Pre-meeting Reports
07 December 2021
172. The Chairman introduced
Mr Andrew Mower, Senior Community Relations Manager at EDF Energy who gave an update
on the Sizewell C Project, his written presentation is attached to these
minutes.
Cllr
Woolf asked if the main Development Consultation Group would have
representation from groups such as RSPB and Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Mr Mower replied it would be possible for
Parishes who are not part of the group to apply for membership via the Chair
who will be independent of EDF. External
groups who are not part of the main group will be invited to attend when there
are any issues relevant to them.
Cllr
Woolf asked if representatives of the forum groups would be able to take
forward questions raised by the public.
Mr Mower confirmed the forums would be a two-way process where updates
will be given and feedback taken.
Cllr
Morsley asked if SZC is given consent what works will happen first, will it be
the infrastructure. Mr Mower replied
that enabling works on site will happen first.
Infrastructure works will happen in phases and he will provide a fuller
explanation to the council on how this will work in due course.
Cllr
Hill asked how the surveys at Sizewell Beach and Sizewell Common are
advertised. Mr Mower replied that in
order to get a true representation of the usage of the area the surveys are not
advertised however once cameras are erected generic notices will be displayed
notifying people they are there.
Cllr
Harle asked now more information is known about the Regulated Asset Base (RAB)
is it known yet how much a megawatt of power will cost.
Mr Mower replied that the estimate put out for during construction is £1
per month cost to consumers. The actual
detail of RAB and incentives are still being negotiated through Government so
he has no further details on that at present.
Cllr
Harle asked about the desalination plant and how long it is likely to remain in
place. He also raised concerns regarding
increases in the number of HGV’s coming to site whilst this remains in
place. Mr Mower replied the initial plan
is for the desalination plant to remain in place for no longer that 3 years but
it may have to remain for the duration
of construction, he cannot confirm this as EDF are still awaiting further
information from Northumbrian Water.
With regards to HGV’s he reiterated what Mr McGarry informed councillors
at the last update, they have been able to reschedule non-essential deliveries
to ensure that the number of HGV’s attending site will not exceed the caps that
have already been set.
District
Cllr Rainger asked if the survey work being carried out opposite Friday Street
was EDF. Mr Mower confirmed the surveys
were being done on behalf of EDF and should finish next week.
District
Cllr Daly asked if the desalination water plant would contribute to more fish
killed. Mr Mower will investigate and
report back.
A
member of the public asked if the cameras for the surveys are based only in the
carpark at Sizewell beach and if so how would they account for all the cars
that park along the roadside. Mr Mower
confirmed that the cameras are used as people counters and count the number of
people that visit the site not the number of cars.
During the above item,
the time reaching 7.30pm, it was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Harle and
agreed that standing orders be suspended to allow the public session to finish.
173. County Councillor
County Cllr
Haworth-Culf sent apologies and a report had been previously circulated.
Cllr Harle asked for an
update on footpath 8 that runs behind Stocks Fair. The Clerk advised that she has had no further
updates but will continue to chase.
174. District Councillor
Cllr Cooper sent his
apologies. District Cllr Rainger
and District Cllr Daly were in attendance and a
report had been previously circulated.
District Cllr Daly talked through some of the items contained within the
report. District Cllr Rainger confirmed
that there would be no changes to refuge collections over the Christmas period
and on behalf of ESC wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Cllr
Harle raised an issue regarding a car he believed had been abandoned on
Ashfield Drive. Mrs Kemp informed Cllr
Harle she had contacted ESC regarding this,
they have carried out the relevant checks and there is no reason to think its abandoned
and as its not causing a hazard to other cars it will not be removed but will
be monitored and further steps taken if necessary.
Nothing raised.
At a meeting of the LEISTON-cum-SIZEWELL
TOWN COUNCIL
held in the COMMUNITY
CENTRE, King Georges Avenue, Leiston, on
TUESDAY 07 December
2021 at 7.40pm
Councillor J N Last BEM (in the Chair)
Councillor D Bailey
Councillor D Boast
Councillor T Cooper (9.20pm)
Councillor N Corbett
Councillor D Dix
Councillor P Harle
Councillor Mrs L Hill
Councillor D Morsley
Councillor M Woolf
176. Minutes
It was proposed by Cllr Hill,
seconded by Cllr Boast and agreed that the minutes for the meeting of 02
November 2021 be signed as a true record.
177. Apologies
Apologies
were received from Cllr Ginger, Cllr Kyle, Cllr Cooper, Cllr Levermore and Cllr
Geater.
178. Chairman’s Communications
The Chairman reported thus:
I was very pleased to see Alde Valley High School recently pick up the
award of Greenest School at the Suffolk Green Awards. It fits well with the COP
26 Climate Conference and the Town Council supporting and endorsing the Net
Zero Leiston Route Map. I have sent a letter on behalf of the Town Council,
congratulating the school.
The Leiston Events Christmas Fair went off very well on Saturday 4
December. I want to thank the Leiston
Events Group and everyone involved. Also
to mention Sonny Cracknell and his band of volunteers for working on the
Christmas Tree and lights ahead of the festive occasion.
I also mention a letter received by the Film Theatre from a customer and
friends who following a performance became stranded on the car park when the
locking mechanism failed on their car and were unable to gain entry and get
home. They returned to the Film Theatre, where Becky tried to get them a taxi,
but there was none available, so Becky transported them home safety herself.
I think that just goes to show how the Film Theatre staff really care
for their customers and their wellbeing, beyond their normal duties.
On 10 November I attended the Festival of Remembrance at the Film
Theatre.
On 11 November I attended the Armistice Day event at the Victory Road
Park.
On 14 November I attended along with other councillors
the Remembrance Day Parade and Service at St Margaret’s Church. I thank all those involved in making the
events run smoothly, the public for supporting them and also the Poppy Appeal
volunteers.
On 17 November I sat in on the Leiston Together partnership board
meeting and I am sure Helen Greengrass will update us later.
On 22 November along with Councillors Hill, Corbett and Cooper, I
attended the EDF Sizewell C Conference at Trinity Park. There were a lot of
speakers followed by a breakout session, where one of the groups was a focus on
Leiston. Councillors will have received
a report on that event.
On 29 November Cllr Woolf and myself were due to attend Snape Maltings
for a meeting with Declan Burke, Director, Nuclear Projects and Development. At
short notice, due to Covid, this meeting was unable to take place and will now
be rescheduled in the New Year.
On 1 December I met with ESC representatives Councillor Norman Brooks
and Lewis Boudville at the High Street Car Park. The Town Clerk, Wayne Burns,
Film Theatre Manager, Simon Merrett representing the CLT and District Cllr
Rainger were also present. Discussions continued on the loss of the parking
spaces and I think it is fair to say we had a constructive meeting which will
lead to a review of the current layout.
Details of that meeting have been forwarded to members.
On 3 December Helen Greengrass, Leiston Change Manager and myself had
the difficult task of visiting the town centre shops
and judging the excellent window displays and find a winner as part of the
Leiston Events Christmas Fair. The
winning entry was Screwbolt Fixing and I congratulate
all entrants on what was a fantastic effort.
On 4 December I had the privilege and pleasure of opening the Leiston
Events Christmas Fair and also awarding the prizes and what a great day it was
for Leiston, it’s residents and visitors.
I have written to the Leiston Events Group to pass on the Town Council’s
thanks for organising the event and the appreciation
of all the volunteers and participants
This afternoon part 2 of the Big Dig took place, involving Councillors
and the Avocet Academy in planting over 800 saplings as part of the hedging
work at the Community Orchard.
Finally, as we draw nearer to the year end, I would like to thank all
Councillors for their support to me as Chairman and all the hard work put in
over the last twelve months for the benefit of Leiston-cum-Sizewell and it’s
residents. I look forward to you and the
public joining me during the course of the evening for some festive refreshments.
A Merry Christmas to our County, District and Town Councillors, and all
the residents of Leiston-cum-Sizewell.
Cllr Morsley requested a letter of thanks be sent to a resident who
helped out at the Big Dig.
179. Declarations of Interest
Cllr Dix correspondence
item 2, Cllr Corbett correspondence item 5, Cllr Woolf item 17, J, Cllr Hill
for CLT, Leiston Film Theatre and correspondence item 6, Cllr Boast for CLT and
Cllr Last correspondence item 2.
180. Leiston
Together Update
181. Net Zero Update
The Clerk updated thus:
A
press release will be out shortly for the publication of the route map which is
being launched week commencing 13 December.
An executive summary document of the technical map is currently being
finalised. There is also a new potential project relating to community ground
source heat pumps. The project team are
applying for funding to progress projects which can support markets for carbon
reduction measures and is the perfect opportunity to create a new pilot scheme
in Leiston. This is going to be discussed at the meeting tomorrow so I will
update you in due course.
182. CLT Trustee Board Report
Councillors noted the previously
circulated report.
183. Sizewell
C Conference 22 November
Councillors noted the
previously circulated report.
184. Transport
Strategy Update and Deed of Covenant
Cllr Last advised the
Transport Strategy plans are being revised taking into account feedback from
the meeting with the Co-op and responses from the business questionnaires. The Transport Group anticipate bringing
revised plans to a member briefing on 11 January for councillors to be able to
ask questions and then an Extraordinary Council Meeting on 18 January, so
councillors can consider the revised plans and proposals and if approved,
enable the Town Council to move this scheme forward.
Cllr Dix asked if the
plans are approved by councillors will there be further public
consultation. Cllr Last and the Clerk
confirmed the public would be able to attend the Extraordinary Council Meeting
but there would be no further public consultation.
Cllr Harle asked if
there would be a public vote on the proposal.
The Clerk confirmed once again there would be no public vote on the
proposal, as previously advised as there are no regulations to enable
this. District Cllr Rainger advised that
should the Transport Strategy be approved Suffolk County Council Highways would
follow their own consultation process.
Cllr Bailey raised
concerns that the public will not be consulted about the changes and that he
felt that the plans he had seen did not show enough detailed information about
the proposals. Cllr Hill commented that
the public had been consulted and had their chance to submit comments for
consideration. She informed Cllr Bailey all proposed plans will be shown in
detail and explained in full at the members briefing on 11 January.
Cllr Corbett commented
that time is of the essence if we want Leiston Town Centre to be accessible for
locals and not used as a rat run. If SZC
is given consent works on the infrastructure will start in Autumn 2022, as
stated by EDF representatives at the SZC Conference held on 22 November.
The Clerk informed
Councillors of the draft Deed of Covenant we have been presented with as part
of the Deed of Obligation. It requires
the Town Council to supply a representative to what is called the ‘Leiston
Working Group’ this is a forum specifically for consultation between SCZ and
other parties, ie ESC, SCC and LTC about transport
issues arising from the construction of SZC, and representation on the Main
Development Site Forum, if SZC is given consent. Our solicitor has viewed the deed and was
content with it. After a short
discussion it was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Corbett and agreed
the Deed of Covenant be signed at the appropriate time.
185. EDF
Transport Group 18 October
Councillors noted the
previously circulated report.
Cllr Harle raised
concerns over access to the Co-op car park should the Transport Strategy be
approved. The Clerk confirmed this would
not be an issue and cars would still be able to access the carpark.
186. Film
Theatre Working Party 4 November
Councillors noted the
previously circulated report.
187. Highways
Committee 9 November
Councillors noted the
previously circulated report.
189. Library
Steering Group AGM 18 November
Councillors noted the
previously circulated report.
190. Norse Grounds Maintenance Schedule
Councillors noted the previously circulated schedule. Councillors asked for the monthly watering of the Community Orchard to be
brought forward to start from March and for confirmation that the footpaths
stated will be trimmed back if needed during monthly checks. The Clerk will contact Norse.
191. Grants Policy Annual Review
After a brief discussion it was
proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Morsley and agreed to keep the Grants Policy
in place ensuring the scoring band amounts increase with inflation.
192. Finance and Personnel
a) Accounts for Payment
It was proposed by Cllr Morsley, seconded by Cllr Hill and agreed that
accounts paid since the last meeting of £61,698.87 be approved for payment.
b) Accept Internal Auditors Mid-Term Report
Members noted the previously circulated report and
were pleased to see there were no recommendations. It was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by
Cllr Corbett and agreed to accept the report.
c) Personnel Committee Report
Members noted the recommendation of the Personnel
Committee from their meeting of 10 November regarding staffing. It was proposed by Cllr Morsley, seconded by
Cllr Boast and agreed to the recommendation within the report.
d) Nominate Assets Co-ordinator to join Local Government Pension Scheme
It was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Dix
and agreed that Leiston Town Council, as a member of the Suffolk County Council
Pension Fund (by virtue of being a precepting authority under the Local
Government Finance Act 1988 section 144) approve eligibility for the position
of Assets Co-ordinator to join the Local Government Pension Scheme from 1
January 2022.
e) Precept and Budget
The Clerk advised she is currently working on the
budget for next year and asked councillors to let her know by 16 December if
they had any suggestions or projects they would like to be considered.
f) Consider financial support for the Dementia Project
After a brief discussion it was proposed by Cllr
Hill, seconded by Cllr Morsley and agreed to grant £1000 from our grants fund
and ask the Parochial Charities trustees if they will donate £1000 from the
Parochial fund to support the Dementia Project.
193. Planning Matters
a)
DC/21/4787/FUL - 10
New Industrial Units – Masterlord Industrial Estate,
Unit 7, 1A Station Road, Leiston, IP16 4JD
RECOMMEND
APPROVAL
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
c) DC/21/4771/LBC – Listed Building Consent – Substantial repairs to Museum buildings. New storm water tank beneath the steam yard. Improvements to visitor experience with improved accessibility around the site. Improved fire escape access at ground and first floor levels. – The Long Shop Museum Main Street Leiston IP16 4ES
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
d)
DC/21/4831/FUL - Change
of Use of flats from C2 to C3(a) - 8 High Street Leiston Suffolk IP16 4EW
RECOMMEND
APPROVAL
e)
DC/21/4858/FUL - Conversion of garage to habitable room - The Barn Badger
Wood Lane Leiston Suffolk IP16 4EU
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
REFER TO TREE OFFICER
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
h) DC/21/5161/FUL - Replace single sash on first floor with like for like
replacement - 8 High Green, Leiston, Suffolk IP16 4ET
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
i)
DC/21/5103/LBC – Listed Building Consent – Replace single sash window on
first floor with like for like replacement – 8 High Green, Leiston, IP16 4ET
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
NO FURTHER COMMENTS TO
ADD TO THOSE ALREADY SUBMITTED
194. County Matters
195. District Matters
No questions were raised.
196. Correspondence
Headway Suffolk
Councillors noted the
funding request from Headway Suffolk to go towards opening a small hub in the
Town. It was proposed by Cllr Corbett,
seconded by Cllr Dix and agreed to grant £500 and to provide them with guidance
on further funding options.
Fire Fighters Charity
Councillors noted the funding request from the Fire Fighters Charity
towards running costs. It was proposed by Cllr
Hill, seconded by Cllr Bailey and agreed to grant £250.
Cllr Last abstained.
Britten Pears Arts
Councillors noted the request from Britten Pears Arts to continue to use
the Waterloo Centre free of charge to run their Participate Group which aims to
increase the health and wellbeing of older people in Leiston who are at risk of
isolation, once weekly from 11 January-29 March. It was proposed by
Cllr Morsley, seconded by Cllr Hill and agreed to let them use the centre
for free up until 29 March and then Council will review.
Leiston Worry Tree
Councillors noted the funding
request from Leiston Worry Tree towards running costs to allow them to safely
provide their service for another 6-9 months and expand the activities
available. It was proposed by Cllr
Bailey, seconded by Cllr Dix and agreed to grant £320.
Cllr Corbett abstained.
Leiston Surgery PPG
Cllr
Hill left the room whilst this item was discussed.
Councillors noted the
request from Leiston Surgery PPG to use the Waterloo Centre for free on
Saturday 29 January to provide free CPR and defibrillator training. It was proposed by Cllr Morsley, seconded by
Cllr Bailey and agreed to let Leiston Surgery PPG use the Waterloo Centre for
free on this date.
Long Shop Museum
Cllr Cooper left the room whilst this item was discussed.
Councillors noted the
request from the Long Shop Museum asking for a pledge from our neighbourhood
CIL fund to assist the museum in raising match funding for a major conservation
programme. After a brief discussion and
to ensure the match funding target is reached it was proposed by Cllr Morsley,
seconded by Cllr Woolf and agreed to grant £20,000 from our CIL fund.
Leiston Youth and Community and Community Angling
Society
Councillors noted the funding
request from LYCAS to carry out emergency repairs to the bank, east side of Haylings Pond. It
was proposed by Cllr Bailey, seconded by Cllr Hill and agreed to grant £1000 to
ensure this work is completed as soon as possible.
197. Questions to the Chairman
The meeting finished at
9.41pm
Chair
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Dated ---------------------------------------------