Pre-meeting Reports
02 November 2021
145. Mr Steve Marsling from
Toothless in Suffolk gave a short presentation about their campaign to help
bring NHS dental services back to Suffolk, and invited all Councillors to
attend their public meeting on 10 November, 7pm at Leiston Community Centre. He also spoke about the charity ‘Dentaid’ and the possibility of them visiting Leiston for 1
day in February to provide dental care for residents, Councillors will discuss
a grant application for this under correspondence.
Cllr
Hill asked how many dentists Dentaid will bring and
how many patients they would be able to see in one day. Mr Marsling said there would be 2 dentists on
site between 10am-4pm and he was hopeful that all patients that required
treatment would be seen. Councillors
raised concerns that they could be inundated with patients and asked that a
booking system be considered and Mr Marsling will investigate. Cllr Hill asked if it will just be for
Leiston residents and Mr Marsling clarified
it would be for Leiston and the surrounding areas. Cllr Geater confirmed that
111 is available for people with dental emergencies. Cllr Bailey asked how this
would be advertised and Mr Marsling confirmed through local press releases,
posters and social media. Cllr Boast
raised concerns over medical records and ongoing treatment, Mr Marsling understood
Dentaid pass on all records and have access to dental
hospitals and clinics
A
member of the public shared their disgust with the lack of dental provision in
the town and commended Mr Marsling for his efforts.
146. County Councillor
County Cllr
Haworth-Culf was in attendance and a report had been previously circulated. She highlighted that Suffolk is now an ‘enhanced
response area’ due to the rapid rise of COVID-19 cases within the county and
encouraged everyone to get fully
vaccinated and have their booster, wash hands regularly to wear a face mask in
crowded places and test regularly. She
once again thanked Leiston Surgery for all their hard work. She asked councillors if they knew of anyone
interested in fostering to put them in touch with her.
Cllr Harle asked if the
drainage clearing works in Kings Road were still ongoing, District Cllr
Haworth-Culf will investigate.
Cllr Ginger asked what
the County’s policy is regarding new road layouts, Cllr Rainger confirmed that
it would have to go through a traffic order process and that would require
public consultation.
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.
147. District Councillor
District Cllr Daly gave
a brief update on the current grant schemes running and an overview of the
current ongoing consultations.
District Cllr Rainger
also highlighted the fact that Suffolk is now an ‘enhanced response area’ due
to the rise of COVID-19 cases in the County and reiterated what County Cllr
Haworth had already said. He thanked
Councillors for their help with the Nautilus Interconnector Consultation and
confirmed that East Suffolk Council have submitted their response. He acknowledged the lack of dental care within
Suffolk and informed councillors that the Scrutiny Committee have been looking
into ways this can be improved.
Cllr Harle asked about
wind farm projects and if there was going to be a coordinated approach from
MP’s on these projects. Cllr Rainger
confirmed there is an Offshore Network Transmission Review but confirmed
Friston doesn’t currently fall within this as it was already with the DCO but
he is hopeful if they can get a split decision the ground works will be delayed
long enough for Friston to get picked up within this review.
Cllr Harle asked about
the High Street carpark as he had been informed by a resident that this piece
of land had been gifted to the town by a resident years ago. Cllr Ginger advised that the land was never
gifted and was purchased by East Suffolk Council.
A member of the public raised concerns over the Traffic Transport
Strategy, the one way street proposal
and asked if the residents of Leiston
would get to have a vote. The Clerk
advised that there had been a public consultation on the proposals and the
Chairman confirmed that data from this is still being analysed. Councillors
noted their concerns.
A resident asked for the bin by the boules piste at Victory Road Recreation to be replaced, the Clerk
confirmed this was in hand.
A member of the public
raised concerns over the general condition of the roads within the town. Councillors informed them of Suffolk Country
Councils online Highways Reporting Tool
and advised them of the date of our next Highways Committee Meeting, Tuesday 9
November.
At a meeting of the
LEISTON-cum-SIZEWELL TOWN COUNCIL
held in the COMMUNITY
CENTRE, King Georges Avenue, Leiston, on
TUESDAY 02 November 2021
at 8.00pm
Councillor J N Last BEM (in the Chair)
Councillor D Bailey
Councillor D Boast
Councillor T Cooper (7.55pm)
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
149. Minutes
It was proposed by Cllr Bailey, seconded
by Cllr Hawkins and agreed that the minutes for the meeting of 05 October 2021 be
signed as a true record.
150. Apologies
Apologies
were received from Cllr Corbett.
151. Chairman’s Communications
The Chairman reported thus:
It’s been a relatively quiet month, so not too much to report. However,
I did observe the shop window Halloween displays at the weekend, which were
very good. It was also good to see the children and parents on the Halloween pumpkin
trail and those that attended the crafting. A well done to everyone involved in
that.
On 7 October, I attended a virtual meeting with East Suffolk Council
full time officers and the new Leiston Change Manager, Helen Greengrass, who I
am pleased is with us this evening and that was to discuss the role and
background to Leiston.
On 11 October, I was invited to be interviewed on Radio Suffolk to
discuss the Town Council’s concerns regarding the loss of the High Street
parking spaces and the lack of consultation over this from East Suffolk
Council. A response was received from East Suffolk
Council, regarding the letter sent by the Town Council to which I felt was not
satisfactory. Therefore, I have asked the Clerk to write again to East Suffolk
Council and to also request a site meeting to further discuss the concerns over
the loss of parking spaces.
On 18 October along with the Transport Group I attended a further
meeting with Suffolk County Council Highways and EDF as work continues on the
Transport Strategy.
On 21 October following a meeting at the Council Offices with the new
Leiston Change Manager Helen Greengrass, the Clerk and myself accompanied Helen
around the town centre.
On 24 October, I attended the Mayor of Beccles Civic Service at St
Michael the Archangel Church, Beccles, along with Mayors and Chairman
representing Town Councils from around the district.
Reminder that we have Bulb Planting, Festival of Remembrance, Armistice
Day, Remembrance Parade and Service all coming up in November.
152. Declarations of Interest
Cllr Boast for CLT,
Cllr Hill for CLT, Leiston Film Theatre, Cllr Cooper for item 13, item 18, item
21 Leiston CAB, Cllr Levermore for CLT, Cllr Dix for item 23 and Cllr Geater
for item 23.
153. Leiston
Together Update
Helen Greengrass the new Leiston Change Manager was in attendance she introduced
herself to councillors and thanked them for a warm welcome. A report had been previously circulated.
154. Net Zero Update
Following
the member briefing on 26 October 2021 where Jack Raven of the Project Team
presented an overview and summary of the Net Zero Leiston Technical Route Map.
It was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Levermore and agreed to support
and endorse the Technical Route Map.
155. CLT Trustee Board Report
Cllr Boast update thus:
Firstly the big news, phase one has
a start date namely this week. Phase Two
is becoming very action packed with heavy involvement with Senior District Councillor
Officers.
Phase 1
Start date 1 November,
the wall comes down and the Church Square Walk work begins. In three months time
Leiston will see the Community Land Trust’s commitment to provide a vibrant,
exciting town centre start to become reality.
Quotes have been received from local contractors to complete the timber
and tiling roof of the band stand. Week
beginning 8 November the bi-fold doors will be fitted to replace the old glass
church doors and the security glazing of church windows is due to start. The Leiston yarn bombing collection tins have
been collected. £120.00 for our coffers, money was not the motivation for
these, raising the CLT profile was and the CLT is now being mentioned in many
local discussions.
Phase 2
East Suffolk Council
continues its CLT support, Mrs Thain has now moved on and we are pleased to
welcome Helen Greengrass as the new Change Manager. Helen comes with vast experience having been
the Change Manager at Felixstowe for the past 6 years. Felixstowe’s growth as a provincial town has
benefited vastly with Helen’s leadership, Leiston will now benefit from that
learnt expertise.
East Suffolk
recognising the size and scale of the proposed town centre also recognises that
the time is right to appoint a new part time Project Leader for the phase 2
development.
Senior Managers and
Officers of East Suffolk Council are now heavily involved in addressing the
issue of what additional land may be available to support the new town centre
development. The Challis and Trillium
adjoining land.
The CLT has made its
views known to ESC around the controversial High Street parking issue, they are
concerned as the land available to the CLT south of Sizewell Road bordered on
to the car park and the CLT has been made aware through their discussions with
ESC that it was imperative that the existing number of car park spaces must be
retained or increased if possible. The
loss of 30 spaces therefore causes them great concern.
We are at a major
pivotal point in the CLT plans, make no mistake that the removal of the wall
will be a major statement to all of Leiston and beyond. After years of failed promises Leiston is on
the up, this is the first phase of the new 21st century Leiston, the
Church Square’s high quality landscape specification will set the benchmark, it
will show Leiston is no longer a dying town but the start of a town to be the
envy of all Suffolk Coastal Towns.
156. High
Street Car Park Resurfacing/Relining Update
The Clerk informed
Councillors that a response was received from East
Suffolk Council, regarding the letter sent by the Town Council. It was felt the letter did not address the
issues raised therefore the Clerk has written again to East Suffolk Council to
request a site meeting to further discuss the concerns over the loss of parking
spaces.
157. Traffic
and Transport Consultation Update
Councillors noted the
previously circulated report.
158. EDF
Transport Group 20 September
Councillors noted the
previously circulated report.
Cllr Bailey asked for
clarity that when any actions are confirmed they will be brought forward to
full council. The Transport Group confirmed that once any actions are
identified they will be brought forward to full council for consideration.
159. SZC
PINS Hearings/Examinations Update
Cllr Woolf had no
further updates, examinations are now closed.
160. Grounds
Maintenance 13 October
After a brief
discussion it was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Morsley and agreed to
accept the quote of £2042.00 from Norse for shrubbery replacement at Victory
Road Recreation Ground.
161. Waterloo
Centre Steering Group 14 October
After a short
discussion regarding the trees on the Waterloo Centre field it was proposed by
Cllr Morsley, seconded by Cllr Hill and agreed, in principle, to split the cost with Leiston
Scouts and The Royal British Legion Band and pay one third approximately £500
towards investigative works.
162. Remembrance Sunday 14 November
The Clerk briefed members on the proposed schedule for Remembrance Sunday. Armistice Day will see the usual gathering on
Victory Park to observe the two minute silence.
163. Calendar of Meetings 2022
Cllr Last encouraged councillors to put their names forward
for some of the committees and working parties.
The Clerk advised councillors to note the Council AGM would be held on 3
May with a full Council meeting on 17 May.
164. Leiston
Events Group Christmas Fair Budget Report
Councillors noted the
previously circulated report. Cllr
Levermore reported plans are going well and encouraged to Councillors to come
along to the event on 4 December.
165. 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 £59,409.37 be approved for payment.
b) Financial Review Report
Councillors were pleased with the report from the RFO which reviewed the
budget and reserves for the first half of the year. Members were content with
the current situation. It was proposed
by Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr Morsley and agreed to accept the report.
166. Planning Matters
a) DC/21/4602/FUL – Garden room extension – 12 Southfield Drive Leiston
Suffolk IP16 4DP
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
b) DC/21/4584/FUL – Construction of a single storey garden studio – 29
Grimsey Road Leiston Suffolk IP16 4BW
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
REFER TO TREE OFFICER
e)
DC/21/4813/FUL -Single storey rear
extension, new roof and new windows – 89 King Georges Avenue, Leiston, IP16 4JT
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
f)
DC/21/4787/FUL - 10 New Industrial Units
– Masterlord Industrial Estate, Unit 7, 1A Station
Road, Leiston, IP16 4JD
DEFERERED TO DECEMBER MEETING
The Clerk will request
an extension to enable comments after the deadline.
167. County Matters
168. District Matters
Cllr Geater informed
Councillors that she had been told by a resident that Flagship houses are
required to remove all carpets regardless of condition, when they leave the
property. After a brief discussion it
was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Geater and agreed to write to
Flagship and ask for clarification on their policy.
169. Correspondence
Toothless in Suffolk
Councillors noted the
funding request from Toothless in Suffolk for funding towards the cost of
hiring Dentaid, a dental charity to come to Leiston
for a day to provide dental care for residents of Leiston and the surrounding
areas. Cllr Ginger proposed, in principle to grant £1400.00 but there was no
seconder and after a lengthy discussion it was proposed by Cllr Cooper,
seconded by Cllr Kyle and agreed to grant £400.00. County Cllr Haworth-Culf is hoping to match
fund the Town Council grant, along with ESC funding and Aldringham
Parish Council contribution to cover the full cost.
Leiston Town Pastors
Councillors noted the
funding request from Leiston Town Pastors towards their running costs. It was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by
Cllr Boast and agreed to grant £250.00.
Leiston CAB
Councillors noted the funding request from the Citizens Advice towards
running costs. It was proposed by Cllr
Hill, seconded by Cllr Bailey and agreed that £2,700 be awarded again this year
to recognise the service they provide to our residents.
Lorry Network Community
Review 2021
Councillors noted the
Lorry Network Review document from Suffolk County Council asking for feedback
concerning HGV and Lorry routes within the town. The Clerk asked Councillors to email her by 5
November of any HGV/Lorry pinch points they have concerns over within the town
so a collective response can be submitted.
170. Questions to the Chairman
Cllr Levermore reminded Councillors of
the The Big Dig event at the Community Orchard this
Saturday 6 November, 10am and asked them to come along and support the event.
It was proposed by Cllr Ginger, seconded by Cllr Harle 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.
171. Personnel
Members noted the recommendations of the
Personnel Committee from their meeting of 20 October 2021 regarding the wages
and salaries review. It was proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr Boast and
agreed that those recommendations, a 2.2% increase across the board, be
approved and implemented from 1 November 2021.
It was proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr Kyle and agreed all
other recommendations within the report be approved.
The meeting finished at
10.15pm
Chair
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Dated ---------------------------------------------