Pre-meeting Reports
05 October 2021
Before the start of the
meeting the Chairman presented former Town Councillor Bill Howard with a
Freedom of the Town Certificate in recognition of his 32 years served as a Town
Councillor.
118. County Councillor
County Councillor
Haworth-Culf submitted apologies, a report had been previously circulated.
119. District Councillor
Cllr Cooper District
Cllr Rainger and District Cllr Daly were in attendance and a report had been
previously circulated. District Cllr
Rainger spoke about the ongoing energy projects and the events and
consultations he has attended. District Cllr
Daly informed Councillors from a green perspective he is looking at how the
district can support these projects using a co-ordinated/planned and strategic
approach. Cllr Cooper added that the
Sizewell C Deed of Obligation should be agreed and signed off by both East
Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council this week.
Cllr Ginger asked
District Cllr Rainger if there had been any progress on dental service
provision for the town. District Cllr
Rainger confirmed that discussions with service providers and the NHS are
ongoing.
During the above item,
the time reaching 7.30pm, it was proposed by Cllr Ginger, seconded by Cllr Harle
and agreed that standing orders be suspended to allow the public session to
finish.
A member of the public
spoke of their concerns regarding protecting Sizewell Beach and asked
Councillors to raise this at every opportunity possible.
At a meeting of the
LEISTON-cum-SIZEWELL TOWN COUNCIL
held in the COMMUNITY
CENTRE, King Georges Avenue, Leiston, on
TUESDAY 05 OCTOBER 2021
at 7.35pm
Councillor J N Last BEM (in the Chair)
Councillor D Bailey
Councillor D Boast
Councillor T Cooper
Councillor N Corbett
Councillor D Dix
Councillor Mrs S M Geater
Councillor C Ginger
Councillor P Harle
Councillor T Hawkins
Councillor Mrs L Hill
Councillor P Kyle
Councillor S Levermore
Councillor D Morsley
Councillor M Woolf
121. Minutes
It was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded
by Cllr Hawkins and agreed that the minutes for the meeting of 07 September 2021
be signed as a true record.
122. Apologies
No
apologies were received.
123. Chairman’s Communications
I have spoken to Hannah Everett-Spearing, but want to congratulate the
Newsletter Group on another great and colourful
edition of the Town Council Newsletter and how it shows that so much goes on in
our community.
The fuel crisis actually hit Leiston as most other places and I would
just like to thank our local petrol station LB Shotter
and Sons in Leiston, for dealing with a very challenging time in keeping our
residents and emergency services supplied with fuel. Also for putting control
measures in place by marshalling vehicles to keep us all safe.
On 9 September along with the Clerk and Cllr Woolf, I attended the Beach
Management meeting at Sizewell.
On 12 September I appeared on the ABC Community Radio programme Decision Makers hosted by Paul Widdowson and
responded to questions relating to the work of the Town Council, Councillors
and what was currently happening in Leiston.
The 14 September was a busy day. First
of all I attended the Waterloo Centre, to present certificates and medals to
over 60 children who had completed the Leiston Library Summer Reading Challenge. Then I attended the Alde Valley Academy
Celebration Evening and Prize Giving at Snape Maltings where I present the Year
10 Award sponsored by Leiston cum Sizewell Town Council. It was a very good
evening, hearing all the students achievements and some very good musical
entertainment was provided by the students and staff.
On 15 September Councillor Bailey, Bev Kemp and myself carried out a
walk round the Valley Road allotments.
On 16 September- I chaired a Transport and Traffic Working Group meeting
with Councillors.
On 17 September the Chairman’s Reception was held at the Waterloo
Centre, and I thank Councillors for their attendance. I was pleased to first of all present a
Freedom of the Town Certificate to Linda Hodgson for service to the Town
Council and residents of Leiston by our late colleague and friend Terry. Also, it was with great pleasure that I was
able to present the Chairman’s Cup this year to the Leiston Surgery and
Volunteers for their fantastic work in delivering the Covid Vaccination
roll-out programme in Leiston.
The 19 September was the Town Pastors Thanksgiving Service at St Margarets Church, Leiston and it was good to represent the
Town Council and hear of all the good work done by the Pastors in Leiston on
Friday evenings.
On 20 September I along with the Transport working group attended a
meeting with Suffolk County Council Highways and EDF.
On 23 September the Clerk and myself represented the Town Council at the
Sizewell C and Lowestoft Regeneration Conference held at the East Coast
College, Lowestoft. I understand a
similar event will be held in this area in due course.
And finally, thank you to the Vice Chairman, Councillor Cooper for
covering for me at the official opening of the Royal British Legion Band Room
on the 24 September.
124. Declarations of Interest
Cllr Boast for CLT, Cllr Hill for CLT, Leiston
Film Theatre, Cllr Ginger for item 19b. Cllr Cooper for item 20, Cllr Levermore
for CLT and Cllr Last for 19b.
125. Leiston
Together Update
ESC are currently recruiting for a new Leiston Change Manager and the
Chairman is involved in an interview this Thursday.
Cllr Levermore asked if Aldi’s desire to put a supermarket in this area
had been acted upon. The Clerk confirmed
that our previous Change Manager had been in discussion with them, Cllr Hill
asked the Clerk to find out what stage these discussions are at. The Clerk will investigate.
126. Net Zero Update
The Clerk reported thus:
The
Net Zero Leiston Steering Group recently met on 22 September and focused on the
technical route map. I have received the
draft document, 400+ pages with a lot of technical data and I have asked for
support from SCC and ESC to review this document but if any councillors wish to
help in this process please let me know.
I
have already scanned and read through the document, it is very high level but
as we are to sign off as the lead for Net Zero Leiston we have to ensure we are
all happy with it. Therefore, I would
suggest we hold a special member briefing on 26 October and ask Jack Raven from
the Project Team to give councillors a presentation on the route map and
explain the detail in layman’s terms (if that is possible!).
We
can then take to Council for the official sign-off and launch if members are in
agreement. Following that there will be
a launch event for Suffolk at Endeavour House and finally an eventual launch
event at Westminster.
Cllr
Cooper suggested contacting Jack Raven in advance of the member briefing to ask
for a summary document. The Clerk will request
this and circulate to all Councillors once received.
127. CLT Trustee Board Report
Cllr Boast update thus:
This month’s report is short, not
because of lack of activity, but due to volume of work being conducted by
Senior officers of all organisations involved.
Phase 1
The detailed plan of
removing the wall and fulfilling the work to the design of the Church Walk is
now agreed. The stakeholders involved
Co-op, Gladwells/Stewart (main contractors) United
Church and Community Land Trust now have full detailed dated programme with
work commencing week beginning 1 November.
Agreement on the compound requirements on Co-op car park, the access and
egress of HGVs, the safety of customers, public and the need to keep
inconvenience of public to a minimum as the work will continue through the
Christmas period.
Pegg’s of Aldeburgh
have completed one and almost finished the second galvanised archers which are
substantial and sectional for ease of delivery at installation.
Four quotes are being
sort for the roof of the bandstand, two Leiston, two local district.
Work on the bifold
doors, the opening complete, now awaiting delivery of the doors, all other
plans progressing as planned.
As a boost to our design
and plans for Church Square we were very pleased to learn that the Landscape
company employed to fulfil our work, Stewards Landscapes received a Gold Medal
award for work they produced at last week’s Chelsea Flower Show.
Phase 2
Progress is gathering
pace as (volunteer) architects Modece continue their
work on developing a strategy for the design and planning of the town square,
its housing, retail units and community spaces. The size and scale of the
development will require the skills and expertise of architects, designers far
above the level of local companies. The quality and ability to produce the
development of the Leiston Town Square will also demand the relevant costs for
such high level of expertise. This is the work that Modece
is conducting on our behalf. Senior
Officers of East Suffolk, CLT, Modece Architects
continue to meet, plan and discuss the future actions to progress the exciting
Town Centre development, high level activity requiring time and expertise, slow
but decidedly positive movement.
As a further boost to
the Community Land Trusts efforts its pleasing to note that both phases are now
being accepted by growing numbers of town resident’s as being realistic and
achievable and not just pipe dreams.
128. High
Street Car Park Resurfacing/Relining
Councillors were
extremely upset and frustrated that East Suffolk Council had removed 30 car parking
spaces at the High Street carpark without any consultation or notification to
the Town Council, businesses or residents.
After a lively and lengthy discussion it was proposed by Cllr Levermore,
seconded by Cllr Boast and agreed to write in the strongest possible terms to
Cllr Steve Gallant, Leader of East Suffolk Council to ask for the spaces to be
reinstated or at the very least, ask for the lining to be reconfigured to allow
for more car parking spaces. It was also suggested to have media coverage on
this issue.
129. Traffic
and Transport Consultation Report
Councillors will have seen in their information pack, the full report
from the Transport and Traffic Strategy Consultation which summarises
the feedback received. As you will be
aware from the report 295 responses were received and I thank residents for
their input. The next step for the
Transport Group is to review the data and investigate further with SCC Highways
and design consultants, the various elements raised and develop further detail
into the various elements. The group will seek more involvement from business
and other stakeholders as the projects move forward. Also, to look further at how best to negate
the impact Sizewell C traffic could have on the Town Centre, should the project
be given the go ahead. The overall
proposed package was never going to be delivered as one package, so the
Transport Group will now examine each element taking on board the views
received during the consultation and looking at which elements could be
progressed initially and those that might require additional work.
The workload for the Transport Group and engagement with Stakeholders
will take some time and the Group will report back to Council as work
progresses.
Cllr Bailey asked if
there is a timescale for when this will all pull together. Cllr Last confirmed that they are not
committed to a timescale and the group continue to report back to Council.
Cllr Ginger informed
Councillors that he had been hearing lots of negative comments and felt that
people and businesses are very unhappy about the proposal. Cllr Hill reminded Cllr Ginger that all
residents and businesses were given the consultation document and given a
chance to reply.
130. EDF
Transport Group 16 August
Councillors
noted the previously circulated report.
131. SZC
PINS Hearings/Examinations Update
Cllr Woolf confirmed
since the last meeting she has sat in on three issue specific hearings the DCO
deed of obligation, Community and Water Supply and Flooding. She confirmed the Council have submitted
written submissions for all three. There
was a further hearing today regarding water supply which she will watch this
week and if a further submission is needed she will draft and send to
Councillors. She reported it is still
unclear at this stage how we might get representation on other working
groups. She also informed Councillors
there is still a chance to make further submissions and urged them to contact
her if there is any issues they feel strongly about and she will see where they
might fit. Councillors gave sincere
thanks to both Cllr Woolf and Cllr Corbett for their professionalism with their
presentation at the SZC hearings on behalf of the Council.
132. Nautilus
Interconnection Consultation
Councillors noted the
previously circulated draft response to the Naultilus
Consultation. Cllr Hill requested an
amendment to made to state 3 additional major developments not 2 which was
agreed and, on a proposition by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Corbett it was
agreed for this response to be submitted.
Two virtual events will
be hosted by ESC on 13 October on the Nautilus Consultation. Due to other Council commitments and short
notice Cllr Cooper will try to arrange an alternative date. It is hoped two representatives from the
Council will be able to attend.
133. Sizewell
Beach Management Meeting 9 September
Councillors noted the previously circulated report.
134. Allotments Working Party 15 September –
Bonfire Rules
Further to recommendation from the Allotments Working Party regarding
bonfires it was proposed by Cllr Dix, seconded by Cllr Corbett and agreed to
have a no bonfire rule between 01 May – 30 September. Terms and conditions will be updated to
reflect this change and a letter sent to all plot holders.
135. Open Spaces Committee Walk Round 21 September
– Consider Recommendations
After a short discussion it was proposed by Cllr Bailey, seconded by Cllr
Hill and agreed in principle to grant £2,935 to Leiston Youth and Community
Angling Society (LYCAS) to install a disabled footpath and purchase a new
container, subject to planning, Cllr Cooper to investigate if consent is needed.
Following recommendation from the Open Spaces Committee to review the grass
cutting and hedge trimming at Haylings Pond it was
proposed by Cllr Morsley, seconded by Cllr Harle and agreed to remove this from
our Norse contract and move to Gary Whiting from 01 April 2022 on an initial 1
year contract at a cost of £715.00.
After a brief discussion it was proposed by Cllr Levermore, seconded by
Cllr Morsley and agreed to give permission for Creative Leiston to install an
enchanted village at Haylings Pond and plant
sunflowers in the toddler area of Victory Road Recreation Ground.
136. ALS
Community Partnership 29 September
The Clerk updated thus:
The Aldeburgh, Leiston, Saxmundham and villages
Community Partnership met on 29 September 2021 with myself and Cllr Hill in
attendance.
The main points coming from this meeting were:
The Partnership Board funding for potential transport projects under a
3-year work programme has 3 potential projects, one of which is a new demand
responsive transport service supporting either Southwold or the villages around
the Leiston, linking Leiston to Saxmundham.
Small Grants Scheme – One successful application was received from
Middleton for a drop in centre to combat social isolation and loneliness at the
village hall where £500 was granted. It
was agreed the next round of funding later this year should be better promoted
and try and link to as many groups as possible.
Feedback was received from Access Community Trust on the Rural East
Suffolk Locality NEET Project - working with young people who are not in
education, employment or training with outdoor learning activities. This was a successful enterprise and is
ongoing with new referrals which gives a broad spectrum of opportunities to
young people and work towards employment.
Cycling/Walking Strategy – An update was received from Anthony Taylor,
Senior Planner at ESC on the Cycling and Walking Strategy ahead of the launch
of the consultation on 1 November, closing 10 January 2022. Concerns were raised regarding the energy
projects currently underway and the threatened access to footpaths and cycle
routes.
The next meeting is scheduled to be held on Wednesday 15 December.
Cllr Hill reminded Councillors that there are grants available from the
Community Partnership the main priority being for projects promoting physical
activity.
137. Review of Council Policies
Members noted the all the extant Council Policies and the need to update
points 6.1 and 6.3 of our Financial Regulations within our Standing Orders to
reflect BACS payments and, on a proposition from Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr
Levermore it was agreed for the amendments to be made, and on a proposition
from Cllr Morsley, seconded by Cllr Boast it was agreed to endorse all current
policies for a further year.
138. Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Commemorative Mugs
After a brief discussion it was proposed by
Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr Boast and agreed to purchase 360 mugs at a cost
of £1,972 (plus VAT), one to be gifted to every child at Leiston Primary School
and the remainder donated to the Leiston Events Group for their Jubilee Weekend
Event. Cllr Ginger abstained
from this vote.
139. Finance and Personnel
a) Accounts for Payment
It was proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr Levermore and agreed
that accounts paid since the last meeting of £32,047.16 be approved for
payment. Cllr Ginger abstained from this vote.
b)
Review of Charges
After a brief discussion it was proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr
Morsley and agreed to increase allotment fees by 25p per rod to cover the water
element from 01 October 2022. Cllr
Ginger voted against this proposal.
It was further proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr Bailey and
agreed not to increase hire charges for the Cinema, Waterloo Centre and
Community Centre.
140. Planning Matters
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
c)
DC/21/4241/FUL – Single storey extension – 24 Valley Terrace, Leiston, IP16 4AP
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
REFER TO TREE OFFICER
e)
DC/21/4504/FUL - Construction of new terrace at first floor roof - Unit 6 Former Leiston
Middle School Waterloo Avenue Leiston Suffolk IP16 4HF
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
After a brief discussion about the Black
Horse, High Street, Leiston it was proposed by Cllr Harle, seconded by Cllr
Bailey and agreed to make a further comment on the planning application
strongly opposing the flue on the external of the building, due to its size,
being a visual eyesore and concerns about noise and smell.
141. County Matters
142. District Matters
No questions were raised.
143. Correspondence
Creative Leiston
Councillors noted the
request from Creative Leiston to support their Community events for Halloween
and Christmas. It was proposed by Cllr Bailey,
seconded by Cllr Kyle and agreed to grant £220.00.
Russell Cooper
Councillors noted the
request from Russell Cooper, volunteer gardner for a
grant towards the cost of new equipment (strimmer, shovels, brooms) and fuel. Councillors noted the good work carried out
by Russell and his volunteers and it was proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by
Cllr Morsley and agreed to grant £500.00.
144. Questions to the Chairman
Cllr Harle spoke about a group called
‘Toothless in Suffolk’ who are campaigning about the lack of NHS dental care in
Suffolk. He spoke about the possibility
of having Dent Aid visit Leiston in January to provide emergency dental care to
residents. It was decided to invite a
representative from ‘Toothless in Suffolk’ to attend our November Council
Meeting.
Cllr Levermore invited Councillors
to come along to the Community Orchard on 6 and 16 November to help plant bulbs
and saplings and to come and support the Leiston Events Group Christmas Fayre
on Saturday 4 December.
The meeting finished at
10.15pm
Chair
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Dated ---------------------------------------------