Apologies
- Cllr Geoffrey Baber.
Declaration of Interests & Requests for Dispensations
None received.
To Approve the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting Held on 21st November 2023
It was proposed by Cllr Dinsey, seconded by Cllr Hudson that the minutes of the meeting of the 21st November 2023 are approved – unanimous.
Matters Arising from the Minutes
Traffic concerns: Due to road closures/diversions, the speed survey to be undertaken on the B1066 has been delayed until March.
Defibrillator: An article regarding the defibrillator will be run alongside hands on training dates in next month’s newsletter.
The issue with the footpath to the footbridge has been rectified.
The village notice board is finally due to be delivered this coming Thursday.
County & District Councillor Reports
County Cllr Bobby Bennet: Matters raised in the report included the sad news that the previous County Cllr, Mary Evans, has died, there will be a memorial service in April for those wishing to attend; proposal to remove core funding from the Arts organisations, to be replaced with a Project Fund; archives currently based in Bury St Edmunds to be relocated to the Hold in Ipswich; with significantly less funding than is needed, and to prioritise services like SEND, home to school transport, children in care and vulnerable adults, difficult decisions will have to be made. Relevant to Brockey: Speed survey pushed back to March, email received back from the Highways Team concerning footpaths/ditches and the positive approach being taken by the Parish Council to address any issues informally with landowners; if no proactive response is received, Highways will then get involved. In relation to the ongoing flooding of the footpath to the primary exit route to the countryside, and with a negative reaction from the landowner, Cllr Bennett to contact the Footpath Officer to carry out a site visit. Cllrs to be informed when the visit will be taking place. Other issues raised included removal of road signs when works are completed, contractors can be challenged and fined; potholes, new piece of machinery now being trialled in Suffolk.
Cllr Sarah Pugh reported on the forthcoming Local Plan Consultation that runs from 30th January to 12th March. Comments to be made on an online feedback form. The Plan will guide where new homes can and cannot be built and sets aside land to support growth of new and existing businesses. Through its policies the local plan will support the delivery of affordable housing, alongside homes that are more sustainable and energy efficient, increase biodiversity, better protect the environment, and support people’s health and wellbeing. Any questions please contact WSC on 01284 757368 or email planning.policy@westsuffolk.gov.uk. Regarding Locality Budget Grants, Cllr Pugh said she would be happy to support the Brockley D-Day event to the value of £400 out of this years’ budget. A vote of thanks was given to Cllr Pugh. The decision from the Tree Officer for work to reduce the height of an ash tree at the village hall is still pending.
Public Forum
No further issues were raised.
To Receive Finance Reports and Approve Cheques Raised Since the Last Meeting
| Bank statement as of 13th November 2023 | 21749.32 |
|---|---|
| Less presented cheques | -8034.89 |
| Balance | 13714.43 |
| Cheques drawn to be signed at the meeting | |
| Clerk’s salary x 2 months | -228.20 |
| Hall hire | -32.00 |
| J Wymer expenses | -31.52 |
| Balance | 13422.71 |
No queries were raised and payments as per the schedule were approved - all in favour.
Budget 2024-2025
A draft budget against priorities was previously circulated for consideration.
Traffic concerns: Dependant on the results of the speed survey, it was agreed a second solar panel device and pole could be purchased for the southern end of the village. Overall an approximate cost of £3,274.
Biodiversity Strategy: Top priorities from the survey are birds, insects and aquatic plants with shrubs and trees receiving equal top votes in the plant section. A quote for £1,750 for reducing the height of the trees surrounding the pond, together with some other work was previously agreed by email, work pencilled in for the beginning of March (pre bird nesting season). It was furthermore approved 50 native bare rooted species of hedging are planted around the pond fence at a cost of £58.99, along with the purchase of a pond pack of 47 native marginals, £199.75. It was suggested a better area for the development of a wildflower area should be located between the fence and the pond and not at the small area of land near the playground. A donation of £2,500 from Anglian Water, Claret is to be donated to dig out ditches around the Village Green, work will commence on receipt of the funds. Cost minus the donation £2,008.74.
Children’s Playground: Cllr Tyler to ascertain whether the equipment at the playground is appropriate, concentrating on pre-school children to be considered. Funding sources to be sought.
Village Newsletter: The cost of the newsletter to be increased from £340.00 to £500 - all in favour.
D-Day Celebrations: Organised by Brockley Parish Council with financial contributions from Brockley Charites £500, Locality Budget £400 and possibly monies from the Village Hall Trustees. A fish & chip supper that possibly will be free of charge, an exhibition, coffee morning and a Saturday evening 1940s dance is in the process of being organised. Suggested a contingency fund of £250 be made available if donations do not cover the cost of the celebrations.
Oak Posts: Following discussion on whether to have oak posts or planters at the entrance to the village hall, it was agreed by majority vote that planters were the better of the two options.
Review of donations: Village Hall £1000, St Andrews Church amended to £750, Brockley Chapel amended to £250. Total costs as per the report £9,120 plus Clerk’s salary, insurance, and subscriptions. Precept for the next financial year £9,308, any unplanned costs will be funded from reserves. The Clerk to prepare an annual budget based on agreed figures.
Village Newsletter
With the closure of Brockley Community Council, the Parish Council has given an undertaking to take ownership of the village newsletter. A draft Terms of Reference to be circulated for discussion at the next meeting. Following expert advice in relation to GDPR, as long as the parish council provide people on the database with notification of change of ownership and give them the opportunity to ‘opt out’ compliance will be met. Going forward, promotion of clubs/charities/village organisations to go into either a half or quarter page. Advertising costs decided at £5 per month. Budget agreed as £240 for the editor’s role with £100 for printing and delivery costs. Given there may be issues resulting from the transition period, it was suggested a review takes place in the Autumn of 2024 to ensure the process, production and distribution remains fit for purpose and value for money. Also to be considered is whether the PC wishes to continue ‘voluntary ownership’ as there is no mandatory duty to do so, what alternative options exist to communicate with residents i.e notice board, Welcome Pack, copies in telephone box.
Local Plan Consultation
Information previously provided. A copy of the WSC presentation to be circulated between councillors.
Risk Register to Include Playground Reports
Defibrillator: Cllr Wymer is looking to run training alongside an article in next month’s newsletter - risk reduced to low.
Community newsletter: Owing to the possibility of a reputational risk, the level to be increased to high.
Planning Application
DC/24/0078/HH Proposal – a. additional vehicular access b. alterations to existing porch Location The Gardens Bury Road Brockley Bury St Edmunds Suffolk SUPPORT.
Due to planning applications sometimes received between meetings, it is a policy, unless contentious, all councillors should respond with their views by email to the clerk.
Correspondence
Footpath issue addressed within County Cllr Bennett’s report.
Parish Matters for the Next Meeting
Identified within the meeting.
Date of Next Meeting
March 19th 2024 at 7.00pm - to be confirmed.
With no further business the meeting closed at 8.30pm.