Pre-meeting Reports
01 November 2022
139. Martin Hamilton,
Integrated Neighbourhood Team Manager (Saxmundham,
Leiston, North East INT) was in attendance and gave a brief presentation on the
potential of running a pilot project to provide a CONNECT Well-being Hub at the
Waterloo Centre, Leiston.
Cllr Harle questioned how the
service would be accessible to residents.
Mr Hamilton confirmed residents would be able to access the Well-being
Hub through GP referrals, PCN Mental Health Nurses, Social Prescribers, Drop in
Sessions and Self Referral.
Cllr Corbett asked about funding
models and the financial burden for Leiston should we host a centre. Martin Hamilton confirmed to keep costs
reduced they are looking to use venues that are already established in the
community The Waterloo Centre has been identified as a site that has the
capacity to host the main hub but smaller outreach sessions will be held in
other surrounding towns and villages.
Funding will be applied for once a main hub site has been confirmed, Mr
Hamilton confirmed that potential funding options from SZC would be explored in
the future.
Cllr Bailey questioned the timescale
the centre would be used during a normal week.
Mr Hamilton confirmed initially Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11am-3pm
but this could expand overtime. He also
confirmed that there would be no charge to organisations using the hub to
provide outreach.
Cllr Morsley
questioned if there would be professional leads. Mr Hamilton confirmed ideally, they would
like a hub co-ordinator but nothing has been formalised. There would be a number of professional leads
attending for example PCN Mental Health Nurses and Social prescribers.
140. County Councillor
Cllr Haworth-Culf submitted apologies a report had been
previously circulated.
141. District Councillor
District Cllr Rainger, District Cllr Daley and District
Cllr Cooper were in attendance.
District Cllr Daly advised
Councillors that there are new funding opportunities available through the
Cultural Connections Project.
The consultations for
Sea Link and Euro Link are ongoing.
Residents requiring
help getting online can book in with a Digital Champion at Leiston Library on
Fridays for support.
Chris Bally is to be
appointed as East Suffolk Council’s new Chief Executive. District Cllr Rainger
informed Councillors a case of avian flu has been confirmed at a commercial
premises in Sternfield, near Saxmundham. A 3km Protection Zone & 10km Surveillance
Zone has been put in place around the location.
Parking suspensions have been put in place to encourage Christmas
shopping locally.
There will be two
further Ease the Squeeze Events, offering support on the cost of living crisis
at Leiston Library on 15 November and 13 December from 10am-12pm.
Cllr Levermore asked
for an update regarding the signage on the former Black Horse Public House and
Cllr Dix questioned the selling of alcohol at the premises. District Cllr
Cooper reported that the signage is still being investigated by planning
enforcement. He confirmed that they do
not currently have an alcohol licence and weekly checks to the premises are
being carried out.
Cllr Levermore
commented on the unsightliness of the Crown Public House and the fact that
people are living at the premises.
District Cllr Cooper confirmed that planning enforcement are
investigating this matter. Action: It
was agreed the town council write to the proprietor asking them to remove the
broken pots.
Cllr Harle raised
concerns regarding the former WI Hall, which appears to be being used by a
landscaping company. District Cllr
Cooper confirmed this is being investigated by planning enforcement.
Cllr Last questioned if
a contingency plan has been agreed in relation to the threat of refuse
collector strikes. District Cllr’s
confirmed not as far as ESC are aware but NORSE may have their own.
142. Public Forum
A local resident was in
attendance and raised concerns regarding planning application DC/22/3660/FUL-
3no. New Dwellings and 1no. Class E Commercial Unit. - 1 High Street Leiston
Suffolk IP16 4EJ. There has already been significant tree
felling in the area which residents were unaware of and have followed up with
ESC planning.
During the above item, the time reached
7.30pm. It was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Harle and agreed,
Standing Orders be suspended to allow the public part of the meeting to be
completed
Their property backs on
to this site. Concerns raised included
loss of trees, impact on wildlife, over development, scale of development,
inappropriate development within a conservation area, drainage and traffic. The resident confirmed they had submitted their
concerns to ESC and written to them regarding the trees.
Councillors noted the residents’
concerns.
A resident commented
there is a group of youths going around the town causing a nuisance, this has
been reported to the police via 101.
Cllr Levermore commented that youths have also been skateboarding on the
furniture in the town square. Action:
The Town Clerk will report these incidents at next week’s ASB meeting.
At a meeting of the
LEISTON-cum-SIZEWELL TOWN COUNCIL
held in the COMMUNITY
CENTRE, King Georges Avenue, Leiston, on
TUESDAY 01 November
2022 at 7.35pm
Councillor J Last (in the Chair)
Councillor D Bailey
Councillor D Boast
Councillor T Cooper
Councillor Mrs N Corbett
Councillor D Dix
Councillor Mrs S Geater
Councillor P Harle
Councillor Mrs L Hill
Councillor Mrs S Levermore
Councillor D Morsley
At the start of the meeting, it was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by
Cllr Morsley and agreed to discuss planning
application 12a after item 4.
143. Minutes
It was proposed by Cllr
Hill, seconded by Cllr Corbett and agreed that the minutes for the meeting of
04 October 2022 be signed as a true record.
144. Apologies
Apologies were received
from Cllr T Hawkins and Cllr P Kyle.
145. Chairman’s Communications
First of
all, with the new Town Clerk joining the Town Council on 17 October I welcome Helen Greengrass to her first Town Council
meeting in her new role.
On 6 October along with the
Vice-Chairman, I attended a 1:1 session with LDA the appointed design
consultants for the Town Regeneration Master Plan. A useful discussion was had, and I look
forward to LDA returning in November/December to give further feedback on the
consultation and workshops.
On 25 October there was a Councillors
briefing on Ease the Squeeze and support for our community during what is
forecast as a difficult winter for some Councillors that were in attendance at
the briefing will have a good awareness of what initiatives are being supported
and funded by East Suffolk Council.
On 28 October I attended the Air
Training Corps 1379 (Leiston) Squadron Annual Presentation Evening at the TA
Centre and was pleased to be part of the evening recognising the achievements
of the Air Cadets. I presented the Chris Jones Memorial Trophy and was able to
talk to Cadets about their skills training. The instructors and committee work
very hard for the squadron.
On 29 October I joined other
Councillors, LYCAS Bailiffs volunteers and members of the community in a Leiston
Makes Space for Wildlife event planting
wildflower seeds and bulbs at Hayling’s Pond. The group worked alongside the
Bailiffs volunteer group, who had carried out preparation work ahead of the
planting. The Town Council are indebted to the Bailiffs and Volunteers for the
work they carry out at the pond in keeping it in good order and the
improvements being carried out for all to enjoy. I will be writing to the
group, to once again convey the Town Council’s gratitude for all the hard work
they do there.
On 9 November I will be attending the
Festival of Remembrance at Leiston Film Theatre.
On 11 November I will attending the
Armistice Ceremony, at the Victory Road, Park.
On 13 November, just a reminder for
Councillors of the Remembrance Parade and Service, which is an agenda item for
a bit later this evening.
Finally, just a well done to the Long
Shop Museum and Creative Leiston on the joint effort of Half Term and Halloween
activities
146. Declarations of Interest
Cllr Cooper for all planning, Cllr Morsley for item 10a, Cllr Hill for Leiston Film Theatre, CLT and Leiston Surgery PPG,
Cllr Dix for correspondence item 1, Cllr
Geater for item 10a and Cllr Boast for CLT and item 12a.
147. a) DC/22/3660/FUL - 3no. New Dwellings and
1no. Class E Commercial Unit. - 1
High Street Leiston Suffolk IP16 4EJ
RECOMMEND REFUSAL
148. Play
Areas/Open Spaces
a) Skatepark Working Group
Councillors noted the previously circulated report proposing that the Skatepark
Redevelopment Tender be awarded to Betongparks. The
Working Party felt that Betongparks gave better
reassurance we would stay on budget as well as providing exemplary references. After a
brief discussion it was proposed by Cllr Levermore, seconded by Cllr Morsley and agreed to accept the Skate Park Working Group’s
recommendation to award the Skatepark redevelopment tender of £140,000.00 to Betongparks. Cllr
Geater questioned lighting Mrs Kemp confirmed this will be upgraded.
b) Open Spaces Committee Minutes of 26 September 2022
Councillors
noted the previously circulated report.
c) Grounds Maintenance Meeting Minutes of 12 October 2022
Councillors noted the
previously circulated report. Cllr Last commented that we are yet to receive a written response to our
letter dated 03 October to Kerry Blair, Head of Operations, ESC. Cllr Levermore reported that 2 residents’ trees have had to be removed
from the Community Orchard due to ash die back, NORSE will replace with oaks,
free of charge. One of the plum trees
has been damaged and may need to be replaced.
d) Leiston Makes Spaces for Wildlife
Cllr Corbett reported the planting and tidying
session at Hayling’s Pond was a great success.
Chestnut paling fencing has been erected to protect the seeded
area. She thanked Councillors, LYCAS and
all the volunteers for their support with this event. Their next planting and tidying session is at
Leiston Community Orchard on Sunday 6 November 10am-12pm any support greatly
appreciated.
149. Assets
a)
Waterloo Centre Steering Group of 13 October 2022 and
Business Case
Councillors
noted the previously circulated minutes.
Cllr Cooper commented that we should not be accepting December as the
earliest date for the telephone line to be reconnected. Action: The Town Clerk will
investigate.
Councillors
discussed the Business Case in detail.
Cllr Morsley asked about targeted
funding. The Clerk confirmed that
funding cannot be applied for until a venue is confirmed. There are various funding sources available
through INT, Community Partnership, Rural Fund.
All funding sources will be investigated and applied for once a venue is
confirmed. Cllr Geater asked which parts of the Waterloo Centre would be
used. The Clerk confirmed a combination
of the gym, classrooms and potentially smaller rooms in the SCC side of the
building, it will be dependent on the type of session being held, drop in, 1:1
or group sessions. Rooms will be set up
and dismantled on the day with the possibility of a permanent information
display in the foyer.
Cllr
Hill commented that she appreciated the need for a Wellbeing Hub in the town
and that the Waterloo Centre would be a prime site for it. She wants the Wellbeing Hub to succeed but is
mindful that the Council consider our future plans for the Waterloo Centre and
ensure that the two marry together in any agreements that may be made.
Cllr
Dix asked that the hub does not interfere with the Worry Tree that already
successfully runs in the town on Thursdays.
After
a lengthy discussion it was proposed by Cllr Morsley,
seconded by Cllr Dix and agreed to propose the set-up of a pilot scheme for a
Well Being Hub at the Waterloo Centre.
The
Town Clerk reassured councillors that a steering group will be set up to ensure
council involvement.
b)
Film Theatre Working Party Minutes of 20 October 2022
Councillors noted the
previously circulated minutes. Cllr
Cooper confirmed wages dates are being discussed by the Personnel Committee.
150. Highways and Transport
a)
Transport
Group Update
Cllr Last reported that
the Town Council Transport Group are currently scheduling a meeting to go through
the Town Regeneration Masterplan. Once
this has been carried out, they will approach SCC Highways and EDF to arrange a
meeting.
151. Civic Events
a)
Remembrance Sunday 13 November 2022
The Chairman
briefed members on the proposed schedule for Remembrance Sunday and invited all
Councillors to attend. Parking charge
suspensions will be in place in ESC carparks in the town from 08.00-13.00.
152. Outside Bodies
b)
CLT Trustee Report
Councillors noted the
previously circulated report. Cllr Boast
informed Councillors Pro-Corda will be performing their previously cancelled
performance of Abba on 10 December to coincide with the towns Christmas event.
b)
Community Partnership
Councillors noted the
previously circulated report.
153. Finance and Personnel
a)
Accounts for Payment
It was proposed by Cllr
Cooper, seconded by Cllr Boast and agreed that the accounts paid since the last
meeting of £39,602.72 be approved for payment.
b)
Nominate Admin Assistant to join Local
Government Pension Scheme
It was proposed by Cllr
Cooper, seconded by Cllr Hill 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 Admin Assistant to join the Local Government
Pension Scheme from 1 December 2022.
c)
Change
of Bank Mandate for Business Accounts
It was proposed by Cllr
Cooper, seconded by Cllr Bailey and agreed to approve the removal of Mrs Rinder
and Mr Ginger from the business accounts.
On a second proposal from Cllr Cooper,
seconded by Cllr Morsley it was agreed to add Ms
Greengrass and Mr Dix as new bank signatories. Action: Town Clerk to action Bank Mandate
changes.
154. Policies and Procedures
Members noted the new
Document Retention Policy. On a
proposition from Cllr Morsley, seconded by Cllr Harle
it was agreed to adopt this policy.
155. Planning Matters
(Cllr
Boast abstained from this vote)
c) DC/22/3789/FUL –Works to Provide
Additional Off Road Parking - 15 The Gables Leiston Suffolk IP16 4UZ
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
d) DC/22/2662/VOC -
Variation of Condition No.2 of DC/20/1917/FUL - Conversion of redundant barn to
form four bedroom dwelling - Alter design to reduce to 3 bedrooms, Add PV
panels and alter glazing / openings - add lean to garage to North Application
Reference Number: DC/20/1917/FUL Date of Decision: 30/07/2020 Condition
Number(s): 2 Conditions(s) Removal: Alter design to reduce to 3 bedrooms, Add
PV panels and alter glazing / openings - add lean to garage to North Omit
reference to PP11 Add PP10 proposed - The Old Barn Church Road Leiston Suffolk
IP16 4HL
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
e) DC/22/3825/FUL - Single
storey store room extension to existing shop and new porch for existing flat.
Minor change of use from residential to retail use. - 67 Kings Road Leiston
Suffolk IP16 4DA
RECOMMEND
REFUSAL
f) DC/22/3965/P3G - Change
of use from commercial to residential. Conversion of 1st and 2nd Floors into
2no. flats. | 51 High Street Leiston Suffolk IP16 4EL
RECOMMEND
APPROVAL
g) DC/22/4190/TPO - A2
of TPO No. 17 / 1984 1no. Oak (Tree No 1 on plan) - Crown raise northern aspect
by 1.8 metres 1no. Pine (Tree No2 on plan) - Remove lowest branch | The Barn
Badger Wood Lane Leiston Suffolk IP16 4EU
REFER
TO TREE OFFICER
RECOMMEND
APPROVAL
i) DC/22/4136/TPO -
T1 of TPO No. 219 / 2007 1no. Oak (T1 on plan) - Overall crown reduction by up
to 2.5 metres - 120 Haylings Road Leiston Suffolk
IP16 4DT
REFER
TO TREE OFFICER
j) DC/22/3938/P14J - Prior
Approval Solar PV Non-Domestic - The proposed development is a 51.3 kWp roof mounted Solar Pv system,
comprising of 135 Trina Solar Pv Modules and 1 Ginlong (Solis) inverter | Masterlord
Industrial Estate Station Road Leiston Suffolk IP16 4JD
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
Before
the next item Cllr Last asked if Councillors wished to keep County Matters and
District Matters on the agenda. After a
lengthy discussion it was proposed by Cllr Boast, seconded by Cllr Harle and
agreed to leave as is and suspend standing orders to allow County/District
Councillors to respond to issues raised if needed.
156. County Matters
Nothing raised.
157. District Matters
Nothing raised.
158. January Meeting
It was proposed by Cllr Dix, seconded by Cllr
Corbett and agreed due to the bank holidays to move January’s meeting to 10
January 2023.
159. Correspondence
Bright Sparks
Councillors noted the letter of thanks from
Brights Sparks for the donation of £500 towards their Christmas Production.
RAF Air Cadets Squadron 1379
Leiston
Councillors noted the request from RAF Air
Cadets Squadron 1379 Leiston to support
the cost of equipment required for 3 teams of 3 Cadets to complete their Duke
of Edinburgh Award. It was proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by
Cllr Dix and agreed to fund £705.00. Action:
Town Clerk to action
Worry Tree Cafe
Councillors noted the request from Leiston
Worry Tree asking to use the Community
Centre for an additional hour, 1pm-2pm free of charge on Thursdays to support
their increase in numbers. It was proposed
by Cllr Morsley, seconded by Cllr Harle and agreed to let them use the
Community Centre free for this additional hour. Action: Town Clerk to
confirm with Worry Tree.
Leiston Long Shop Museum
Councillors noted the request from Leiston Long
Shop Museum to use electricity from the Council Offices for their Christmas
Event on 10 December. It was proposed by
Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr Levermore and agreed to let them use the electricity
supply, the Clerk will ensure the appropriate risk assessments are in place. Action:
Town Clerk to discuss with the Long Shop Museum
IP17 GNS
Councillors noted the request from IP17 GNS
requesting support with their Christmas Dinner campaign. It was proposed by Cllr Corbett, seconded by
Cllr Harle and agreed to go back to IP17 GNS requesting further information on
the number of residents in Leiston this supports. Action: Town Clerk to
follow up with IP17 GNS
Safer Neighbourhood Team
Councillors noted the email from the Safer
Neighbourhood Team regarding the reinstatement of Police quarterly
meetings. Further information will be
circulated once the meeting details have been confirmed.
160. Questions to the Chairman
Cllr Levermore asked if and when the
Christmas lights in the town are being put up.
Cllr Dix will follow this up.
The meeting finished at
9.56 pm
Chair
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Dated ---------------------------------------------