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Pre-meeting Reports 07 November 2023 |
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120. |
County
Councillor County Cllr Haworth-Culf was in attendance. A report had
been previously circulated. She spoke
of the need to remain vigilant of scammers and rogue traders. She urged Councillors to respond to the
Sealink Consultation. She informed
Councillors a resident has been in contact with her regarding speeding in Red
House Lane. She has followed this up. She confirmed she would be willing to fund
a digital speed sign for the council from her Highways budget, but would
request Red House Lane is on the site list.
She informed councillors and residents that SZC will be at Aldeburgh
Church Hall, Thursday 9th November, 6.30pm to present a project
update, all are invited to attend. Cllr
Last asked County Councillor Haworth-Culf if she could confirm or find out if
the £64m funding just awarded to Highways was from the Government and did not
include any SZC funding. She advised Cllr Last to email her and she would
investigate. |
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121. |
District
Councillor Apologies
were received from District Cllr Whitelock a report had been previously
circulated. Cllr
Levermore commented that she had heard rumours of a hand car wash being set
up in Leiston in the carpark next to Tony’s Fried Chicken. The Clerk will follow this up. |
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123. |
SZC
Update Jack Raven, Regional Development Project,
SZC was in
attendance and gave an update on the SZC Project and Net
Zero Leiston. The planning application for a proposed Visitor
Centre, Bird Hide, Carpark improvement works and Cycle Routes at Wild Aldhurst Farm will be submitted in December. The
land east of Eastlands Industrial Estate preparation works are well underway
and this site will be used for office accommodation, caravan park and green
rail route. Cllr
Crisp questioned if the Risk Assessment for Wild Aldhurst has been made
available yet. Mr Raven reported the
final draft has been done and should be released soon. Cllr Crisp also questioned when the tree
felling along the back of Carr Avenue will be commissioned, Mr Raven will
follow this up. Mr Raven gave a brief presentation to
Councillors on Net Zero Leiston highlighting their main focus and suggestions
for immediate investment opportunities around Transport, Energy Efficiency, Green
Spaces and Local Infrastructure and Education. During the above item, the time reached
7.30pm. It was proposed by Cllr Corbett, seconded by Cllr Geater and agreed,
Standing Orders be suspended to allow the public part of the meeting to be
completed. Councillors
asked various questions and made several suggestions regarding e-bikes which
Mr Raven will follow up. Cllr Motion
questioned overall costs, and self-funding.
Mr Raven confirmed the e-bike scheme is in early discussions and
market engagement will be carried out.
Councillors raised the ESC and SCC walking and cycling strategies, Mr
Raven will investigate these. The Clerk asked that the Film Theatre be
considered under local infrastructure. Cllr
Last questioned anticipation of progress.
Mr Raven confirmed an example of immediate visual progress is the
recently installed heat pump at Leiston Long Shop Museum and he anticipates
further visual progress will be seen late this year/early 2024. A
member of the public questioned how Leiston can become Net Zero when we are
sited next to Nuclear Power Stations.
Mr Raven confirmed that it had been important to give a comparison to
other towns of similar size. Including
SZC would create an imbalance in comparing like with like. |
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124. |
Public
Forum A
resident commented that Leiston Long Shop Museum is now closed for the
winter, the Final Fling Event was very successful. The planned improvement works will take
place, albeit a slight rejiggle of the two planned phases due to lead times
and materials. There will be no Warm
Space offering at the Long Shop this winter due to the works. The Clerk confirmed the Library and Live
Well Hub will be providing a Warm Welcome. The Long Shop are very happy with
the heat source pump, funded through Net Zero Leiston. |
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At a meeting of the
LEISTON-cum-SIZEWELL TOWN COUNCIL held in the COMMUNITY
CENTRE, King Georges Avenue, Leiston, on TUESDAY 07 November
2023 at 7.50pm PRESENT
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Councillor Lesley
Hill (in the Chair) Councillor Bing Boast Councillor Tony
Cooper Councillor Nicky
Corbett Councillor Andrew
Crisp Councillor David Dix Councillor Susan
Geater Councillor John Last Councillor David
Morsley Councillor Paul
Motion Councillor Adrian
Swift Councillor Tyler
Wythe |
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125. |
Apologies Apologies
were received from Cllr Hawkins. |
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126. |
Declarations
of Interest Cllr Boast for CLT, Cllr Wythe for ESSL, Cllr Levermore
for CLT and Leiston Film Theatre, Cllr Crisp for CLT, Cllr Hill for CLT and
Leiston Place Board and Cllr Geater for Finance and Personnel. |
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127. |
Minutes
of the Meeting held 03 October 2023 It
was proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr Motion, and agreed the minutes
for the Meeting held 03 October 2023 be signed as a true record. |
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128. |
Chairs
Communications The
20th October saw the official opening of the Live Well Hub Leiston
and I was delighted to cut the ribbon on this special occasion. I was joined by Fathima a former student of
Alde Valley Academy who designed the winning logo. It was good to hear of all
the excellent work that is being undertaken to help people in the local area.
Although the weather was inclement, I feel this still showcased what the Live
Well Hub is all about and there was an item on Radio Suffolk which helped
inform more local people. I thank
everyone involved in organising the event and to John Heald who kindly took
photographs. Following
an invitation from The Opergy Group Cllr Corbett and I attended a Leiston
home football match on 24th October. The Group were sponsoring
Leiston Football Club for their league match against Kettering Town and their
Project Manager plays for Leiston. This was an opportunity to meet a number
of people connected to the football club and to other invited guests.
Unfortunately, despite our support Leiston lost two nil. On
23rd October I took up the kind offer from Russ Rainger, Trustee
of the Long Shop Museum to have a conducted tour regarding the major works
planned at the museum. These works would take place over two years but only
when the Museum is normally closed to the public during the winter
months. Following the explanation of
the work involved I can appreciate the enormity of the project and look
forward to visiting the museum again as work progresses. I know that Cllr
Swift also visited the Museum to hear more about the work to be undertaken. On
behalf of the Town Council, I will be attending the Festival of Remembrance
tomorrow evening at the Leiston Film Theatre, attending the ceremony to
observe the two-minute silence on Saturday 11th November at 11.00
a.m.in Church Square and taking part in the parade on Remembrance Day and
laying a wreath at St. Margaret’s Church. |
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129. |
Assets Steering Groups a)
Community Centre and other Assets Steering Councillors noted the
date of the next meeting, 7 December 2023, 6pm, Waterloo Centre. b)
Film Theatre Working Party Councillors noted the
date of the next meeting, 25 January 2024, 6pm at Leiston Film Theatre. c)
Live Well Hub, Leiston Update Councillors noted the
previously circulated report. The
Clerk reported the Live Well Hub have been nominated for the Ipswich and East
Suffolk Alliance Award for ‘Bringing Services Closer to Those That Need Them’. The Live Well Hub will be providing a Warm
Room this winter. |
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130. |
Parks and Recreation Working Groups a) Parks and Recreation Grounds Steering Group –
Minutes of Meeting held 10 October 2023 Councillors
noted the previously circulated minutes.
Cllr Corbett questioned when the dual recycling bins are being
installed. Mrs Kemp confirmed
installation has started. Cllr
Levermore questioned mud on the road at the Valley Road Allotment entrance. Mrs Kemp reported this is an ongoing issue every
time it rains and confirmed we will be seeking preventative advice from Sandra
Gage, Floods Project, SCC. It was proposed by Cllr Corbett, seconded by Cllr
Levermore and agreed to ask ESSL to plant the replacement daffodil bulbs
(already purchased by LMSFW) on the skatepark hill at Victory Road Recreation
Ground at a cost of £150. b) LMSFW
Successful Grant Applications Cllr
Levermore was happy to report that the grant funding for the yellow rattle
seed, wild seed, bat planting, and honeysuckle plants of £1800 from our
County and District Councillors has been approved. Work to prepare the ground and plant the
seed will start next week. c)
East Suffolk Services
Contract Meeting Councillors
noted the date of the next meeting, 15
November 2023, 2pm, TEAMS. |
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131. |
Infrastructure
Working Groups a)
Highways
Working Group Councillors
noted the date of the next meeting 21
November 2023 at Waterloo Centre, 3pm. b)
Energy
Projects Working Group Minutes of Meeting held 17 October 2023 and Note Date
of Next Meeting Councillors noted the previously
circulated minutes and date of next meeting 14 November 2023, 3pm at
Waterloo Centre. c)
Energy
Projects Working Group - Visit to Hinkley Point Feedback Cllr Corbett gave a brief report on
the visit to Hinkley Point a detailed report along with copies of the
presentation will be circulated in due course. Cllr Last thanked Cllr Corbett and
others involved for organising a very productive itinerary for the Hinkley
visit. d)
Meet the
Regulator 7th November
2023 Cllr Corbett reported that she had attended
this meeting today which didn’t finish until 5.15pm. She outlined some brief points,
but a full report will be circulated in due course. e)
Neighbourhood
Plan Review Steering Group Councillors noted the date of the next meeting 28
November 2023, 4.45pm, TEAMS. f)
Traffic
and Transport Working Group The Chair reported the indication from
SZC is that this meeting will be convened shortly. |
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132. |
Outside Bodies a)
Net Zero Leiston The Clerk had nothing further to report. b)
Leiston
CLT Cllr Boast reported thus: At Mondays CLT Trust Board meeting we learnt that much is
going on behind the scene. We are
pleased the Leiston Place Board is up and running some of us were concerned
it would be just another talking shop, it was good to hear otherwise. Feedback reported a very positive and
forward planning attitude. Another plus
point our Chair Lesley Hill was chosen as Chair of the Leiston Place Board. Other points: -
The proposed Market Square development is a
leading priority. -
Sub committees
set up to take the different concepts forward. -
A meeting
on Wednesday to look at taking the Market Square to the next step. One possible action from this meeting could
be the decision on the Sizewell Road shops, demolish or otherwise giving
visual signs of action. -
Re-establish
the Traffic Management Group. -
East
Suffolk investigating other potential development land sites for Market
Square. -
Need for
housing review alongside the Neighbourhood Plan review. The CLT are pleased to be a leader in this development and
a member of the Leiston Place Board. The CLT Board are planning their monthly clean of the
square Thursday 9th November at 3.30pm in preparation for this
years 11th of the 11th Leiston Remembrance 2 minutes
silence. The CLT are proud to see the
Church Square used as the venue for this event. There are also Christmas, music and grotto
events planned at the Church Square. c)
Aldeburgh,
Leiston and Saxmundham Community Partnership Cllr Hill reported the minutes from meeting of 28th
September are now available and will be circulated in due course. Cllrs noted the date of the next meeting November 2023, 3.30pm at Snape Village Hall. d)
SSG –
Update from AGM Held 1st November
2023
Cllrs Hill and
Corbett attended. Both are voting members of the group. Cllr Corbett gave a
brief update on the main points: The Chair and Vice
Chair were nominated for a further term (Marianne Fellowes, Chair and Pete Wilkinson,
Vice-Chair). The constitution for the SSG was revisited and tweaks were made
including the wording for co-opted voting members. The Chair has decided that
if SZC matters affect the SZA and B sites, they can be discussed at the SSG.
There was some discussion around this as it could make meetings excessively
long. Bill Hamilton, from the NRS (formerly Magnox) said he would need to
check the terms of reference. Now that the
ageing AGR reactors are heading towards decommissioning, Magnox has been rebranded
as Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) to reflect the addition of Advanced
Gas-cooled reactors to the fleet. The minutes will be circulated to
councillors once they are available. e)
Leiston
Place Board – Draft Minutes of Meeting Held 6th October 2023 Councillors noted the previously circulated minutes. f)
Suffolk
Constabulary – Design Out Crime Visit of 31st October 2023 Cllr’s Hill and Corbett accompanied Sgt O’Neill, PSCO Jamie
Newson and Design Out Crime Office Andy Gallant on a visit around
Leiston. The main point raised was the
need for appropriate lighting in our town and recreation area. This will be
taken forward for further discussion by Leiston Place Board and our Parks and
Recreation Ground Steering Group. The
Clerk will circulate Sgt O’Neill’s report. g)
ABC Radio
Tour 30th October
2023 Cllr Last reported 6 Councillors attended the tour. They had the opportunity to view behind the
scenes, see the new studios, discuss what ABC radio offers to the local
community and talk to the programme controller. The Chair thanked Cllr Last for organising
this tour. h)
ASB (Anti-Social
Behaviour) Meeting The Chair informed Cllrs this is a confidential meeting
with Suffolk Police and other agencies to discuss anti-social behaviour in
the local area. She was pleased to report
Leiston currently has low level anti-social behaviour. A new model Police Policy has just been
introduced. |
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133. |
Civic Matters/Events a)
Remembrance
2023 Mrs Kemp reminded Councillors of the Town’s upcoming Remembrance
Events for 2023. Wednesday 8th
November 7.30pm Festival of Remembrance at Leiston Film Theatre. Saturday 11th November 11am, 2-minute
silence at Church Square. Sunday 12th
November, Remembrance Parade, 10.30pm from Leiston Cadet Centre. b)
Leiston Events Group
Christmas Event 2023 The
Clerk confirmed the budget for this event will be discussed under item 10a. Cllr Dix confirmed planning is well
underway, he will be attending a further LEG meeting tomorrow evening. If any councillors or residents are able to
help with this event, please let Cllr Dix know as soon as possible. c)
D-Day 80,
6th June 2024 – Cllr Hill Cllrs noted the previously circulated report. |
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134. |
Finance a)
Finance Committee
Minutes of Meeting held 26 October 2023 Cllr Levermore reported the Finance Committee have looked
at the expenditure for the LEG Christmas Fayre and agreed to support the
spend of £1538 from LEG funds. The financial risk assessment will be reviewed in December
2023. The Balcony Project was discussed in detail by the Finance Committee,
and it was agreed to recommend to Full Council that the project should seek
external funding opportunities with a more detailed evidence-based business
case and robust financial information.
It was proposed by Cllr Levermore, seconded by Cllr Boast and agreed
to go with the recommendation from the Finance Committee in respect of the
Balcony Project. b)
Accounts
paid October 2023 It was proposed by Cllr Last, seconded by Cllr Cooper and agreed
the monthly income and expenditure from Rialtus be approved. c)
Draft
Budget Councillors noted the previously circulated draft
budget. The Clerk commented she felt it
was useful for councillors to see the budget as this will help inform our
precept decision in December. Cllr Levermore thanked the Clerk for all her hard work. |
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135. |
Policies and Procedures a)
Warm Welcome Safeguarding
Policy Councillors noted the previously recently
Warm Welcome Safeguarding Policy. On a proposition from Cllr Boast,
seconded by Cllr Crisp, it was agreed to adopt the Warm Welcome Safeguarding
Policy. |
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136. |
Planning Recommend Refusal Cllr Corbett will attend the ESC Planning Meeting on 14 November. b)
DC/23/3901/FUL
- Single storey
rear extension to form garden room - The Holt Badger Wood Lane Leiston
Suffolk IP16 4EU Recommend Approval Recommend Approval d)
DC/23/3216/FUL - Alterations and extension to side of
dwelling. - 1 The Common Leiston Suffolk IP16 4UP Recommend
Approval e)
DC/23/4143/TPO A1 of TPO No. 17
/ 1984 3no. Oak (marked on plan)
- Overall crown reduction by up to 4 metres - Summer Place Goldings Lane
Leiston Suffolk IP16 4EA Refer
to Tree Officer ESC Recommend Objection g)
DC/23/4099/FUL
- Use of land for B2/B8 use. Provision
of hardstanding. Construction of aggregate bays. - Land At Eastlands
Industrial Estate Leiston Suffolk IP16 4US Recommend Objection Cllrs Corbett, Dix, Motion and Levermore
abstained Recommend Approval |
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137. |
County Matters |
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138. |
District Matters a)
Consider
Change of Schedule for Council Meeting The Clerk reported that our District Councillors are
currently unable to attend our monthly meeting due to ESC Cabinet commitments
and asked if we would consider changing our date. The Clerk commented she had
researched and found the best date would be the second Tuesday of the month. Cllr Last commented that he found the
separate meeting held with all 3 District Councillors was useful. It was
proposed by Cllr Crisp, seconded by Cllr Boast and agreed to move our
meetings to the second Tuesday of the month (Cllr Last abstained). It was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by
Cllr Morsely and agreed to start this from January 2024. b)
Proud to Live in East Suffolk The Clerk thanked Councillors for all their feedback. She proposed the best way to move this
forward would be to request a meeting with District Cllr Whitelock. c)
Site
Visit to Leiston Leisure with Tim Snook to see proposed 3G Football Pitch
Site. The Clerk will follow up with Tim Snook and identify
suitable dates for a visit. |
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139. |
Correspondence a)
SARS Councillors noted the
grant application from SARS, for £500 towards there running costs. On
recommendation from the Finance Committee, it was proposed by Cllr Last,
seconded by Cllr Morsley, and agreed to grant £500. b)
Bench
Request Councillors noted the request from a resident for a bench
at the far eastern side of King Georges Avenue to allow the more
elderly/infirm dog owners to take a seat and enjoy the park whilst exercising
their dogs away from the play areas.
It was proposed by Cllr Crisp, seconded by Cllr Motion and agreed to
purchase a new bench for the eastern side of King Georges Avenue. Cllr
Morsley and Cllr Corbett were against.
Cllr Corbett commented that she was against on the grounds that she
does not agree with dogs running loose in play areas. |
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140. |
Questions to Chair Cllr Boast questioned if there will be a review of the use
of council laptops. The Clerk
commented this will be reviewed in January 2024, date to be confirmed. Cllr Levermore questioned when the Verges walk around will
take place. The Clerk confirmed this
can be discussed further under Proud to Live in East Suffolk when the meeting
with District Cllr Whitelock is arranged. Gulley Cleaning quotes??? |
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It was proposed by Cllr Cooper,
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. |
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141. |
Personnel in Camera Annual
staffing salary review discussed. |
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The meeting finished at 9.35pm |
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Chair _______________________________ |
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Dated _______________________________ |
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