Pakenham Parish Council : Minutes 16th October 2025

PAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 16th October 2025
Pakenham Village Hall

Present: Cllr Davey (Chairman), Cllr Dorling, Cllr Palfrey, Cllr Sargent and Cllr Sidebottom
Others in attendance: Claire Usher (Clerk) and 2 members of the public.

161025/01 Apologies for absence: Cllr Bagnall and Cllr Berry.

161025/02 Declarations of Interest (DoI):-
Cllr Sidebotham declared a pecuniary interest in item 161025/09 and left the meeting whilst the applications were discussed.

161025/03 Dispensation:-
Councillors noted no requests had been received and none were requested at the meeting.

Public Forum:-
161025/04 District Councillor Report: Cllr Speed had sent his apologies.
161025/05 County Councillor Report:-
Cllr Hopfensperger updated Councillors regarding devolution. Highways had been contacted regarding Fulmer Bridge and had advised that these works will be included in the schedule of works for the new year. Some gulley work had taken place on the Fen to alleviate flooding and patching work along Fen Road will take place in the next few weeks. Cllr Dorling asked if the stretch of road outside Wheelwrights Cottage could be repaired at the same time. In connection with Sizewell C and its application to Discharge Requirement 25, Cllr Hopfensperger had asked the Planning Officers for more clarity and she would then report back to the Parish Council.
161025/06 A member of the public highlighted that a meeting was being held regarding the history of the Pakenham Watermill on 22nd October and the lack of advertisement for this event.
A member of the Pavilion committee, thanked the County Councillor for the donation from her locality budget for the supply of CCTV equipment for the Pavilion and the Village Hall. These were now in operation.

161025/07 Minutes of previous meeting:-
All Councillors resolved to accept the minutes of the Council meeting held on 18th September 2025 as a true reflection of the decisions made and authorised the Chairman to sign the minutes.

161025/08 Reports Arising from Previous Minutes: None to report.

Planning:-
161025/09 Councillors considered the following planning applications made to West Suffolk Council relating to this Parish since the last meeting:

DC/25/1505/TCA : River Cottage, The Street
Trees in a conservation area – 1 No Beech and 1 No Walnut reduce branches overhanging boundary on eastern aspect by up to 2 metres.
Councillors agreed to support this application.

DC/25/1475/TCA : River Cottage, The Street
Trees in a conservation area – 1 No Fir lateral crown reduction to eastern aspect by up to 1 metre, 1 No Leylandii lateral crown deduction on eastern aspect by up to 1 metre.
Councillors agreed to support this application.

161025/10 Councillors noted that no planning decisions had been made since the last meeting.

Finance:-
161025/11 All Councillors confirmed receipt of the finance report for the period ended 30th September 2025.
161025/12 All Councillors noted that £405 had been received for burial fees.
161025/13 All Councillors resolved to approve the following gross payments by internet banking, supported by invoices, had been received prior to the meeting.

161025/17 Donations:-
i) All Councillors agreed to reaffirm their commitment to supporting the Pavilion and agreed to a donation of £2000 as in previous years.
ii) All Councillors agreed to a donation of £55 to the Royal British Legion to support Remembrance Day.

161025/18 Correspondence:-
*The Clerk reported that she had received a request from Great Barton Parish Council asking the Parish Council to support a proposal for a circular footpath on Elms Meadow which part of would fall within our Parish. All Councillors had received a map showing the proposed circular footpath. If the landowner were to be in agreement, Great Barton Parish Council would look to include this as a permissive walking path which would require no paperwork or legal undertakings with Public Rights of Way. All Councillors fully supported this proposal.
*The Clerk had received two applications for new memorials in the cemetery. These were shared with Councillors, and it was agreed to approve them.

161025/19 Councillors to note any items for inclusion in a future meeting:-
Cllr Berry asked if an item to discuss the Definitive Map could be added to the November agenda. There will be a 2nd presentation from Phil Cobbold to discuss a pre application for a small development in the village.

161025/20 All Councillors noted that the next meeting will be on Thursday 20th November 2025 to be held in The Pavilion.

161025/21 The Chairman closed the meeting at 8.10pm