At a virtual meeting of the LEISTON-cum-SIZEWELL TOWN COUNCIL
held, via
Zoom, on TUESDAY 4 AUGUST 2020 at 7.30pm
Councillor J N Last BEM (in the Chair)
Councillor D Bailey
Councillor D Boast
Councillor A M Cooper
Councillor D Dix
Councillor Mrs S M Geater
Councillor C Ginger
Councillor P Harle
Councillor T Hawkins
Councillor Mrs L Hill
Councillor Mrs S Levermore
Councillor D Morsley
Councillor S O’Reilly
Councillor Ms M Woolf
The Chairman
announced the recent passing of Frank Huxley who served on the Town Council for
a number of years. As a mark of respect,
everyone observed a minute silence.
28. Minutes
It
was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Cooper and
agreed that the minutes for the meeting of 7 July 2020 be signed as a true record.
29. Apologies
No
apologies received.
30. Chairman’s Communications
The Chairman had attended various meetings
including the Transport Group with Highways on 13 July and the Sizewell C
Engagement meeting hosted by East Suffolk Council on 29 July. On 20 July, the Chairman presented the winner
of the ‘Best Kept Allotment’ trophy to Irene Lucas for the second year running,
well done Irene.
31. Declarations of Interest
Cllr Cooper for item 14,
Cllr Hill for item 5 and Leiston Film Theatre, Cllr Levermore for item 5 and
item 13(a), Cllr Boast item 5 and item 13(a), Cllr Last item 13(a) and item 17
letter 3, Cllr Bailey item 13(a), Cllr Harle item 13(a), Cllr Ginger item 13(a).
32. Town Centre Regeneration Presentation by
Simon Merrett and CLT Update
The Chairman
welcomed Simon Merrett, a Trustee of the CLT to the meeting. Mr Merrett gave a presentation on the Town Centre
Regeneration Project which was very well received. Mr Merrett advised grant funding is being
applied for so there is no clear start date and advice is being sought from the
Police on security measures.
Cllr
Boast gave a CLT update thus:
The Leiston Community Land Trust
doesn’t stand still, it appears self-motivational, one thing leads to another so we are progressing all the time. Since the last
report we have had 3 zoom meetings one of which was with United Church
representatives as we continue on the Church thoroughfare phase. This was to identify who owns what and what
we need to do as regards covering all aspects of the thoroughfare. Our meeting
with Church representatives clarified the rights of way through the area and
agreement was reached with the Church that the pathway would be designated as a
permissive right of way. Thus, the Church would continue to own the land but
right of way for pedestrian walk through would be assured for a designated
period with the CLT then having the first option to buy should the Church wish
to sell some time in future. This matter is with the Church to prepare a legal
document.
A
meeting of the LTC Traffic and Transport Working Group, which comprises Leiston
Town Council, East Suffolk and County Councils, EDF
and the CLT was held on 13 July and a report will be given in Item 7 of
tonight’s meeting. At this meeting EDF
invited the CLT to give a presentation on their proposals for the town centre
in order they could better understand our ideas and proposals. One of our lead
Trustees shared the CLT’s plans with a presentation on how we see the future
Leiston Town Centre regeneration, how we plan the three squares and how we
envisage safe passage for all vehicles and pedestrians between those three
squares. Variations on how this could be achieved were discussed especially in
the areas of the High Street and Sizewell Road. Future meetings with the
Traffic and Transport Working Group would take the CLT’s plans into account
when completing the town centre traffic plan model. It was a valuable
meeting with agreement that the leading groups the Council, Highways and EDF
work out the details of who does what, when and who pays for what work with the
106 agreement to the fore in all the discussions. We continue our regular Zoom meetings as
things are progressing by the day.
Following on from Simon Merrett’s
presentation here today to Leiston Town Councillors, we are now in the position
to put in a planning application for the Church project and we kindly request
that the Town Council consider applying on our behalf. We would also request
that the Town Council consider support funding to help progress the project, we
will have a letter of request for funding at the next meeting. As you have just
seen it is an ambitious project and we have good reason to believe that it can
be accomplished. There are funding streams available and the Government
is publicly talking about town centre regeneration. Sources are varied but I’m
assured the way it works is that as funders come forward and contribute so this
encourages others and it snowballs, therefore a grant from the Town Council
would give credence for other funders to follow. Knowing the Town Council is
supportive gives funders the confidence to come forward.
Later this week interviews take place
for a Leiston Together Project Manager. From a list of very good applicants a
short list has been drawn up for interviewing. Simon Merrett who will be on the
interview panel was most impressed by the high level of competence in the areas
of our need. We see this as a major step forward having someone dedicated to
seeing our project objectives being met.
We continue progressing all areas of
the Church project, investigating CCTV needs and seeking advice from the Police
and various contractors. Our website is nearing completion and we hope to have
a date for its launch before end of month.
It was proposed by Cllr Morsley,
seconded by Cllr Harle and agreed that the Town Council
will apply for planning permission on behalf of the CLT at the reduced cost of
£200.00.
33. Public Forum
County
Cllr Rainger reported good work was still being done and thanked everyone for
their efforts dealing with the Covid19 situation. Some hospitality businesses had taken up the
50% off meals initiative to encourage people back. He mentioned the Foxhall Recycling Centre
consultation, but this will not affect the Leiston site. County Cllr Rainger advised SCC are looking
closely at the DCO submission by EDF for Sizewell C, especially the water
supply issues.
District
Cllr Bond was in attendance and echoed County Cllr Rainger’s statement.
A member
of the Boules Team thanked the Council for resurfacing the Boules Court. A resident thanked the Council for supporting
the planning application for the CLT work.
34. EDF Discussions and Cycling Strategy
Report previously circulated. The Clerk
advised progress is being made with SCC and EDF on traffic issues in the town with
the aim to have a package of initiatives as part of the Section 106 agreement. Cllr Cooper congratulated Cllr Levermore on the
cycling strategy document and proposed this be a standard item on the agenda
which was seconded by Cllr Levermore and agreed. Cllr Ginger raised concerns regarding the
White Horse corner and this will be discussed at the next
Transport Group. It was proposed by Cllr
Levermore, seconded by Cllr Cooper and agreed to take
the cycling strategy proposals and support for the emerging town centre scheme to
the Transport Group for discussion.
35. Leiston
Together and Net Zero
The Clerk confirmed Net Zero
information leaflets had been distributed to properties in Leiston. A number of houses had been identified for the
pilot and the Clerk, on behalf of Leiston Together, will speak to those households
asking if they would be willing to participate.
The Clerk advised interviews are taking place this Thursday for the Change
Manager vacancy.
36. Casual Vacancy – Co-option
The Clerk confirmed no by-election had
been sought and we have been asked to co-opt.
Two people have already expressed an interest and this vacancy will be
advertised asking for a resume to be sent to the Clerk for consideration by
Council at the September Council meeting.
37. Social Media Account
Report previously circulated. Cllr Last suggested we need to move with the
times and explore a social media account.
After some discussion it was proposed by Cllr Morsley, seconded by Cllr
Boast and agreed to set up a Facebook page, which would be monitored and controlled
by the Council office.
38. King Georges Avenue Fencing
Report previously circulated together
with two quotes for replacing the damaged fencing. Cllr Levermore suggested as the path forms
part of the cycle path improvements, the fence line be moved into the sports
field by 1 meter to widen the path and continue all the way along the pathway. The quotes were just to replace the damaged
fencing so new quotes would be required for the whole length. After a lengthy discussion on a number of
issues it was proposed by Cllr Morsley, seconded by Cllr Ginger
and agreed to widen the path by 1 meter, into the sports field, and to proceed
with the current quotation. It was
further proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Levermore and agreed to award
the job to Clive Fuller at a cost of £3,147.20 plus VAT, and to ask for a further
quote on the remaining length of fencing alongside the path. This can be discussed at the September
Council meeting.
39. Opening up the Town
Cllr Last asked members if they felt we
should have a anything in place to help support social distancing, ie barriers,
one-way system, signage etc. Councillors
felt these systems did not work and some have had experience in other towns
where it caused chaos as people ignore them and do their own thing. It was agreed to take no further action.
40. Finance
and Personnel
a) Accounts for Payment
It was proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr Bailey
and agreed that accounts paid since the last meeting of £25,939.56 be approved
for payment.
b) Budget Review and Finance Update
Report previously circulated. The
Deputy Clerk gave an update on the finance report, confirming we are still in a
good position due to our careful financial planning. It was proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by
Cllr Bailey and agreed that the budget and reserves
had been reviewed and the report be accepted.
c) Financial Risk Assessment and Management of Finances 2020-2021
Councillors noted the report previously circulated. It was proposed by Cllr
Boast, seconded by Cllr Morsley and agreed that members accepted that a proper
and thorough risk assessment had been carried out covering all physical,
financial and governance risks which the Council could reasonably be expected
to encounter and that appropriate measures were in place to cover or reduce
those risks where possible.
d) Appointment of Internal Auditor
Councillors noted the report previously circulated. It was proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by
Cllr Morsley and agreed that the checks and balances in use to ensure propriety
and accuracy of accounting for internal controls are appropriate and the
monthly statement of accounts is carried out to their expectations and
instructions and that Heelis and Lodge be appointed as Internal Auditors to the
Council for 2020/21.
e) Donation to Russell Cooper
The Clerk asked councillors to consider awarding a donation to Russell
Cooper for all the work he does in the town, ie cutting back vegetation on pathways
etc. It was proposed by Cllr Bailey,
seconded by Cllr Boast and agreed to grant £250.00 for Mr Cooper to use to
renew equipment he uses for the work as appropriate.
41. Planning Matters
a)
DC/20/2671/TPO- T1 Birch - To fell to ground and replant with
more suitable species. This tree is of poor form, has been heavily topped
creating decay and multiple reactive regrowth. Tree is too dominant for garden
and takes light from bungalow. T2 Oak - Light crown lift, reduce two boughs
over neighbour's boundary; to improve balance and form. - 1 Daneway Gardens
Leiston Suffolk IP16 4XA
RECOMMEND REFERRAL TO TREE OFFICER
b)
DC/20/2628/FUL – Remove existing failed bitumen felt roof and
failing roof structure. Replace with new pitched roof and ties roof covering,
along with roof lights to provide light into rooms that currently have poor
natural light levels. The existing conservatory will be demolished as has
reached the end of its functional life and will be replaced with a new glazed wall
and patio door. The flat roof over the car port will be removed, the structure replaced and new Sarnafill roof membrane installed. - Cedar
Lodge 114 Haylings Road Leiston IP16 4DT
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
c)
DC/20/2707/FUL –Two storey extension on front elevation -
26 Buller Road Leiston Suffolk IP16 4HA
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
d)
DC/20/2252/FUL - Removal of existing single storey flat
roofed porch and replace with a single storey bricked porch with sloping roof -
13 Dinsdale Road Leiston Suffolk IP16 4EX
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
e)
DC/20/2688/FUL – Demolish wood stores and conservatory.
Erect side brick store and rear extension. Proposal will create more garden for
dwelling. - Premier Shop 67 Kings Road Leiston Suffolk IP16 4DA
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
f)
Engagement Event re. Sizewell C DCO – 29 July 2020
The Clerk confirmed he had attended, along with the
Chairman, Cllr Woolf and the Deputy Town Clerk, an Engagement Event hosted by
East Suffolk Council regarding the Sizewell C DCO submission. It was a very useful event in which towns/parishes
were able to take part in workshops and put their views forward on the DCO
plans and how it will affect their parish.
g)
Timetable for Approval of Submission of Relevant
Representation
The Clerk advised the deadline for representation was 30 September
to put our views/concerns to the Planning Inspectorate. Cllr Last encouraged councillors to view the
Planning Aid webinar which was very helpful.
The Clerk asked members to complete the Planning Aid tool (previously
circulated) and give this to the Clerk by the end of August to enable him to
pull all the comments together. This
will then be discussed at the Council meeting in September. It was proposed by Cllr Woolf, seconded by
Cllr Harle and agreed to have an extraordinary meeting
on 22 September to finalise our response.
It was proposed by Cllr Bailey,
seconded by Cllr Ginger and agreed that, the time
being 10pm, Standing Orders be suspended for 10 minutes to permit continuing
discussion of Council business.
42. County Matters
No questions were raised.
43. District Matters
Cllr Ginger advised the
abandoned cars in Long Row had been removed.
44. Questions to the Chairman
Cllr Hill
asked if there was a VJ Service on 15 August and Cllr Last confirmed he would
be attending. Cllr Harle asked if there
was any update on the Con Club development.
The Clerk explained there is a legal dispute between parties which is delaying
progress. Cllr Bailey asked if there
were any plans to resume meetings at the Community Centre. Cllr Boast mentioned some small litter bins
had been removed and the Deputy Clerk advised they had been broken and misused so
taken away.
The meeting finished at 10.10pm.
Chair ---------------------------------------------
Dated ---------------------------------------------