Meeting of
PAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
7.30pm 22nd October 2009, Martin Room, St Mary's Church
Present: Cllr H Painter, Cllr N Farthing, Cllr D Dorling, Cllr M Sargent, Cllr A Kibbel, County Cllr R Hopfensperger and Mrs M Gardiner (clerk).
1 - Apologies for absence: Cllr R Griffin, Cllr M Bryant, Borough Councillor C Spicer.
2 - Borough Councillor's report: No report available as Councillor Spicer is held up on the M25.
3 - County Councillor's report:
Cllr Hopfensperger and her son were welcomed to the meeting. She reported that there had been a mix-up over the Grimstone End sign but it was on order now.
Potholes and missing road signs had been reported and will be replaced in due course.
Schools Organisational Review. This may have to be delayed in this area due to lack of money, but it will happen at some stage.
The Boundary Commission will make their decision in October/November.
The County Council budget will be cut drastically for the next two years.
Church Wood - Cllr Hopfensperger recommended that the Parish Council applies for a Rural Initiative Grant, details of which are available on the Borough website. We should send a budgetary outline to Cllr Hopfensperger.
4 - Police report: none received.
5 - Public Forum:
Parish Plan - A member of the public asked about progress. A member of the Parish Plan Committee replied saying that they were applying for an Awards for All grant to help with workshops etc.
The overgrown hedge in Mill Road has been cut. The land has been offered to the Council for allotments. Cost not yet known.
After reporting a cut in electricity EDF arrived within half an hour and corrected the fault.
The PVH & PFA are hoping to resurface the car park at the playing field with road planings. Two quotes have been received, both for around £4,500. The Association have some money but are looking for grants to help. Cllr Hopfensperger may be able to help from her Locality Budget and she suggested they apply for a Rural Initiative Grant.
The Chairman convened the meeting.
6 - Declarations of interest: none.
7 - Approve minutes of meeting held on 17th September 2009.
Councillors agreed that these should be signed as a true record.
8 - Planning applications:
SE/09/1173 - 4 Church Green, Pakenham
Erection of part single part 1 1/2 storey side extension
Councillors carefully considered the plans but found them confusing and agreed to request a definitive plan clearly showing the site boundaries. The area coloured blue on the plan was not labelled. Councillors are concerned about the loss of flint gable and the safety of making an entrance through the flint wall. Flint, rather than render, for the extension would be more in keeping. They are also worried about overlooking neighbouring gardens from the first floor bedrooms.
It was unanimously agreed to object to the application.
SE/09/1196 - Bushel Barn, Paltry Farm, Brand Road
1-Change of use of agricultural land to domestic garden
2-Construction of new vehicular access and driveway (following stopping-up of existing access)
Councillors agreed to object to this application, considering it an unnecessary intrusion into the countryside, particularly with the drive going outside and all around the garden area.
SE/09/ 1209 - Watermill Farm
1 - replacement of entrance portico
2 - hard landscaping to front.
Councillors met on site to consider this application and unanimously agreed to object to the application and inform the Planning Dept of the council's views.
The existing entrance canopy and posts appear to be approximately 150 years old and form an intrinsic part of the character of the building. The Parish Council would prefer to see the existing canopy restored.
The proposed raised brick wall, alongside the front path, we feel will form a trip hazard and we do not feel is necessary. We consider a french drain, adjacent to the building, lowered to overcome any damp problems would be less obtrusive and safer.
The Parish Council request that consideration is given to cobbles or granite sets for the new paths rather than red brick. We consider paving similar to the side paths would be acceptable.
It is suggested that a barrier outside the engine house will improve safety.
We understand the intention was to bring all visitors into the building via the side entrance and indeed the drawings are still annotated as such. Clarification on the future route for access to the building is requested.
SE/09/1235 - Mulberry House, Church Hill
Tree Preservation Order Application
Councillors have no objection to the minor tree works proposed.
SE/09/1238 - Acorn Cottage, Fen Road
Listed building application
1 - External alterations to include (i) replacement of 4no windows and 2no doors (ii) replacement of part of front brick gable wall with timber frame (iii) rendering of external brick walls (iv) painting of external walls
2 - internal alterations to include (i) restoration of inglenooks (ii) installation of new bathroom (iii) removal of partition walls.
Councillors agreed to object to this application on the grounds that the changes to the outside, especially changing from brick to render will alter the intrinsic look of this listed building.
SE/09/1285 - The Fox Public House, The Street
Trees in a Conservation Area Notification
Councillors have no objection to the minor tree works proposed.
9 - The Dell:
A copy of the contractor's public liability cover has been received and the fence and path round the Dell has been cleared of ivy. Some boards needed replacing in the fence and some subsidence is now visible. The path is overgrown right up to the playing field car park. There is evidence of fly tipping on the site. Owners of the neighbouring property are worried about dead trees next to their property. Contractor to be asked to make the trees safe (to cost no more than £200).
A tree surgeon has offered to tag the trees and then quote for any work needed. Councillors agreed to ask tree care consultants to survey the trees in The Dell. Meeting to be arranged.
10 - Village sign:
Mr Chester made the sign nine years ago and recommended at that time that it should be varnished about every two years. He has offered to do the work at a cost of £200. Councillors agreed unanimously to this and Mr Chester will be contacted to arrange delivery.
11 - Telephone boxes:
BT have surveyed use of the telephone boxes in the village. Grimstone End box has only been used 4 times, the box in The Street 152 times in the past year. BT plan to remove the telephony from both boxes and have offered them to the Parish Council for £1 each. Councillors have discussed this matter previously and agreed that the boxes are part of the village and should be retained. (Although at that time the Grimstone End box was the only one considered in danger). Councillors suggest that the light be retained, on a time switch, with the Council paying the cost. It might be necessary to ask for volunteers to look after and clean the boxes. Clerk to follow up.
12 - Clerk's report:
Power of well-being training - The clerk attended training at SALC. The Power of Well-Being is a new statutory power, which if adopted by the Parish Council, enables it to do anything which it considers likely to achieve the promotion or improvement of the economic, social or environmental well-being of its area. There are conditions to eligibility to adopt this power. Details were circulated to Councillors for their consideration. For future discussion.
Parish Council Conference - Tues 10th November, West Suffolk House, BSE.
SALC AGM 9th November. No-one is available to attend either of these events.
13 - Finance Report:
A Finance Report was circulated and all payments were agreed. Councillors agreed to make a grant, possibly £1,000 but exact amount to be confirmed, towards the Playing Field car park resurfacing.
14 - Correspondence circulated to Councillors:
SCC - Energy saving issues.
East of England Regional Assembly - 2031 Scenarios for housing & economic growth..
SALC - AGM Invitation & papers; Trainings ; Legal topics; Fit villages
Abbeycroft Leisure; Clarkes catalogue; Groundworks; Stop Stansted expansion
15 - Any other business from Councillors:
Village Hall car park - the shingle needs raking and smoothing. For PVH & PFA.
Two streetlights in Grimstone End are not working. Clerk to report.
Car park signs to all the village car parks would be a good idea.
Ownership of the road to the playing field is questioned.
16 - Dates of next meetings:
Thursday 3rd December in the Martin Room, St Mary's Church and 21st January ?.
