At a virtual meeting of the LEISTON-cum-SIZEWELL TOWN
COUNCIL
held, via
Zoom, on TUESDAY 6 OCTOBER 2020 at 7.30pm
Councillor J N Last BEM (in the Chair)
Councillor D Bailey
Councillor D Boast
Councillor Mrs N Corbett
Councillor D Dix
Councillor Mrs S M Geater
Councillor C Ginger
Councillor P Harle
Councillor T Hawkins
Councillor Mrs L Hill
Councillor D Morsley
Councillor Ms M Woolf
76. Minutes
It was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Hawkins and
agreed that the minutes for the meeting of 22 September 2020 be signed as a
true record.
77. Apologies
Apologies
were received from Cllr O’Reilly, Cllr Cooper and Cllr Levermore.
78. Chairman’s Communications
Just two weeks since the last meeting
but the Chairman reported that it was good to get out and about with the Open
Spaces committee on 28 September and to visit all the areas the Town Council is
responsible for and to witness first hand how well they are all being used.
It was also good to meet up with
some of the volunteers at Haylings Pond and hear about the plans for future
work there, the success during the summer of issuing 200 fishing permits and
the struggles they have had with oxygen levels affecting the fish. I would like
to thank them all for the voluntary work and effort they contribute to the
Pond.
Later this week, after a very good
response to the advert, the Deputy Clerk, Cllr Hill and myself will be
interviewing candidates for the Admin Assistant position within the Council
Offices.
And finally, the Town Council has
had an approach from the Prince’s Trust (Inspire Suffolk) for them to engage in
a project in the town and carry out some fund raising. This is not on tonight’s
agenda, because the request was not in time and next month’s agenda will to too
late, as they wish to commence the project very soon. So I am just seeking councillor’s
approval that in principle, we can engage with the Prince’s Trust on ideas for
a project and update councillor’s at our next meeting.
79. Declarations of Interest
Cllr Hill for CLT and Leiston
Film Theatre and Cllr Boast for CLT.
80. Public Forum
Mr
Lewis Boudville, the Parking Manager at East Suffolk Council gave the meeting
an overview of the new Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) strategies and
procedures since ESC took over the responsibility. He also included how East
Suffolk Car Parks were being reviewed and how Councils and members of the
public could engage with the Parking Team to report issues or concerns. He went
through the ESC website and the meeting could see how to access all areas of
the parking strategy and also how to report persistent violations so that
Inspectors can follow up and sort out. Cllr Woolf was concerned that the whole
procedure relied on IT and internet access but Mr Boudville briefed that the
East Suffolk Switchboard could connect residents by phone to the appropriate section
if they were not online. Cllr Bailey was assured that the Inspectors were not
just nine to five per se but, although they had core hours they were deployed
early and late where violations or issues had been reported on the website.
This included Saturday and Sunday too. Cllr Corbett was complimentary of the
new RingGo app that ESC car parks were now using (alongside pay and display for
those with no smartphones). This seemed to work very well and Leiston and
Sizewell will be upgrading to this system in the next two weeks. Cllr Harle was
assured that Blue badge holders could still park on double yellows but NOT on
the loading ban sections (ie immediately outside the chemist, they would need
to park 5 yards further south). It was pointed out that crossing a double
yellow or a loading ban marking to park on the pavement was also illegal and
would get a ticket. Residents were reminded that a 30 minute free slot still
needed a ticket either from the machine or on RingGo app. The Chairman thanked
Mr Boudville for the thorough briefing.
County
Cllr Rainger then reported on behalf of Suffolk County Council that they were
proceeding at pace with the roll out of adaptive and low energy lighting and
were also putting in road sensors to help with gritting planning. SCC had been
given a £300,000 grant to install electric car charging points which LTC could
investigate.
There
were apologies from all the District Councillors and nothing was raised. Mrs
Lovell requested that the Town Council to try and get rid of the offensive
graffiti in the Boules shelter.
81. EDF Transport Group Update
Members noted the diagrams and options being considered by the Transport
Group which had been sent out with the Agenda. They were supportive of the
cycling strategy as presented and, in general, were pleased with the progress
being made with the proposals designed to make the Town Centre more pedestrian
friendly and undesirable for through traffic (should SZC go ahead). The Clerk noted
the two concerns regarding the White Horse Corner and what else could be done
to relieve the issue there and also the need to review parking restrictions in
Grimsey Road should it be made one way. Finally, Cllr Hawkins reminded the
Group that the bus companies needed to be consulted to ensure that the one way
system was workable for them.
82. Leiston
Together and Net Zero
The last meeting of Leiston Together
was on 17 September. At that meeting the board updated themselves on the
various projects they were involved with or were supporting. They also met
Joanne Thain, the new Leiston Together Change Manager. The main projects going
forward continue to be support for the CLT and Net Zero.
83. CLT Trustee Board Update
A report had been previously
circulated. Cllr Boast advised thus:
Work behind the scenes continues, much of what is
happening is through zoom meetings with all stakeholder parties.
Notable action points since last meeting
Joanne Thain has started as change/project Manager and has been quick to
get involved, attending meetings both with Leiston Together and CLT, first
impressions are that she has the skills and passion to take our work forward.
The CLT presentation of town centre regeneration plans to the Sizewell C
Transport Group was well received and reportedly fits well with their plans.
The planning application for the Church Square has been out for public
consultation with no adverse comments and has been duly passed.
Sammy Betson’s need to stand down as Chair due to her potential move
from Leiston has led the CLT to reassess their management strategy, the needed
to continue regular management team meetings together with bi- monthly Trustee
meetings.
Russ Rainger is taking over as temporary Chair and all other Trustees
agreeing to sharing the workload, that Sammy had previously led.
The joint meeting with our East Suffolk Council partners was very
positive with various Council officers progressing their individual areas of
responsibility.
Meetings are taking place with our lead Trustee on finance with the
Professional Fund Management Officers of both District and County Council, with
potential funding streams being followed up.
The Church authorities are in the process of completing their agreed
legalisation of the permissive walk through as well as progressing the
potential funding for the work associated with the church, bi-fold doors,
security windows etc.
Contact has been made with new Co-op senior management team to forward
their involvement in the project which remains very positive.
The Police Designing Out Crime Officer is in discussion with Roger
Gladwell looking at High Visualisation crime prevention modelling of the Church
Square plans.
The CLT website is now open to the public, just follow the link from the
Leiston Town Project Facebook site.
The Board are in the process meeting three potential new Trustees.
New application forms and flyers are being produced to follow up on
potential new CLT members. Our aim remains at 400 by end of year. In other words it’s still very much all go at
the CLT.
84. Allotments Working Party Walkaround – 16
September
Members heard that the overall
standard of the allotments had once again improved with just a few plots
needing attention. Reminders were being sent where appropriate.
85. Confirm
Membership of Committees
It was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Boast and agreed that
Cllr Corbett be welcomed to the newsletter Working Party and the Highways
Committee and that Cllr Levermore also joins the Highway Committee.
86. Review
of Council Policies and Adoption of the new Social Media Policy
Members
noted all the extant Council Policies and, on a proposition from Cllr Hill,
seconded by Cllr Morsley it was agreed to endorse all current policies for a
further year and, on a proposition from Cllr Hawkins, seconded by Cllr Hill it
was further agreed to adopt the new Social Media Policy.
87. ALS
Community Partnership
The Deputy Clerk gave an update from
the Aldeburgh, Leiston, Saxmundham and villages Community Partnership which met
on 29 September with the Deputy Clerk and Cllr Hill in attendance. The Task and Finish Group for Social
Isolation and Loneliness had met on several occasions and were hoping to run a
homebased art project through the winter months. Activity packs will be developed and
delivered to homes with the hope that the artwork could be displayed in the
spring if regulations allow. It was
disappointing to learn there was no update from the Task and Finish Group for
Education, Opportunities and Aspirations as no meetings had taken place, and
the lead of the group was not in attendance to give any feedback and Cllr Hill,
who was part of that Group was disappointed not to be contacted. A small grants scheme to allocate £5,000 to
local community groups was announced which will be allocated against the 3 key
priorities and the bids will be assessed by the Funding Team. The usual Annual Forum held in November at
Trinity Park will now be a virtual week of various events being held across the
five days, 2-6 November. The next
meeting is 9 November.
88. King Georges Avenue Recreation Ground Footpath
– surfacing quotations
Two quotes had been received to
metal the section of footpath exposed by the realignment of field fencing along
the section beside the Primary School. After
a short discussion it was proposed by Cllr Bailey, seconded by Cllr Morsley and
agreed to accept the quote of £12,196 from TMS Groundworks and to instruct them
to carry out the work once the fence was installed. TMS were the higher quote
but members felt that the increased depth of tarmac and stone edging kerbs
would have longevity. The money would be taken from the Divestment Contingency
fund (as the Primary School Field had recently been divested to the Council)
thereby protecting the CIL reserve for the projects it was earmarked to support
in the near future.
89. Christmas Lights 2020
The Deputy Clerk advised councillors
that Mr Knights and Mr Cracknell will kindly be erecting the lights again this
year although sadly there will be no social events planned due to the current
situation. The budget has funds allocated to assist them repair and replace
where necessary and to cover other expenditure.
90. Haylings Pond
The Deputy Clerk highlighted the
report sent out regarding the refurbishment of the patio around the western
edge of Haylings Pond where the paving slabs have become a minor concern
regarding their stability. Mr Whiting will be lifting them and putting concrete
reinforcement under them which will also stop leakage from that area of the
pond. The cost of the work will be for materials only of £1,200 as Mr Whiting
and other suitably skilled members of the angling club will kindly provide the
labour. These volunteers will be covered by Council insurance although they
also have professional trade insurance due to their profession. It was proposed
by Cllr Bailey, seconded by Cllr Harle and agreed that the work be authorised
and be overseen by the Deputy Clerk. Thanks were again expressed for the way
that the Angling Club were looking after the pond and keeping the area so
attractive.
91. Beach Management – observations and
discussion
The Chairman brought to the table
some items of concern raised by councillors over the past few weeks which all
related to Sizewell Beach. Firstly it was proposed by Cllr Bailey, seconded by
Cllr Harle and agreed that LTC continue to support the inclusion of Sizewell in
the district wide PSPO which covers dog fouling in public places. Secondly, it
was proposed by Cllr Boast, seconded by Cllr Ginger and agreed that the number
and position of dog waste bins was sufficient. Finally, it was proposed by Cllr
Hill, seconded by Cllr Morsley and agreed that the Deputy Clerk tries to
organise a socially acceptable meeting on site to replace the one cancelled in
September.
92. Remembrance Sunday – current
considerations
The Clerk briefed members on some of
the ideas being looked at to appropriately commemorate Remembrance Sunday this
year in light of the Covid19 restrictions currently in place (with further
adaptations possibly necessary if things change further). The main aim is to
allow all who wish to lay a wreath as usual and to try and have ceremonial
where we can around the event. Discussions are underway with Rev Finch
regarding any service that may be allowed within St Margaret’s and these will
be promulgated. It is hoped to use social media where we can to promote the final
arrangements.
93. Finance
and Personnel
a) Accounts for Payment
It was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Woolf and agreed that
accounts paid since the last meeting of £27,285.39 be approved for payment.
(Cllr Geater declared an interest in the payment to Mr Parker)
94. Planning Matters
a)
DC/20/3534/FUL
- Landscape works to back garden. New
brick retaining walls, steps, paving (Patio) 1m high timber side fences, a new
shed 6' x 4', a brick paved seating area, planting and turf. - 2 High Green
Leiston IP16 4ET
Leiston
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
b)
DC/20/3696/VLA
- Variation
of Legal Agreement for S106 agreement of DC/16/1961/OUT - Land Between Highbury
Cottages And Cemetery Saxmundham Road Leiston Suffolk, Leiston – Members noted that this extended the time
before the cemetery extension was available for landscaping and preparation
work but also noted that it would be ESC’s call as to whether they allow an
amendment to the legal agreement.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
c)
DC/20/3731/FUL
- Conversion
of and alterations to outbuildings to provide granny annex - 1 Gipsy Lodge
Abbey Lane Leiston Suffolk IP16 4TE,
Leiston
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
Leave to Mr Newton to assess
e)
DC/20/3798/FUL – Porch
extension - The Hayloft Badger Wood Lane Leiston Suffolk IP16 4EU
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
f)
DC/20/3845/PNH - Prior
Notification (Householder) - Single storey rear/side extension, with lean-to
roof to original dwelling - 40 King Georges Avenue Leiston Suffolk IP16 4JG
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
g)
DC/20/3796/FUL - Kitchen
and cloakroom extensions - 16 Valley Terrace Leiston Suffolk IP16 4AP
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
h)
DC/20/3906/AME
- Non
Material Amendment of DC/16/1961/OUT - An outline planning application for up
to 187 dwellings to include car parking, open space provision with associated
infrastructure and access. - Relocation of substation south of previously
approved position next to pump station, by approximately 20 metres - Johnsons
Farm Land North Of B1119 Saxmundham Road Leiston Suffolk IP16 4TW – members noted the reasons for this
and could see the logic.
95. County Matters
Cllr Ginger elucidated further on an
item that Cllr Rainger had made brief mention of earlier in the public session
(not noted). The footpath behind KGA and alongside the Primary School was in a
poor state but, after referral to the SCC website, an inspector had decreed it
to be satisfactory. Many mothers disagreed with this assessment and Cllr
Rainger had taken away the reference number to investigate further. There was
also a problem with overhanging vegetation from people’s gardens which needed
addressing.
96. District Matters
No questions were raised.
97. Questions to the Chairman
Cllr
Ginger asked the Chairman to monitor the new wider footpath (agreed above) to
ensure correct measures were taken to prevent abuse from motorcycles etc. Cllr Harle asked the Chairman that, when/if
BT removes the phone from the kiosk beside the Library, it could be considered
for a defibrillator. It was noted that members would prefer the telephone to
remain in service if possible as was currently the case. Perhaps Cllr Harle
could identify another position for a unit (like outside the co-op and children’s
centre) close to the Old Post Office Square.
It was proposed by Cllr Last , seconded by Cllr Hawkins and agreed that, under the Public Bodies
(Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960, the public be excluded from the Meeting on
the grounds that publicity would be prejudicial to public interest by reason of
the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.
98. Personnel
A
staff-in-confidence item of business was discussed by members.
The meeting finished at 9.45pm.
Chair
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Dated ---------------------------------------------