PARISH COUNCIL CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – For 2007 to 2008

Membership: Mrs Margaret Wilson was co-opted in May last year in place of Mark Dunnett who resigned at the time of the four-yearly elections. Other than that there is no change. Jenny Shaw is still Vice- Chairman and other Councillors are Keith Beaumont, Peter Carr, Clive Rowe and Dee Williams. Carol Ramsden continues as Clerk. Also still with us are Jennifer cook, Footpath Warden and George Ball, Maintenance.

Councillors have attended meetings on behalf of the Council; Dee Williams - Police Liaison, Peter Carr – SORR, Peter Carr and me – SALC, Peter Carr and me – Parish Plan, Jenny Shaw [for John Belstead Playing Field] and I are representatives to the VHMC. Jenny Shaw has agreed to lead the Council on Planning Matters. This area of Government becomes evermore complex and subject to change. With the uncertainty about the future structure of local government, we must remain vigilant of current legislation. This is involving Jenny in a considerable amount of extra study on behalf of the Parish and we are thankful for her stoicism.

Meetings: There have been six full meetings during the year plus 3 to discuss planning applications. Planning applications must be responded to twenty-one days after they are received. Occasionally this is too soon before the next Council meeting, hence the need for an extra meeting.

Parish Plan: An open meeting was held in April 2007 between Little and Great Bealings and Playford. In attendance was Annette Grey from Suffolk ACRE to explain the process. With general opinion being affirmative, volunteers were invited. From these a Project Management Group was formed consisting of five members from each Parish, two of which are Parish Councillors. Since then the Group has gained its own momentum. You will hear the separate report.

Planning Applications: Most of the applications have been passed without objection or passed after resubmission. A application for industrial use at Grove Farm has caused some contention and has been withdrawn. The owners are concerned that the site will be developed in accord with the Village.

Finance: Annual grants total £707. The grant to the Benefice Newsletter has increased from £15 to £100 now that it is free to all households.

Highways: The promised pinch points along Martlesham Road have yet to materialise. Suffolk County Council has cited lack of funds. Numerous potholes have been reported, some have been mended, some still await repair.

Two A1214 management meetings have taken place with SCC, Police, Kesgrave, Rushmere, Playford, Gt Bealings and Martlesham.  These are as a result of our request to increase the 30mph speed limit. Jenny Shaw and Carol Ramsden went to the first one and Peter Carr and Carol to the second.  There is to be a turn off of the traffic lights at the St Michael's roundabout junction in April to see if the traffic moves better! 

By kind permission of Farmer Nigel Rolph, a permissive footpath from the northeast corner of the playing field to Great Bealings is now in use. It will have an official opening in May.

The Parish continues to belong to SCC P3 scheme, which is a grant for maintenance of footpaths. Work is carried out by George Ball and overseen by Jenny Cook.

Walks Leaflet: Work is in progress on a free-fold leaflet that contains a map tracing four pleasant walks around Bealings. It will be available to the public sometime in spring.

Welcome Leaflet: This contains comprehensive information for new residents. The Council is not always aware when people move here, so if you know of new residents or are a new resident yourself, please let the Council know.

Suffolk Association of Local Councils S.A.L.C.: The Council’s continued membership facilitates a source of information on local governance. Peter Carr and I have attended area meetings, which are a useful information exchange. Each meeting has a guest to speak on a topical subject.

Website: www.little-bealings.suffolk.gov.uk This is a free service from one-Suffolk and Jenny Shaw maintains it. It contains up to date information about the Parish Council, the Parish Plan, John Belstead Playing Field and bus timetables. Local historian, James Pawsey has written a fascinating history of the Parish and there is a photographic archive. It needs more input from local organisations to keep it lively and interesting. If you would like to contribute please contact Webmaster, Jenny.

Christmas Card and Message: Councillors delivered this to every house in the Parish. The response was favourable.