licensing principles.
Police - Make your views count.
Suffolk Acre - AGM 24th September, Coddenham; Update.
NHS Suffolk - Proposed pharmacy in Thurston.
Natural England - Hedgerow planting.
CPRE - Fieldwork magazine.
Suffolk Preservation Society - Suffolk View.
Green Suffolk - Conference.
Society of Local Council Clerks.
Stop Stansted Expansion.
Playground equipment.
14 - Any other business:
Bus shelter roof - needs urgent work. Cllr Dorling promised to organise within the next few days.
Footpath leaflet - map needs colouring. The work should be completed shortly so that printing can be organised.
The PVH & PFA are looking into improving the car park at the Recreation Ground and will be asking for support from the Parish Council.
15 - Dates of next meetings:
Thursday 22nd October 2009 and 3rd December in the Martin Room, St Mary's Church.
