Pakenham Parish Council : Minutes 1st December 2011

PAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held 7.30pm 1st December 2011
Pakenham Village Hall

Present: Cllr H Painter, Cllr M Sargent, Cllr D Dorling, Cllr A Kibbel, Cllr R Griffin, Cllr C Palfrey, Cllr M Bagnall, Borough Councillor C Spicer and County Councillor R Hopfensperger. Mrs M Gardiner (clerk)was in attendance.

1 - Apologies for absence: none.

2 - Declarations of interest: none.

3 - Public Forum:-
Baileypool Bridge:-
The Structures Manager and a Structures Maintenance Engineer from SCC attended the meeting at the request of the Parish Council. They came to get the views of local residents about Baileypool Bridge.
The structure has been struck on a number of occasions and residents hope that measures can be taken to stop any further damage.
The engineers told the meeting that they were thinking of introducing a width restriction to stop large vehicles using the bridge. Curbing and solid bollards would be used to restrict width so that any vehicle would hit the bollards before they hit the rebuilt parapets.
Borough Councillor Spicer asked whether a road narrows sign could be put at the junctions at both end of the approach road. He suggested that such signage might help stop lorries turning towards the bridge..
The farmer living at Baileypool Farm, Mr David Davison, asked how farm vehicles and contractor lorries could use the bridge if the width was restricted. It was suggested that key bollards might work. Mr Davison reported that lorries coming along Norton road from Ixworth are sometimes told by their satnavs to take the first turning right. The police have also directed vehicles towards the first turning right. They both intended the vehicles to turn towards Pakenham at the Stowlangtoft crossroads, not the very narrow lane towards Baileypool bridge.
Mr Davison told the meeting that vehicles taking this route often drive into the farm to turn. He intends to stop this practice and access will not be allowed in the future.
He also reported that the lane from the A1088 needs potholes filled in and hedges cut.
The Engineers were asked when work was to start. They explained that it could take eight weeks to obtain the necessary consents from the Environment Agency including the erection of scaffolding. This was considered a very long time by residents who were anxious for the work to be undertaken as soon as possible.
All services, oil, dustcart, newspaper and milk deliveries have be delivered via Ixworth at present and the Engineers have no plans to allow vehicles over the bridge until the work is complete. The bridge cannot be rebuilt before the bollards are erected.
Residents asked for the road closed sign to be bolted to existing signs so that they are not able to be knocked or blown over.
The proposed width between bollards was discussed. The Engineers told the meeting that 2.2m was normal. Mr Davison said that farm vehicles would need access of at least 2.2m, a little more than that for comfort. Farm vehicles use the bridge at least twice a day.
Councillors suggested that a chicane might work as this would affect long vehicles but not shorter ones.
Local residents asked if a temporary structure could be erected to enable access for milk, post and business use to ease the current inconvenience.
The Chairman asked the Engineers if they could help by erecting temporary barriers so that residents could use the bridge with care. They replied that safety was a prime concern and they did not think this would be possible, although they will look into it.
A further point made was that both lanes can fill up with snow and ice which eventually cause flooding in the area. The Chairman considered that the availability of grit at both ends of the lane might help. Clerk to action.
Cllr Hopfensperger will look into dealing with the potholes and drain in the area.
She considers that there appears to be no alternative to bollards, even if they will inconvenience residents. Longer vehicles are the main problem. The weight restriction is abused but a width restriction might be taken notice of.
She appreciates that it is important to maintain access for farm and local vehicles and also to deter unsuitable vehicles.
The Highways Dept will be consulted regarding the possibility of changing the island at the junction on the Pakenham side of the bridge into a T junction. Cllr Hopfensperger will look into the possibility of funding this work from her Quality of Life budget.
The Chairman told the engineers that the little bridge is very well used and is greatly missed. All residents are anxious that the bridge should be repaired as soon as possible.
Councillors agreed to keep Ixworth and Stowlangtoft parishes informed. The SCC Engineers will contact Mr Davison to discuss access for farm and service vehicles.
Cllr Hopfensperger closed the discussion by agreeing with the engineers that temporary barriers will be considered. It might be possible to put the bollards in at the same time. If the bridge can be used it will give SCC time to do the job properly and get it right. The engineers told the meeting that they may strengthen the arch to give the bridge a longer life.
A further site meeting with SCC Highways will be arranged. The possible changes to the junction will be considered during the site meeting. The Chairman asked if the Parish Council could be kept informed of progress and also asked that the site visit be arranged as soon as possible. All residents will be invited to attend.
Land at Mill Road:-
The gates have now been removed, but the gateposts remain. A temporary 8ft fence has been erected around the site. Earth has been placed on top of the hardcore. The goats have been removed but the geese and ducks remain.
The Chairman pointed out that from a planning point of view the owner is only required to comply with the enforcement order. Further items may require further planning enforcement..
Borough Councillor Spicer read out the enforcement order and explained progress at St Edmundsbury. He suggested that interested residents may wish to attend a full Borough Council meeting to raise concerns in front of the full council and press. Most residents present are unaware that they can do this. The next meeting is on 13th December.
County Councillor Hopfensperger will inform the Environment Agency about the pipe which runs from the roadway through the osier beds.

4 - County Councillor's Report:-
Signage at Upper Town - Guy Smith is now the Highways Manager for this area. It is proposed to erect children waiting signs where children wait for the bus on road from Ixworth. Signs to be erected in 4-6 weeks. The children go back to school on 6th January, perhaps before then traffic will be monitored.
The Chairman thanked County Councillor Hopfensperger.
Libraries are not now being closed. A charitable organisation will be set up to run libraries. It will run HR, IT, bureaucracy and will include members of local groups.
Large scale engineering projects may be run by private firms. Highways will still be the responsibility of SCC.
Budget consultation: Draft ideas have been put forward – there will be a public meeting soon.
Cllr Hopfensperger has funded a feasibility study at Bunbury crossroads. Any changes caused by school review will be taken into account. Gt Barton have always wanted traffic lights there. Changes are now in the programme of work.
Planning application for Whitings, Fenn Rd: Cllr Hopfensperger to ask highways manager to check whether the wall is on the highway.
The mobile library should be advertised within the village. Stops will be reduced but will be of better quality.
Internet access - national broadband campaign. Infrastructure in 2013; 85% will have faster broadband by 2015. The remainder will have better modems.

5 - Borough Councillor's Report:-
Church Wood - Cllr Spicer said he was pleased to see the new fencing on the site and hoped that villagers would take advantage of the new facility.
Broadway - Cllr Spicer will support the planning application.
A resident asked the Councillor if he will support other planning applications in the village, particularly at Millers Meadow where the application was turned down and is now going to appeal. Cllr Spicer told the meeting that he can only support applications where the Parish Council has discussed the matter and have no objection to the work.
St Edmundsbury are sharing services with Forest Heath in order to try to save £2,000,000 every year.
A resident asked if the proposed boundary changes would affect Pakenham. Cllr Spicer informed him that the consultation currently taking place proposes moving Pakenham from St Edmundsbury into a new West Suffolk area. The changes will not take place for three years.

6 - Police report - No report has been received.
The next priority setting meeting will be held at Ixworth Village Hall on Thursday 8th December 2011 from 7.00-9.00pm.

The Chairman convened the meeting.

7 - Approve minutes of meeting held on 27th October 2011:-
These were approved and signed as a true record.

8 - Planning applications:-
SE/11/1267 – Whitings, Fen Road
Retention of fence to front boundary.
After discussion, Councillors agreed that they had no objection to this proposal as long as there was no infringement of the highway.
Granted:
SE/11/1163 – 40 The Owell, Pakenham
SE/11/1185 – Nether Hall, The Street, Pakenham

9 - Jubilee celebrations:-
Mary Kirby has made an application to the Heritage Lottery for money towards celebrations for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. She will organise the activities on behalf of the Parish Council. A planning meeting will be held on 18th January. Mrs Kirby will be asked to attend Parish Council meetings to report on progress.
Cllr Dorling reported on an offer of a specimen oak tree to be planted in the village to mark the Diamond Jubilee. A site near the watermill was suggested and the watermill committee will be approached.

10 - Parish Plan:-
Local needs housing survey - Suffolk Acre have offered to attend a Parish Council meeting to give a short presentation explaining how to undertake a housing survey. Councillors decided that an open meeting, where the whole village was invited, would be the best way forward. Cllr Griffin will liaise with Suffolk Acre and set up a meeting in January.
Newsletter – All Councillors have seen the draft newsletter and would like to see the first copy distributed in the new year. Cllr Griffin will investigate the possibility of illustrations or artistic layout.

11 - Country Landowners Association:-
Membership of the association offers free legal advice and independent planning advice. This could be useful for some planning applications. Membership costs approx £180. Councillors voted for the Parish Council to join and Cllr Griffin will send for the necessary forms.

12 - Baileypool Bridge – discussed during Public Forum.

13 - Church Wood and The Dell:-
The Health and Safety tree survey has taken place. Trees requiring attention have been tagged and a report will be received soon.
Rubbish bins belonging to residents are currently parked at the entrance to the wood. These may need to be moved when the wood is open to the public.
It was suggested that a dog bin should be placed at the entrance to the wood. This could be emptied at the same time as other bins in the village.

The Dell currently has no work outstanding.

14 - Finance Report:-
A Finance Report was circulated and payments agreed. The cost of the August by-election has been confirmed and will be paid.
Councillor Dorling obtained a quote for the removal of spoil from the burial ground. However, some residents have expressed an interest in using it as topsoil and it was agreed that any resident was welcome to help themselves. £30 will be added to the cost of burial to cover removal of such spoil in the future.
Resurfacing and lighting the church path – the grant has been received from St Edmundsbury thanks to Cllr Hopfensperger. The resurfacing has been completed.
The budget was discussed at length and a precept figure was finally agreed. Unfortunately cuts are necessary and it was unanimously agreed to reduce the grants for the village hall and Post Office by 10%. The Bowls Club grant will also be reduced.

15 - Clerk's report:-
Suffolk Wildlife Trust are offering to visit clubs to discuss opportunities available at Bradfield Woods at the new visitor centre.

16 - Correspondence:-
SCC : Meeting the budget challenge; Olympic torch route
SALC : Smarter working for Local Councils
CPRE : Countryside Voice
Clerks & Councils Direct
Age UK Suffolk
Grass-cutting
Grounds Maintenance

17 - Councillor's reports:-
Some councillors and villagers spoke of how much the village pub will be missed. Unfortunately not enough people used it and so it has become no longer viable. A planning application is expected for change of use soon.

18 - Date of next meeting:-
Wednesday 11th January 2012 at 7.30pm in Pakenham Village Hall.