Pre-meeting Reports
07 February 2023
215. County
Councillor
County Cllr
Haworth-Culf sent apologies.
216. District Councillor
District Cllr Rainger
and District Cllr Daly were in attendance. Cllr Rainger informed councillors of
new funding/grant opportunities available through the UK Shared Prosperity
Fund, Setting up Community Pantries and Warm Rooms Schemes. He advised that the Five Estuaries Statement
of Community Consultation will take place in Spring 2023. Applications for East Suffolk in Bloom free
bulbs are now open any voluntary and
community groups can apply https://my.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/service/Bulb_planting_scheme
He was delighted to inform councillors
that the Town Square has been nominated for an East Suffolk 2023 Award, he thanked
Councillor Boast for making the application.
Cllr Daly reminded Councillors that
families can check eligibility for Free School Meals online and receive an
immediate decision. https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/children-families-and-learning/schools/school-meals-uniforms-and-trips/apply-for-free-school-meals He also reminded Councillors that photo ID
will be needed in order to vote. He also
spoke of the grants avaliable through the Gallopher Wind Farm Fund, the deadline for applications is
10 February 2023.
217. Public Forum
A member of the public
raised concerns regarding cars parking on the road and pavements in the centre
of town especially in the evenings and questioned if enforcement happens in the
evenings. Cllr Last informed the
resident to report these incidents online using the ESC parking enforcement
tool Report a suspected
parking contravention - My East Suffolk. Cllr Rainger confirmed that Parking
Enforcement will come out to problem areas in the evenings, so it is important
incidents are logged.
The Town Council will
write a letter to ESC parking enforcement highlighting our concerns regarding
parking on the roadside and on pavements in the centre of town especially in
the evenings.
218. Tom McGarry, Head of
Regional External Affairs was in attendance and presented an update on the SZC
project focusing on Community Pledges and SZC next steps. Mr McGarry made comment within his
presentation that the towns water supply would not be affected by the building
of SZC.
During the above item,
the time reached 7.30pm. It was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Hawkins,
and agreed, Standing Orders be suspended to allow the public part of the
meeting to be completed.
Councillor Levermore
questioned if the apprentices would have to go to Hinkley as part of their
training. Mr McGarry confirmed that they
should all be able to train on site at SZC with exception to the twenty already
employed who are currently training at Hinkley with the expectation they will
transfer to SZC as team leaders.
Councillor Morsley questioned if there will be any training
development opportunities locally in Leiston.
Mr McGarry confirmed yes they are establishing good working
relationships with Alde Valley Academy and other local education establishments
and there will be many opportunities available for local residents.
Councillor Last asked
about the Marsh Harrier Habitat and questioned what will happen with the archaeological
findings. Mr McGarry confirmed that all
findings that do not need to be put back will be exhibited for public to view
and then put into the Suffolk archives.
Councillor Levermore
questioned when the Business Development Fund becomes available. Mr McGarry confirmed this will be triggered
when the DCO comes into operation, and this will not happen until final funding
decisions are made and confirmed.
At a meeting of the
LEISTON-cum-SIZEWELL TOWN COUNCIL
held in the COMMUNITY
CENTRE, King Georges Avenue, Leiston, on
TUESDAY 07 February 2023
at 8.05pm
Councillor J Last (in the Chair)
Councillor D Bailey
Councillor D Boast
Councillor Mrs N Corbett
Councillor Mrs S Geater
Councillor T Hawkins
Councillor Mrs L Hill
Councillor Mrs S Levermore
Councillor D Morsley
219. Minutes
It was proposed by Cllr
Hill, seconded by Cllr Corbett, and agreed that the minutes for the meeting of 10
January 2023 be signed as a true record.
220. Apologies
Apologies were received from Cllr Kyle, Cllr Cooper,
and Cllr Dix.
221. Chairman’s Communications
As Councillors are aware, Thelma Hawkins, wife of Councillor Trevor
Hawkins passed away recently. Thelma was a former Councillor herself, with Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town
Council. I have on behalf of the Town
Council written to Trevor and family offering our condolences. I invite you to
join with me in a minutes silence as we pay our respects.
On 12 January it was good to meet with other Councillors and Cassandra
Clements, Managing
Director , East Suffolk Services Limited who
will be taking on the contract for services from July. It was an opportunity
for the Town Council to express their standards and expectations required for
these services and how we can work together in taking these forward under the
new arrangements
On 24 January I attended the Rose and Sweet Club Christmas Lunch which
was actually held in January and our senior residents had a splendid lunch and
a very good time.
On 25 January following the Town Council’s decision to grant funding to
Leiston Football Club, I was invited to attend the official launch of the clubs
3G Community project and presentation given to sponsors, stakeholders and
potential supporters of the project.
On 5 February 7, 2023 at the invitation of 1379 Squadron of the Leiston
Air Training Corps I attended the ATC Sunday Service at St Peters Church,
Aldeburgh.
222. Declarations of Interest
Cllr Hill for Leiston
Film Theatre and CLT, Cllr Levermore for Leiston Film Theatre and CLT, Cllr
Boast for CLT and item 17, Cllr Geater finance and personnel and Cllr Boast
CLT.
223. Play Areas/Open
Spaces
a)
Update on Meeting with Cassandra Clements, Managing Director, East
Suffolk Services
Councillors
noted the previously circulated report.
The Clerk commented the meeting had been positive and Mrs Clements expectation is that the Town Council will see
an improvement in the future when the transfer from Norse to East Suffolkk Services is complete Contracts meetings will be
set up to work more closely with East Suffolk Service to monitor this.
b) Grounds
Maintenance Minutes of 18 January 2023
Councillors noted the
previously circulated minutes.
224. Assets
a)
Waterloo Centre Wellbeing Pilot Update
The
Clerk reported that Martin Hamilton, INT Manager has now moved on. His replacement is Kevin Hines. Next step to move the project forward is for
the Clerk to draw up a job description and person specification for the
Co-ordinator role. Action Town Clerk
225. Highways and Transport
Councillors noted the
rearranged date of 21 February, 7pm at the Community Centre for the Highways
Committee meeting. The Clerk confirmed
Wayne Saunders SCC Highways will be in attendance and she is endeavouring to
get an update on the Pedestrian Crossing and Seaward Avenue Parking Bays for
this meeting.
226. Energy Projects
Cllr Last confirmed the proposed visit to
Hinkley Point is on hold as EDF are unable to facilitate a site visit at
present.
227. Outside Bodies
a) CLT Trustee Report
Councillor Boast
reported thus:
Following the
successful Christmas programme the New Year has appeared quiet, but all action
has been behind the scenes.
The introduction of the
Masterplan Draft proposals has sparked some interesting debate across town, but
generally accepted as a much needed boost for Leiston.
The Regeneration Team
at East Suffolk Council are collating the feedback from the consultation and
once their assessment is complete it will be forwarded to East Suffolk Council Cabinet
prior to it going to full council for approval.
The consultation brought
many interesting pointers forward which will enhance the draft document, giving
rise to further scrutiny and development.
The CLT board are keen
to ensure the Church Square remains an attractive and welcome addition to the
town,
On Thursday board
members intend to have a clean-up, removing unwelcome litter, glass and leaves,
whilst at the same time addressing the long-term need for having in place a set
programme of managing its cleanliness.
The programme of music
events in the band stand for the coming year is being put together, Snape
Maltings, Pro Corda, and Brass Band concerts mixed with local talent shows
during the summer.
Overall, it is a very
much watch this space as we continue to follow our main objectives of new town
centre and meeting Leiston’s affordable housing needs.
b)
Net Zero Leiston – nothing to report.
c) Library Steering Group of 26 January 2023
Councillors
noted the previously circulated report.
d) ALS Community Partnership Minutes of 7
December 2022
Councillors noted the
previously circulated report. Cllr Hill
reported the next meeting is 01
March and that the ALS are holding a forum at Trinity Park on 03 March which
herself and the Town Clerk will be attending.
228. Civic
Events
a) Litter Pick 13 May 2023
Cllr Last asked
councillors to note the new date of 13 May 2023 for the litter pick in memory
of Cllr Harle, it has been moved to allow Phil’s former work colleagues to
participate.
b) Pre-Election
Guidance
Councillors noted the
previously circulated report. The Clerk
highlighted to councillors that the pre-election period starts on 16 March.
229. Finance and Personnel
a)
Accounts for Payment
Due to unforeseen
circumstances this month’s accounts are yet to be finalised and will therefore be
presented to council for approval at our next meeting on 07 March 2023.
b)
Youth Club Funding
Councillors noted the
previously circulated report, and no questions were raised.
230. Policies and Procedures
a) LGA Code of Conduct
Members noted the
recently circulated LGA Code of Conduct.
On a proposition from Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Levermore it was
agreed to approve and accept the amendments.
231. Planning Matters
a) DC/22/4509/FUL -
Demolition of the existing bungalow and outbuildings and the construction of 4
new homes (2x 2 bedroom and 2x 3 bedroom) with associated parking to the rear.
Construction of an entranceway at bottom of track. Timber Top, Sizewell Gap, Leiston, Suffolk,
IP16 4UH
previous comments still
apply - RECOMMEND REFUSAL
on the grounds
previously stated – RECOMMEND REFUSAL
RECOMMEND REFUSAL
d)
DC/22/4879/FUL - Use of first floor as
six letting rooms (HMO) including alterations to form separate external
staircase access - 54 High Street Leiston Suffolk IP16 4EW
RECOMMEND REFUSAL
e)
DC/23/0155/FUL- Two storey side
extension to chalet bungalow - Wrayfield The Common
Leiston Suffolk IP16 4UL
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
232. County Matters
Nothing raised.
233. District Matters
Cllr Hill raised issues
concerning the footpath leading from Buckleswood Road
to Highbury Cottages. Mrs Kemp confirmed
these have been reported to SCC Rights of Way team.
234. Correspondence
Reply from PCC
Councillors noted the reply received from PCC
in relation to their letter regarding premises variation sale of alcohol in
Leiston.
Licensing Application – Nistors
After a lengthy discussion it was proposed by
Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Boast and agreed to write a letter of objection and
copy in the Police focusing on the four main points raised in the reply from
the PCC, prevention of crime and disorder, prevention of public nuisance,
public safety, protection of children
from harm and highlight the Town Councils concerns around parking issues,
prolific signage and the number of already licenced premises in a small area.
Citizens Advice Grant
Application
Councillors noted the request from the CAB requesting
£500 from our Parochial Charites Fund to support IP16 residents facing
financial hardship. After a brief
discussion it was proposed by Cllr Levermore, seconded by Cllr Morsley and agreed to support the application and seek the
Trustees approval to grant £500 from our
Parochial Charities fund.
Email from Resident Regarding Footpath 8
Councillors noted the email from a local
resident complaining about footpath 8 by Stocks Fair. The email highlighted the resident’s concerns
regarding the boundary line and the fact that there never seems any progression
in getting this problem resolved. They
are also concerned about the recent fly tipping of large water containers along
the pathway. The Clerk confirmed that these
concerns have been logged using the SCC Highways Reporting Tool and followed up
by both our County and East Suffolk Councillors. This is currently at intervention level and
being dealt with by SCC and ESC Rights of Way legal team. The Clerk will chase a further update and
reply to the resident. Action: Town
Clerk
235. Questions to the Chairman
Cllr Corbett questioned if the Town
Council would be putting on any events for the Kings Coronation after hearing
the news that Leiston Events Group are now not in a position to coordinate an event. The Clerk suggested setting up a small
working party to take this forward. Cllr
Corbett, Cllr Hill, Cllr Last and Cllr Geater agreed to join this group, the
Clerk will schedule a meeting for next week.
It was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded
by Cllr Levermore 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.
236.
Personnel
The Clerk gave a verbal
update following the Personnel Committee Meeting held on 19 January 2023,
councillors noted these comments. It was
proposed by Cllr Levermore, seconded by Cllr Corbett, and agreed to outsource
our monthly payroll to SALC at a cost of approximately £93 per month.
The meeting finished at
9.30pm
Chair
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Dated ---------------------------------------------