Parish Councillors
Mr Mike Rogers (Chairman)
Mrs Heather Owen (Vice Chairman)
Mrs Evelyn
Bloomfield
Mr John Hammond
Mr David Brinkley
Mr Nick Doncaster
Mrs Sue
Brown
Mrs Angie Buggs (Parish Clerk)
Parish Council meetings
are held bi-monthly on the first Thursday at 7.30pm in the village
hall everyone is welcome to attend.
Dates For Parish Council
Meetings 2012
2nd February
5th April
1st May Parish Council AGM and Village Meeting
5th July
6th September
1st November
Minutes
Of the Parish Council
Meeting held at Bucklesham Village Hall at 7.30 pm on
Thursday,
1st September 2011
Present
Cllr Mike Rogers (Chairman)
Cllr Evelyn Bloomfield
Cllr Nick Doncaster
Cllr John Hammond
Cllr Heather Owen
Cllr Veronica Falconer – Suffolk Coastal District Council
Cllr Patricia O’Brien – Suffolk Coastal District Council /
Suffolk County Council
Mrs Angie Buggs – Clerk
7 members of the public
42.11 Welcome by the Chairman
Cllr Rogers welcomed councillors and parishioners to the meeting
outlining the format for the meeting and went through the fire
procedure for the building.
43.11 Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Sue Brown, Cllr
David Brinkley, PC Paul Smith and PCSO Andi Hillman.
44.11 Declaration of interest
No declarations of interest were declared.
45.11 Minutes
The minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday,
21st July 2011 were approved as being a true record and
signed by the Chairman.
46.11 Matters arising from the minutes
Item 28.11 Police Report
Cllr Sue Brown had asked whether any information had been
received regarding the road traffic accident which had recently
occurred adjacent to the pumping station. The Clerk reported that
she had contacted PC Paul Smith however the accident had not been
reported to the police which was probably because no injuries had
occurred.
Item 30.11 Community Council Report – Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
Celebrations
Cllr Mike Rogers said that this item would be discussed under
the agenda item General Matters.
Item 32.11 Review of Road Names within Bucklesham
Cllr Mike Rogers reported that the Parish Council had been sent
a map by Suffolk Coastal District Council requesting them to review
the road names marked and report back as to whether the Parish
Council agreed with the data held on SCDC the database. The Parish
Council did not find any discrepancies in the data provided.
47.11 The meeting was adjourned to receive reports
from:
· Suffolk Police – PC Paul Smith – written report
Crimes reported since 7th July until 31st
August 2011.
Main Road at 1600 on 13th August 2011. The victim
returned home to find a letter addressed to her, which contained
words of a threatening nature. Enquiries on-going.
Local parishioners and councillors reported that over the last
few days there had been a number of incidents in the village. A car
which was parked in the driveway at the Haven, next door to the
Shannon Public House had been broken into and a car parked in St
Mary’s Close was broken into and some items stolen.
· Cllr P O’Brien – Suffolk Coastal District Council / Suffolk
County Council – written report
Mark Bee, Leader of SCC, has outlined his main priority for
Suffolk as working more closely with other councils/public sector
organisations by breaking down the barriers across the public
sector and working in partnership to remove duplication.
The cabinet has approved an approach that will secure the future
of library services in Suffolk. This follows a four-month
consultation and will lead to the libraries being transferred to a
new central organisation. A final decision on how this new
organisation will operate will be taken at November’s cabinet
meeting.
Meanwhile a new public consultation will take place on how
mobile libraries can be restructured so that the service can be
retained but still make the necessary savings.
Lucy Robinson has been appointed as SCC’s interim Chief
Executive, to fulfil the role for up to six months until a
permanent replacement is recruited.
The energy-from-waste facility, which will turn Suffolk’s
non-recyclable waste into energy, has been given the go-ahead.
Planning permission was granted for the plant to be built at Great
Blakenham. Building work is due to start later this year, and it
should be ready to open in December 2014. By diverting this waste
away from polluting landfill sites, the county council will have a
much greener solution for Suffolk’s waste, and will avoid paying
ever-increasing amounts of landfill tax, thus saving Suffolk around
£350 million over the 25 years of the contract.
Following the decision of the cabinet to commit up to £10
million towards Suffolk’s Better Broadband Programme, work has
continued to revise Suffolk’s bid. We are expecting to hear if we
have been successful in September.
The cabinet has approved all the proposals for savings agreed in
February’s budget, but with one exception – ending the full-time
crewing of the Felixstowe Fire Station. Having considered the
consultation feedback, the recommended proposals for Felixstowe
were changed, so that they no longer involver stopping the
full-time crewing arrangements immediately, but instead reduce the
full-time fire fighter cover in stages over the next few years.
This means it will be an incremental approach with a consultation
and review at each stage.
The Locality bid needs to be submitted as soon as possible.
· Cllr V Falconer – Suffolk Coastal District Council – written
report/verbal report
Leading up to the holiday period one was involved yet again with
the LDF Reviewed Core Strategy at their all day Full Council
Meeting on 27th July at Trinity Park – this as you may
know has resulted in yet another public consultation of two papers
– Sustainability Appraisal and Appropriate Assessment from
30th August until 14th October – comments are
welcome. These documents can be found on SCDC website
www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk
under Local Development Framework.
Waveney DC and Suffolk Coastal District
Council
Partnership working is continuing to be successful with at least
£4.2 million saving and the “can do” attitude by staff to the
shared services partnership is helping to achieve the programme’s
objectives. Both Councils are looking at all their services/schemes
and how best the two councils can deliver priority services. They
are looking at a joint tourism marketing guide and the alignment of
their financial, legal and democratic teams. Recently Strategic
Director Stephen Archer left and I understand is not going to be
replaced. Recently the two leaders hailed the partnership as a
“blueprint for modern local government service delivery”.
Suffolk Coastal’s Village of the Year
I was lucky enough to be one of the judges this year and had a
very enjoyable day visiting all the villages that entered and
meeting residents and Parish Councillors. We have awarded the
Winner for 2011 to Boyton – a small village of only 50 homes which
had a wonderful community spirit and their fund raising endeavours
and energy have raised the profile and well-being of all the
residents. They will be awarded their prize on Saturday,
3rd September at their Annual Fete.
Waklyns Agroforestry Farm
In July I visited the above. A research farm into diverse
systems producing high yields that are resilient and sustainable –
they do require however a high labour input and more planning.
Pesticides and fertilisers are not used at all. It was an
interesting evening and the farm is set out in six alley cropping
systems where Hazel and apple trees separate cropping alleys. The
cropping alleys contain organic rotation of clover, potatoes and
then cereals. The trees protect the soil from drying out and their
shade protects the soil as well and wind speeds reduce evaporation.
Water is conserved. The coppiced trees are used to heat their
farm.
Landguard Fort
I was invited to an exclusive insight into the fort, the nature
reserve and museum along with 40 local businesses and tourism
partners. I have been to the fort often but it is some years since
I was last at the museum and I can highly recommend it. It is
enormous now and has some very interesting artefacts. Certainly
this end of the Felixstowe Peninsula is well worth visiting and I
learnt that a weed in my garden that I have been busily trying to
kill was in fact quite a rare plant.
Cigarette Butts
Everything in the District is still being done to keep litter
down and the latest help are free Stubbi pouches that can safely
extinguish cigarette and store up to five ends until you can get to
a bin to dispose of them. According to “Keep Britain Tidy” ciggy
litter is reported to be a problem at 81% of their locations.
Young People’s Activities
Suffolk Coastal held events over the summer holidays one of
which for the 4th year running was Operation Camouflage
– a 3 day camp at Rock Barracks for 55 youngsters between 10 and 16
where everything from army challenge assault courses to book
designing, trampolining and dance mats. Week long activity camps
were also held in Kesgrave, Otley and Framlingham offering a range
of crafts, games, etc.
Slightly Older
Touch Rugby benefitted from Sportivate funding with an inter-pub
rugby tournament. Touch rugby games were played throughout August
on Sunday afternoons and the final place at the Woodbridge Rugby
Club in September.
Its Free
On the weekend of the 8th/9th September
Suffolk Coastal and Waveney are introducing two Heritage Open Days
where the general public can explore a range of heritage buildings
not usually open to the general public. A copy of the places open
is available from the Tourist Information Centre down in
Felixstowe.
SCDC Sports Award
Residents have until Friday, 30th September to
nominate deserving sports people, volunteers or coaches ahead of
the awards taking place at BT Adastral Park in November. Nominees
must live either in the District to be associated with a Club based
in the District
www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/yourfreetime/sportsawards.
Voting to be Easier
SCDC are reviewing their 117 polling stations to ensure there
accessibility. Should residents find it difficult to access a
Polling Station, a postal vote can be made. As far as I can see
Bucklesham requires a disabled ramp. Comments can be made up until
11th November by email to
elections@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.
Icing on the Cake
My Chairmanship of Suffolk Coastal ended at the end of May and
in July I was invited along with 7,000 others to a Garden Party at
Buckingham Palace. I took my son and it was a lovely afternoon and
a wonderful way to end my year.
· Question Time
1. Cllr Hammond stated that due to the travellers being evicted
from Dale Farm by Basildon Council would mean that the travellers
would have no option but to try and find other sites to live.
2. Tim Voelcker asked whether with the departure of the Chief
Executive of Suffolk County Council would mean that the new
Strategic Direction would be changed and would the new Chief
Executive’s salary be reduced. Cllr Pat O’Brien said that the Chief
Executive’s salary will be no more than £160,000. There will be
change to the Strategic Direction but it will be at a different
pace. Cllr Pat O’Brien said that Suffolk County Council are on
track to save the £42 million discussed last year.
The meeting was re-convened.
48.11 Bucklesham School
Mrs Rosemary Watson presented the report from Bucklesham School
as follows:
The Summer Term ended with a flurry of activity; Summer Fair
Barbeque, Leaver’s Assembly and the Wolsey Dance Project. Funding
was unfortunately withdrawn for this project, but the pupils raised
money themselves through their own enterprise schemes run at the
school and so we were able to go ahead with this extremely
worthwhile project. They were once again a credit to the school
(and the best – they always are!).
This was the first full term with our new head, Mrs Bryony
Surtees and one of her first tasks was to go with Years 5 and 6 to
PGL. She had never been on a school residential trip before never
mind one that requires you to do everything the children do and not
be scared! Mrs Surtees has worked hard to put her ‘stamp’ on the
school. Her energy and enthusiasm are catching and everyone is
delighted with the way the first term has worked out.
The SATs results did not quite hit targets with our English
target missing by two children and Mathematics by one, but the
wheels are in motion to address this with two members of staff
having been on a writing course at the end of last term. The end of
term saw the school saying farewell to two members of the teaching
staff, Mrs Hitchings who is moving away and Mrs Johnson who is
moving to a full time post at another school. We also said farewell
to two mid-day supervisors, Mrs Ford and Mrs Brunt; the latter of
whom has served the school for many years.
The new term approaches with changes and a new face. Mrs Starke,
who has taught Years 1 and 2 since joining the school – about 16
years – is moving up to teach Years 3 and 4 and overseeing Key
Stage 2. This will be the first time that Years 3 and 4 will have
had a full-time teacher previously always having had a job share
and we have a newly qualified teacher coming in to teach Years 1
and 2; Alice Irving. She impressed staff and governors at her
interview and it will be good to have someone fresh from university
with new ideas and we wish her well.
49.11 Community Council
Cllr John Hammond presented the report from the Community
Council as follows:
Bucklesham Community Council Meeting 27th July
2011
1. The modular building for the playing field is an on-going
project. Kevin Sharman and Rosemary Watson are taking the project
forward in “bite size steps.
2. The BMX track on the playing field was regarded as a popular
project budging by the village questionnaires response. This is
another work in progress in which Michaela is working hard at
putting together a plan for this project. The possibility of
building a structure on a DIY basis is being investigated.
3. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee village celebrations were
discussed. A meeting will be called in early October to ask for
volunteers from all groups within the village to form a
committee.
4. Mike Rogers and Kevin Sharman will erect the fencing round
the village hall oil tank to help improve security.
5. Rosemary Watson was thanked for producing the village
newsletter flyer.
6. The Community Council race trip was well supported with a
sell out and it was agreed to repeat this trip next year. Other
events coming up include: A Village Scarecrow Competition on the
9th October 2011, A Halloween Dance on the
29th October 2011 AND A New Year’s Eve Dance. In early
March/April next year a further bird watching/nature walk is
planned.
7. The Community Council members would be supporting Tim and
Andrew’s Charity Croquet match to be held on the 14th
August 2011. Postscript to this event was that it was a resounding
success with several new players taking part. The event raised well
over £100 to help towards the church tower bell restoration fund.
Thank you to Tim and Andrew for putting on a very enjoyable
afternoon.
8. The next Community Council Meeting is to be held on the 14th
September 2011 so if any of my fellow councillors would like items
discussed please let me have them before this date.
50.11 Tree Warden’s Report
Tim Voelcker reported that Suffolk Coastal District Council has
made the decision to end the Parish Hedge Planting Scheme with
immediate effect. Tim stated that he had emailed the Landscape
Manager Anne Westover in February 2011 welcoming the ending of the
subsidy being given to parishes taking part in the scheme in the
light of the council’s present need to cut spending. Tim had
suggested however that it was regrettable that the scheme should be
ended since it was perfectly possible to maintain it without
subsidy and with very little administration. Over the six years
that Bucklesham has taken part, we have added a modest amount to
the cost of the plant supplied by the District Council when
charging participating landowners for the work carried out by the
volunteer workers recruited within the parish. In this time, the
parish volunteers have planted some 500 metres of hedging and a
quantity of hedgerow trees provided free from within the village.
Tim said that it would appear to be a retrograde step if what has
been built up in the participating parishes over these years is
thrown away when, with a little initiative rather than subsidy, it
could be maintained and extended.
Cllr Mike Rogers put forward the proposal that Tim Voelcker
draft a letter on behalf of the Parish Council to send to Suffolk
Coastal District Council. Cllr Falconer felt it would be beneficial
to contact other parishes to encourage them to each write a letter
to SCDC at the same time. Tim said that a
meeting of Tree Wardens was being held in October when this
proposal could be put forward to other Parish Councils.
The problem of the hedge encroaching on to the footpath adjacent
to Bucklesham School was raised again. It was agreed that the Clerk
to write to the Highways Department again reporting the problem. A
suggestion was put forward that a Working Party be formed to deal
with the situation. Concern was also expressed about the speed of
traffic and the danger to the children walking to and from the
school. It was suggested that PC Paul Smith be contacted as to
whether it would be possible for the area could be policed with
speed monitoring equipment and also a notice put in the next Parish
Newsletter.
51.11 Domestic Heating Oil
Cllr Heather Owen reported that ten people had now expressed
interest in the heating oil scheme. The next delivery in Newbourne
is Monday, 10th September so for the ten parishioners
who are interested in the scheme a delivery could be made after
that date. Cllr Heather Owen said a newsletter and application form
would be distributed. Cllr Mike Rogers stated that an advertisement
would be placed in the next edition of the Parish Newsletter.
52.11 Locality Budget 2011/2012
Cllr Mike Rogers reported that at the last meeting discussions
had taken place as to how the £700 Locality Budget could be spent.
Suggestions proposed were to pay someone to cut the hedge adjacent
to the school or to place two signs at either end of the village to
try to restrict HGVs. This item will be discussed further at the
next Parish Council meeting.
53.11 Complaint regarding Lorry Traffic through
Bucklesham
The Clerk reported that a letter had been sent to the owners of
Valley Works requesting that they erect a sign at the entrance to
the site to restrict vehicles from turning left when leaving the
premises. A reply had not been deferred therefore it was agreed to
defer this item until the next meeting.
54.11 Proposal to Empower Local Councils
Cllr Mike Rogers reported that a request had been received to
support a proposal by Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council and the
Suffolk Association of Local Councils to seek new planning guidance
to major developers urging them, as a matter of planning procedure,
to:-
1. Attend a local council meeting to answer questions about
their planning application, if the local council wishes and to
2. Provide resources, if the local wishes, to enable the local
council to assess developer’s applications – which may be over
1,000 pages long – based on a professional critique of the
developer’s evidence.
Following discussion Cllr Mike Rogers proposed, seconded Cllr
Nick Doncaster that Bucklesham Parish Council support this proposal
– all in favour. It was agreed that the Clerk should write a letter
supporting the proposal.
55.11 Clerk’s Report
The Clerk’s report had previously been circulated and it was
agreed that some of the items should be discussed as per the
agenda.
Complaint regarding Lorry Traffic through Bucklesham
The Clerk wrote two letters concerning the above:
1. Valley Works – suggestion that they erect a sign to restrict
vehicles from turning left when leaving the premises. No reply
received to date.
2. Suffolk County Council Highways Department – requesting
approximate cost for erecting two advisory signs on the Bucklesham
Road “Unsuitable for HVGs”. Estimated cost £350-£500.
Proposal to Empower Local Councils
Email from Steve Shaw Unlock Democracy asking for the Council’s
support to a proposal that was agreed by Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town
Council on the 7th June 2011 and by the Suffolk
Association of Local Councils (SALC) on 13th June 2011
and then submitted to the government under the Sustainable
Communities Act. Local Works (the organisation that campaigned for
the Sustainable Communities Act to become law) are supporting the
proposal to and thus helping to ensure the government agrees
it.
The proposal seeks new planning guidance to major developers
urging them, as a matter of planning procedure to:
1. Attend a local council meeting to answer questions about
their planning application, if the local wishes, and to,
2. Provide resources, if the local council wishes, to enable the
local council to assess developer’s applications – which may be
over 1,000 pages long – based on a professional critique of the
developer’s evidence.
Both of these things would help councillors of local councils
when making recommendations on large planning applications. Clearly
there are details to be sorted out with the Minister – eg the
definition of ‘large’ but these are details which follow the
agreement of the idea in principle.
Outdoor Playing Space Contributions
Letter received from SCDC which is in the process of
circulation.
“As you are aware, this Council adopted Supplementary Planning
Guidance (SPG) 15: Outdoor Playing Space in April 2001. Within the
Guidance Note the Council states that it will endeavour to prepare
annual statements of funds available for use in each Parish and
distribute these statements to all Town/Parish Councils. Apologies
for the delay in sending the annual statement as it relates to your
Parish, a copy is now enclosed:
You will note that the statement is divided between:
· Monies received from children’s play space; and
· Monies received for sports grounds (adult use).
The geographical area within which any monies being held can be
spent may differ between the two play categories. This is clearly
stated, and is based on the parish groupings established in the
Outdoor Space Parish Schedule 2010; a document forming the second
element of SPG15.
I am intending to update the Parish Schedule in the near future.
I am therefore enclosing an extract from last year’s schedule as it
relates to your Parish and would be grateful if you could check
that the facilities identified for your Parish are correct, or
point out any changes or corrections to the facilities that need to
be made. Could you please also indicate whether there are any
changes to the needs or requirements for sports grounds or play
space within your Parish, including any anticipated developments
planned but not yet implemented? In this context, it would be
helpful if you could consult with any play or sports groups
operating within your Parish, in order that any requirements that
they may have can be considered for inclusion into the Parish
Schedule. This should include any sports groups which use outdoor
sports fields, such as football, cricket, netball, bowls, etc.
Amendments for inclusion in the 2011 Outdoor Playing Space
Parish Schedule should be forwarded to SCDC by Monday,
19th September 2011.
Consultation on Updated Sustainability Appraisal and
Appropriate Assessment Documents (August 2011)
A copy of the Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Appropriate (AA)
documents have been received for consideration by the Parish
Council. This document is in the process of being circulated to
councillors.
The deadline for comments from the Parish Council to be received
by SCDC is the 14th October 2011.
The SA and AA documents help to inform decisions taken by the
Council on the Core Strategy. No changes are currently being
proposed to the reviewed Core Strategy other than those referred to
in the Council meeting on the 27th July 2011. However,
before the Core Strategy can progress further, these documents are
required to be updated to take into account recent information
provided by NANT and focussed changes to Ipswich Borough Core
Strategy in relation to the timing of new housing proposals at/in
Ipswich Northern Fringe. Whilst this development is outside of the
Suffolk Coastal District boundary both documents have to take on
board cumulative impact. The 27th July Council
resolution makes clear that should any significant issues arise out
of this consultation the whole matter will be referred back to
Cabinet and Council.
56.11 Correspondence
The Clerk reported that all correspondence had been dealt with
as part of the Clerk’s written report and that no additional items
of correspondence had been received since the last meeting.
57.11 Newsletter
Cllr Mike Rogers reported that the aim was to publish the
Bucklesham Newsletter during the first week of October 2011. He
requested that if any councillors would like anything specific
included in the newsletter to contact him as soon as possible.
58.11 Finance
Income
None
Expenditure
Clerk’s Salary July 2011 (excluding tax) £118.40
Clerk’s Salary August 2011 (excluding tax) £118.40
Suffolk Coastal District Council Election Expenses £100.00
BDO Cost of Auditing Annual Return for year ended
31st March 2011 £144.00
Bucklesham & Foxhall Village Hall £15.00
Mrs C Hilton (final expense claim) £26.13
Bank Balances
Current Account £1,793.19
Deposit Account £2,218.91
External Auditors’ Report
The Clerk reported that the external auditors’ report for the
financial year 2010/2011 had been received from BDO. BDO had
pointed out that the accounts had a difference of £1.00 which would
need to be adjusted for the financial year 2011/2012.
It was agreed that the expenditure should be approved –
agreed.
59.11 Planning
Planning Applications
Application No: C11/1589 5 Heath Cottages, The Heath,
Bucklesham, Ipswich, IP10 0BN – Erection of new dwelling (existing
to be demolished). PC Comments: The Parish Council has no
objections to the application but would like to make the following
observations. Section 12 does not appear to have been fully
completed; the Parish Council would like to suggest that a hedge be
planted rather than erecting a wall/fence in front of the
property.
Application No: C11/1641 The Bungalow, Tenth Road, Bucklesham,
Ipswich, IP10 0BP – Installation of a single small scale wind
generator (14.97m to hub, 5.5m diameter blades). PC Comments: No
objection.
Application No: C11/1760 Church Lane Cottage, Church Lane,
Bucklesham, Ipswich, IP10 0DX – Erection of porch. PC Comments: No
objection.
60.11 General Matters
a. National Planning Policy Framework
Cllr Mike Rogers outlined the contents of the letter relating to
the National Planning Policy Framework concerning the planning
guidance. The meeting expressed concern over the document and it
was agreed that the Parish Council would discuss the document at
their next workshop and report back to the next Parish Council
Meeting.
b. Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
Cllr Mike Rogers stated that the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
celebrations should not be organised by either the Parish Council
or the Community Council but should be a village event. It was
agreed that
parishioners should be sought to form a Working Party to try and
get the event organised from representatives from the whole
village. Cllr Mike Rogers agreed to put an advertisement in the
next Parish Newsletter with a view to starting organising an event
as soon as possible. He said that if anybody had any suggestions as
to what form the event should take it could be discussed at the
next Parish Council workshop. One suggestion was to hold a village
meeting.
a. Cllr Nick Doncaster proposed that parishioners should be
extra vigilant due to the number of incidents taking place in the
village.
b. Cllr Heather Owen reported that the village sign and the bus
shelter needed repainting and suggested that the Locality Budget
could be used.
c. Cllr Evelyn Bloomfield reported that the elections for the
Police & Crime Commissioner were being held on Thursday,
3rd May 2012 therefore the Annual Parish Meeting and
Annual Parish Council Meeting had been moved to Tuesday,
1st May 2012.
61.11 Date of next meeting
The next Parish Council meeting will be held at 7.30 pm on
Thursday, 3rd November 2011 in the Village Hall and the
next Working Group meeting will be held at 7.30 pm on Tuesday,
4th October 2011 at the Chairman’s house.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.15
pm.