Pre-meeting Reports
05 September 2023
78. County Councillor
County Cllr Haworth-Culf was in attendance. A report had been previously
circulated. Cllr Haworth-Culf spoke of making sure we are ready for when the
DCO for Sizewell commences, with up and ready projects. Schools are now back
after the summer break and there have been a few issues with uniform and bus
passes but these are being resolved.
79. District Councillor
District Cllr Whitelock was in attendance and a report was tabled. Cllr Whitelock confirmed that East Suffolk have ceased using live phosphates on weeds on pavements and roads due to health concerns. They are currently trialling alternative products. There is a meeting scheduled for the Leiston Place Board. Councillors have been looking at the Walking and Cycling Strategy’s for the area. Cllr Whitelock has attended a briefing on the Energy Projects. SZC are largely doing archology works at Goose Hill and at Levington where they will be extracting the water. From September phase 2 of the tree felling will take place at Goose Hill. Works will commence on the site north of King Georges Avenue. The expectation is that the Development Consent Order (DCO) will commence early next year. As the government have now committed £1b funding SZC can do 2 years of work without the need for external funding. The Emergency plan still needs agreement and has been discharged by SCC. The Lion Link consultation starts on 8th September and runs until November. The Sea Link consultation runs from 24th October until 18th December. They are doing some permitted works - bore hole and trial pit works from today. East Anglia 3 cable works are taking place in 2024 and links to East Anglia 1 substation. Interestingly some of the cabling from East Anglia 1 which is not old needs digging up and repairing, this is not very reassuring.
Cllr Levermore updated District Cllr Whitelock on the Leiston Cycle and Walking Strategy and suggested they arrange a meeting to discuss.
District Cllr Haworth-Culf reiterated the need to respond to the Energy Consultations.
80. Public Forum
A member of the public raised concerns regarding the prolific signage outside the former Black Horse Pub and illegal parking in the town. The Chair confirmed the signage is being investigated by East Suffolk planning and legal team. The Clerk confirmed that Sarah Gilson, Operations Manager, Parking, CCTV and Cemetries will be attending our next ESSL Contract meeting.
A member of the public raised concerns from the Allotment Association regarding overgrown plots at Valley Road. Cllr Last reiterated these comments. Mrs Kemp confirmed several plots holders have been written to and some have now confirmed they wish to give up their plots. It is the intention that any unworked plots as of the last week of September will not have their tenancies renewed from 01 October 2023. Mrs Kemp encouraged the Allotment Association to identify to her any plot numbers they are unduly concerned about, so these can be followed up.
At a meeting of the LEISTON-cum-SIZEWELL TOWN COUNCIL
held in the COMMUNITY CENTRE, King Georges Avenue, Leiston, on
TUESDAY 05 September 2023 at 7.30pm
Councillor Lesley Hill (in the Chair)
Councillor David Boast
Councillor Tony Cooper
Councillor Nicky Corbett
Councillor David Dix
Councillor Susan Geater
Councillor Trevor Hawkins
Councillor John Last
Councillor David Morsley
Councillor Adrian Swift
Councillor Tyler Wythe
81. Apologies
Apologies were received from Cllr Paul Motion.
82. Leiston-cum-Sizewell Councillor Vacancies
Members were pleased to see a further application for the Councillor vacancies. The Chair confirmed that the applicant Mr Crisp met the eligibility criteria, and a declaration of office will be signed. He was duly invited to join the meeting as Councillor. The Chair advised this now leaves the Town Council with 1 vacancy.
83. Declarations of Interest
Cllr Cooper for item 13 DC/23/1579/FUL and Finance, Cllr Boast for CLT, Cllr Crisp for CLT and item 13 DC/23/1579/FUL, Cllr Wythe for item 7b, Cllr Levermore for CLT, Cllr Geater for Finance and Personnel and Cllr Hill CLT and for item13 DC/23/3056/DRC.
84. Minutes of the Meeting held 01 August 2023
It was proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr Last and agreed the minutes for the Meeting held 01 August 2023 be signed as a true record.
85. Chair’s Communications
On the 11th August, Councillors and staff came together to say goodbye to Hannah Everett-Spearing. Hannah had worked for the Council for 20 years firstly at the Film Theatre and then at the Council Offices. I was pleased to present Hannah with flowers, chocolates and a voucher from the donations received.
On 12th August I attended the VJ Day Commemoration service organised by the Leiston Branch of the Royal British Legion and Friends of the Suffolk Regiment at The Long Shop Museum. On behalf of the Town Council, I laid a wreath beneath the memorial flag. I was pleased to see Councillors and members of the public attend this ceremony.
The Tour of Britain Suffolk Stage Cycle Race will be coming through Leiston on Thursday 7th September, and I invite Councillors to support this event as it comes through the town. Councillor Corbett will give an update under Item 10 (a) of the agenda. I would, however, like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Chris Newson who undertook the painting of the bikes you have seen along the route of the race in Leiston.
On the 20th September 4.00 - 5.30 at Blyburgate Hall, Beccles the Trustees of the Citizens Advice East Suffolk are holding a public Meeting. The guest speaker is Chris Bally, Chief Executive of East Suffolk Council. I will be attending and if other councillors wish to attend, please let me know.
There is an invitation from the Trustees of Leiston Town Pastors to a Service of Thanksgiving starting at 6.30 p.m. on Sunday 1st October at the United Church, Leiston. The service is preceded by a short Annual General Meeting. Could you please advise me if you wish to attend in order that I can advise the Town Pastors.
86. Assets
a) Community Centre and other Assets Steering Group
Councillors noted the date of the next meeting 7 September 2023, 6pm, Waterloo Centre. Cllr Boast submitted apologies.
b) Film Theatre Working Party
Councillors noted the date of the next meeting 14 September 2023, 6pm, Leiston Film Theatre.
c) Live Well Hub
Celia Leggett, Live Well Hub Co-ordinator was in attendance and gave a brief update on the Live Well Hub, Leiston. The official open day for the Live Well Hub is scheduled for Friday 20th October 2023, ribbon cutting at 11am. A press release and commercial material are being worked on. Bookings are progressing well. There are currently 5 regular bookings for the Live Well Hub alongside our regular commercial bookings and school holiday clubs. A source of funding has been identified which could be used to re-decorate and re-furbish the rooms. The Live Well Middlesborough website is a good example of what the Live Well Hub is aiming to be: https://thelivewellcentre.co.uk/
d) 1-7 Ashfield Drive Garages, Lease for Hayling’s Allotments
Cllr Cooper confirmed there is a lease in place for footpath access to the allotments by the garages and no further action is required.
87. Parks and Recreation
a) Parks and Recreation Steering Group Minutes of Meeting held 11th July 2023
Councillors noted the previously circulated minutes. The Chair confirmed allotment charges review will be taken to the Finance Committee for discussion and then brought to Full Council for consideration. Cllr Cooper confirmed the relinquishing of Farrow Close Playing Field needs further investigation; this is ongoing. Cllr Corbett confirmed that East Suffolk Services will support dual recycle bins and SZC have agreed funding for 5 within the town, Mrs Kemp confirmed these have been ordered.
The Chair confirmed we have received an enforcement notice from SCC Highways regarding Valley Road allotments. Mrs Kemp informed Councillors that the enforcement notice refers to mud on the road at the allotment entrance and overgrowth of the footpath next to the houses. Council have 21 days to complete the required works. ESSL will be visiting the site this week to assess and schedule in the work.
b) East Suffolk Services Contract Meeting, Minutes of Meeting held 16th August 2023
Councillors noted the previously circulated minutes. Cllr Last commented that a good explanation was received regarding grass cutting and clarification on the ‘No Mow May’ which is not an East Suffolk policy. He was keen to convey this to our residents. The Clerk confirmed a Facebook post had been published. The Clerk confirmed that Sarah Gilson, Operations Manager, Parking, CCTV and Cemetries has been invited to attend the next ESSL meeting.
88. Infrastructure Working Groups
a) Highways Working Group, Minutes of Meeting held 18th July 2023 and Notes of Extraordinary Meeting held 29th August 2023
Councillors noted the previously circulated minutes. The Chair confirmed the Highways Committee are seeking approval from Full Council to accept the estimate of £90,123 from SCC Highways (which is already earmarked in our CIL funding) for a Pedestrian Crossing in Aldeburgh Road, Leiston. After a brief discussion it was proposed by Cllr Last, seconded by Cllr Levermore and agreed to accept the estimated costs of £90,123 (to be paid from our CIL Funds) from SCC Highways for a Pedestrian Crossing in Aldeburgh Road and get the works expedited.
Cllr Hill also informed Councillors work is progressing towards extra car parking spaces in Seaward Avenue, SCC Highways have one more utility company to contact.
Cllr Levermore update Cllrs on a meeting she attended with SCC Public Rights of Way. Hopkins Homes, Aldeburgh Road Development, has £52,000 of Section 106 monies to improve footpaths that lead from the Hopkins development to the Leisure Centre, High School, and Seaward Avenue. Ownership of land needs checking but the footpath has been measured and is wide enough to become a shared pathway so this could become part of the Cycle Strategy Route.
b) Energy Projects working Group, Notes of Meeting held 15th August 2023
The Chair informed Councillors that herself, Cllr Corbett and the Clerk attend the first of the planned monthly meetings at the SZC office yesterday. Areas discussed where Hinkley Point Visit, Vegetation Clearance, Wild Aldhurst Farm Visit and the Traffic and Transport Group. Arising from this meeting she would like Councillors to consider allowing Zoe Botton, Community Relations Manager, SZC to attend our monthly Full Council meetings to provide a brief update on the SZC Project in the section set aside for reports ahead of our main agenda. If a longer presentation was needed this would be arranged in advance. After a brief discussion it was proposed by Cllr Morsley, seconded by Cllr Swift, and agreed to action this from our October meeting on a trial basis.
Councillors noted the previously circulated minutes.
c) Visit to Hinkley Point C
Cllr Corbett confirmed the visit to Hinkley Point will take place 11th -13th October 2023, 7 Councillors plus the Town Clerk will be attending. They have been offered accommodation at Cannington Court so there will be no accommodation fees only travel and sundries. It was proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr Levermore, and agreed a budget of up to £2000 to cover travel and sundries expenses.
d) Visit to Aldhurst Farm
The visit to Aldhurst Farm has been rearranged for Tuesday 12th September 2023 at 12noon.
e) Neighbourhood Plan Review Steering Group, Notes of Meeting held 22nd August 2023
Councillors noted the previously circulated minutes.
f) Traffic and Transport Working Group
The Clerk confirmed that these meetings will resume once the DCO for SZC is triggered at the start of construction. Cllr Levermore questioned if they could have a Councillors meeting to go through the strategy to refresh and update new Councillors on the Strategy. The Clerk will arrange.
89. Outside Bodies
a) Net Zero
b) Leiston CLT
Cllr Boast reported thus:
Little to report -all action on-going on behind scenes, no lack of action
The CLT Board met with East Suffolk regeneration team, expressing their concern over lack of information of action.
East Suffolk are keen to show constant progress with agreed forward plans and agreed actions.
They agreed to an holistic approach to Leiston issues to include, Leiston Neighbourhood plan, the CLT business plan, the Modece Feasibility study and the Leiston Master Plan.
Agreed to re-establish link to Trillium Land over the parcel of land they own and their plans.
Agreed to establish Leiston Place Board, with appropriate stakeholders, Co-Op, CLT, LTC, ESC, Church etc.
Date has since been agreed - Leiston Place Board meeting September 18th.
No 16 Sizewell Road, had seen further anti-social behaviour - requiring work to ensure the property is safe whilst awaiting future plans - demolition or repair discussions are ongoing.
c) Aldeburgh, Leiston and Saxmundham Community Partnership, Minutes of Meeting 27 July 2023
The Chair confirmed the minutes of this meeting are not yet available. Councillors noted the date of the next meeting 28th September, 5.30pm, Friston Village Hall.
d) Library Steering Group Minutes of Meeting held 20th July 2023
Councillors noted the previously circulated minutes. Cllr Dix informed Councillors that the summer reading challenge was a great success with over 100 children participating.
e) Fairtrade Steering Group
The Chair confirmed that we been approved as a Fairtrade Town and shared our certificate. Cllr Dix will to contact Ann and David Nunn on next steps.
f) Joint Meeting with East Suffolk Council
The Clerk confirmed that a joint meeting with East Suffolk Council has been arranged for 12th September 2023, 7pm at the Council Chamber. This will be a high level strategic meeting for town councillors to share with our District councillors our aims and aspirations for Leiston and Sizewell. The Clerk will compose a short presentation.
90. Civic Matters/Events
a) Men’s Tour of Britain 2023
Councillor Corbett confirmed that the Men’s Tour of Britain will be passing through Leiston on 7th September around 2pm/2.40pm. Pete Kyle will be taking photos and video footage. She urged Councillors to come and show their support. Bicycles kindly painted by Chris Newson have been displayed in town to line the route. She will be producing a follow up article for the Leiston Observer.
b) Remembrance 2023
The Chair confirmed that the annual Festival of Remembrance will take place at the Film Theatre on 8th November, there will be a small ceremony on the park on Saturday 11th November with a maroon fired at 11am and the annual Remembrance Parade will take place on Sunday 12th November.
c) Leiston Events Group Christmas Event 2023
Cllr Dix informed Councillors due to projected costs this event will need to be down scaled. He will update Councillors further after their next meeting which is being held on 13th September 2023.
d) D-Day 80, 6th June 2023
The Chair spoke of organising a small civic event for the town to commemorate D-Day 80. Cllr Corbett, Cllr Geater, Cllr Last, Cllr Swift and Cllr Boast volunteered to join Cllr Hill in forming a small working party to take this forward.
e) Appointment to Communities and Outside Bodies
Energy Working Group
Cllr Swift and Cllr Wythe
Neighbourhood Plan
Cllr Motion
Cllr Wythe
Traffic and Transport
Cllr Motion
Cllr Wythe
The Chair asked if any Councillors would be interested in becoming the council representative for the Suffolk Disability Advice Service meeting. Cllr Wythe, Cllr Boast and Cllr Geater expressed interest depending on dates, the Clerk will check and circulate.
Cllr Corbett put herself forward to become a representative for Net Zero to support the Clerk.
Cllr Hill, Cllr Corbett, and the Town Clerk will be attending the first Leiston Place Board meeting.
f) Annual Calander of Events
Councillors noted the previously circulated Annual Calander of Events. Cllr Last asked for the annual litter pick in memory of Cllr Harle to be added to May.
g) Archived Materials
Councillors noted the previously circulated receipt of deposits made to Suffolk Archive Materials.
91. Finance
a) Finance Committee, Minutes of Meeting 17th August 2023
Councillors noted the previously circulated minutes. The Clerk confirmed that she had received confirmation from ESC that the CIL money of £30,000 we granted to Leiston Long Shop Museum can be paid in 3 yearly instalments of £10,000. It was proposed by Cllr Levermore, seconded by Cllr Boast and agreed to pay the £30,000 to Leiston Long Shop Museum in 3 yearly instalments of £10,000.
b) Note Date of Next Meeting, 28 September 2023, 3.30pm at Leiston Film Theatre.
Councillors noted the date of the next meeting.
c) Accounts Paid August 2023
Councillors approved the monthly income and expenditure sheet from
Rialtas.
Investment Strategy Report
Councillors noted the previously circulated Strategy Report detailing the change in bank accounts. On proposition by Cllr Morsley, seconded by Cllr Cooper it was agreed to agree the Investment Strategy with proposed changes to bank accounts.
92. Policies and Procedures
a) Investment Strategy
Councillors noted the previously recently circulated Investment Strategy. On a proposition from Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr Morsley it was agreed to approve the Investment Strategy.
The Chair confirmed that following the recommendation from last month’s meeting the Clerk contacted Philip Ridley, Head of Planning at ESC. He confirmed he is happy to support the Council with SZC planning applications and a meeting will be arranged in due course.
|
DC/23/3190/TPO |
REFER TO TREE OFFICER |
|
DC/23/3130/TPO |
REFER TO TREE OFFICER
As the Chair had declared an interest planning application DC/23/3056/DRC the Clerk led the discussion.
|
|
DC/23/3056/DRC |
As the Chair had declared an interest in this applicant the Clerk led the discussion. RECOMMEND REFUSAL |
|
DC/23/3252/FUL |
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
Cllr Cooper left the room whilst planning application DC/23/1579/FUL was discussed and did not vote.
|
|
DC/23/1579/FUL |
RECOMMEND APPROVAL (6 for, 5 against and 1 abstention)
|
94. County Matters
Nothing raised.
95. District Matters
Nothing raised.
96. Correspondence and Grant Requests
a) Stocks Funfair
Councillors noted the email from Sally Stocks requesting permission to use the recreation ground again this year from 25th September-9th October. It was proposed by Cllr Levermore, seconded by Cllr Geater and agreed to grant permission at £160 per operational day, providing there is adequate stewarding and the correct Risk Assessments and Insurances are in place.
b) Creative Leiston
Councillors noted the request from Creative Leiston to support the Leiston Social Supermarket. On recommendation from the Finance Committee, it was proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by Corbett and agreed to refuse this request on the grounds that Council does not fund a project twice in one year and they received £1000 in March 2023. Councillors wish the project every success and encourages the applicant to reapply in the future.
c) Pisces Swimming Club
Councillors noted the grant request from Pisces Swimming Club for £150 towards their running costs. On recommendation from the Finance Committee, it was proposed by Cllr Last, seconded by Cllr Cooper and agreed to grant £150.
d) Disability Advice Service
Councillors noted the grant request from DAS for £500 towards their core funding so they continue their service provision. On recommendation from the Finance Committee, it was proposed by Cllr Boast, seconded by Cllr Geater and agreed to grant £500 and encourage them to become part of the Live Well Hub, Leiston.
e) Lighthouse Project
Councillors noted the letter from the Lighthouse Project asking for us to support of their project. The Town Clerk will follow this up and suggest they become part of the Live Well Hub Leiston project.
f) Leiston Old Folks Outing
The Clerk advised there is £7960 left in the grants pot for 2023/2024 and asked if Councillors would be willing to support the Leiston Old Folks Outing with a grant towards their Insurance. The approx. cost of this is £100. It was proposed by Cllr Morsley, seconded by Cllr Geater and agreed to pay for the Leiston Old Folks Outing Insurance.
97. Questions to Chair
It was proposed by Cllr Corbett, 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.
98. Personnel
Cllr Cooper confirmed that we had received several applications for the post of Deputy Clerk. Short listing will take place on 11 September and interviews on 14 September.
The meeting finished at 9.25pm
Chair ---------------------------------------------
Dated ---------------------------------------------