Present – Councillors Mrs. J. Byrne (Town Mayor), Mrs. E. Banks, Mrs. P. Black, Miss P.F. Cook, (from Minute 89), Mrs. G. Dunn, G. Farley,D.G. Grutchfield, Mrs. D.A. Haylock, B.L. Lazenby, Miss A. Stephenson, D. Warner and R. Whiting JP
Apologies – Miss J.J. Chapman, P.M. Matthews, J.J. Quinlan
In attendance – M. Firth, Head of Environmental Services, Babergh District Council. P.C. Colbear and 1 member of the Press
MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on the 16th August 2001, a copy of which is included in the Minute Book, were taken as read and confirmed and signed.
POLICING
The Council was advised that Inspector, Lincoln Pratt, was the new Sector Commander in succession to Inspector White. PC Colbear reported that 30 crimes had been recorded since the last meeting (12 Criminal Damage, 4 Burglaries, 7 Arson (some of which were cars), 6 Thefts, and 1 Assault plus an injury to a Police Motorcyclist).
PUBLIC TOILETS
Mr. Firth outlined the latest thoughts of the District Council over the provision of public toilets in the town and circulated a paper which summarised his comments (copy attached). He responded to a number of questions from Councillors which included matters relating to agency agreements, future maintenance and repair, staffing and management, an additional facility at the Market Place, and recent reactions from a similar presentation to Sudbury Town Council. Mr. Firth stressed that he was not asking the Council to take on the responsibility for the service. It was agreed that the issue be considered further at the next Town Council Meeting and Mr. Firth was thanked for his attendance.
MAYOR’S COMMUNICATION
Book of Condolences – The Mayor reported that a loose-leafed Book of Condolences was available for anyone to register their thoughts and feelings following the terrorist attack in New York and Washington the previous week and that this would be bound and forwarded to the American Ambassador next month. She also reported that a second book had been opened at the High School.
ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENTS
It was RESOLVED that accounts amounting to £33,322.16, details of which are listed in the Schedule contained in the Minute Book, be approved for payment.
PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Report of the Meetings of the Planning Committee held on the 16th August and 6th September 2001, a copy of which is included in the Minute Book, was noted. The Clerk reported that copies of the Local Plan Alteration No. 2 were available for Councillors and that the Working Party would welcome comments to help prepare the Council’s responses.
ETHICAL CODE OF CONDUCT
The Council noted the latest details of a new Code and agreed that the matter be brought back to the Council when a nationally agreed Model Code was available.
HADLEIGH LEISURE NEEDS
The Council agreed to nominate Councillor J. Byrne to serve as its representative on the District Council’s Leisure Task Group.
EXPANSION OF ST. MARYS SCHOOL
The Council noted that the School Governors had decided that they were unable to proceed with any expansion as the numbers of primary children involved exceeded the maximum capacity of 110 and that there was very strong support locally for a new school as outlined in the present Local Plan. As a result the County Council Executive Committee was urgently considering how to provide places for the extra children.
HADLEIGH TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING PARTY
Councillor Grutchfield reported on the recent meeting which had covered matters relating to the Market Place Enhancement Scheme, a review on flooding risks, improvements in Stonehouse Road and Ansell Close and improved tourist signing. He referred to the exhibition being held the next day in the Town Hall which was displaying details of many of the above plans, plus details of new street lighting options for the town centre areas. He confirmed that contrary to press reports, there are no proposals being displayed or even prepared for a pedestrianisation scheme for part of the High Street.
SUFFOLK PRESERVATION SOCIETY’S AUTUMN CONFERENCE
The Council noted the arrangements for the Autumn Conference being held at The Corn Exchange, Ipswich on Tuesday 16th October 2001 and agreed to meet the expenses of any Councillor who wished to attend.
R. E. STEVENS – Town Clerk – 9th October 2001
Report of the Meeting of the Planning Committee held on the 4th October 2001
(deferred from 27th September 2001)
Present - P. Matthews (Chairman), R. Whiting (Vice-Chairman), Mrs. E. Banks, Mrs. P. Black, Miss J. Chapman, Miss P.F.Cook, (from Minute no. 63) Mrs. G. Dunn, D.G. Grutchfield, Mrs. D.A. Haylock, J.J. Quinlan Miss A. Stephenson
Apologies for absence were received from Mrs. J. Byrne, B.L. Lazenby, G.P.Farley, D. Warner
MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on the 6th September 2001, a copy of which is included in the Minute Book were confirmed as a correct record and signed.
TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING
The Committee considered and recommended approval on the following applications:-
B/01/0147/TCA – 106 HIGH STREET, HADLEIGH
Reduction in crown by 40% of 1 No. Walnut
B/01/01408/FHA – 5 HIGHLANDS ROAD, HADLEIGH
Erection of single storey side extension
B/01/01444/FHA – 9 WOODTHORPE CLOSE, HADLEIGH
Erection of single storey side extension
B/01/01468/FHA – 19 COTTESFORD CLOSE, HADLEIGH
Erection of a rear conservatory
B/01/01484/FHA – 129 PYKENHAM WAY, HADLEIGH
Amendments to existing fence to provide 1.8 metre high close boarded fence and erection of 1.8 metre high boarded fence (continuation of existing fence)
The Schedule of Decisions of the Local Planning Authority, a copy of which is included in the Minute Book was received and noted.
PLANNING APPLICATION NO: B/01/01120/FHA – 129 PYKENHAM WAY, HADLEIGH
“Retention and continuation of boundary fence (to a reduced height of 1.8 metres)”.
It was noted that the Local Planning Authority have issued a Breach of Condition Notice on this application
PLANNING INSPECTORATE REF. NO: App/D3505/C.01/1071943 – LAUREL COTTAGE, HADLEIGH HEATH, HADLEIGH
“Erection of a concrete wall”.
It was noted that the Local Planning Authority has issued an enforcement notice and that an appeal has been made to the Secretary of State against this action. The Town Council has written to both the Planning Inspectorate and the Local Planning Authority giving details of the Town Council’s recommendation to allow the wall to remain.
PLANNING APPLICATION NO: B/01/00432/FHA – 42 BENTON STREET, HADLEIGH
“Retention of boundary walls and railings with addition of brick skin”.
It was noted that the Local Planning Authority has issued a Breach of Conditions Notice as the brick finish should have been constructed within three months of the permission.
B/01/01249/TCA – 3 CROSS MALTINGS, HIGH STREET, HADLEIGH
“Felling of one eucalyptus and pruning of one silver birch”.
It was noted that the Local Planning Authority has permitted removal of the eucalyptus against the recommendation of the Committee.
B/99/01349/ROC – STONE STREET FARM, STONE STREET, HADLEIGH
The Clerk reported that he had attended the Hearing on the 18th September 2001 in order to register the Town Council’s position on this proposal and that the Inspector was hoping to announce his decision within the next two months.
B/01/01378/TCA – 8a GEORGE STREET, HADLEIGH
The Committee noted the recent letter from the Local Planning Authority advising that the felling of the cidar gum tree is permitted because it is a danger to homes.
SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL – TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT POLICY
The new policy about siting of telecommunications equipment on County Council owned property was noted. The Committee recommended that a cautionary approach would be adopted about new installations by the County Council until more solid confirmation about health effects becomes available and that all existing masts and equipment be reviewed at the end of the lease period.
SUPERMARKET PUBLIC INQUIRY
The Deputy Clerk reported that the Secretary of State had supported the conclusions of the Planning Inspector and had refused both development applications for the town but had reminded both applicants of their right to challenge the decision in the High Court.
The Committee was aware of the Conclusions in the Inspectors Report (a copy of which was available in the office) and that the reasons given for refusal were broadly :
1. that the Tesco’s application (on a site between the High Street and the River Brett)
a. had unacceptable conservation and heritage implications for the town centre, and
b. that there were fundamental objections to the design of the store and to the new access to/from the High Street.
2. that the Buyrights application (on a site in Calais Street)
a. constituted a consolidation of an existing out-of-centre store and as such was in conflict with national policies and
b. would adversely affect the vitality and viability of the centre.
R.E. STEVENS – Town Clerk – 9th October 2001
(deferred from 27th September 2001)
Present - P. Matthews (Chairman), R. Whiting (Vice-Chairman), Mrs. E. Banks, Mrs. P. Black, Miss J. Chapman, Miss P.F.Cook, (from Minute no. 63) Mrs. G. Dunn, D.G. Grutchfield, Mrs. D.A. Haylock, J.J. Quinlan Miss A. Stephenson
Apologies for absence were received from Mrs. J. Byrne, B.L. Lazenby, G.P.Farley, D. Warner
MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on the 6th September 2001, a copy of which is included in the Minute Book were confirmed as a correct record and signed.
TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING
The Committee considered and recommended approval on the following applications:-
B/01/0147/TCA – 106 HIGH STREET, HADLEIGH
Reduction in crown by 40% of 1 No. Walnut
B/01/01408/FHA – 5 HIGHLANDS ROAD, HADLEIGH
Erection of single storey side extension
B/01/01444/FHA – 9 WOODTHORPE CLOSE, HADLEIGH
Erection of single storey side extension
B/01/01468/FHA – 19 COTTESFORD CLOSE, HADLEIGH
Erection of a rear conservatory
B/01/01484/FHA – 129 PYKENHAM WAY, HADLEIGH
Amendments to existing fence to provide 1.8 metre high close boarded fence and erection of 1.8 metre high boarded fence (continuation of existing fence)
The Schedule of Decisions of the Local Planning Authority, a copy of which is included in the Minute Book was received and noted.
PLANNING APPLICATION NO: B/01/01120/FHA – 129 PYKENHAM WAY, HADLEIGH
“Retention and continuation of boundary fence (to a reduced height of 1.8 metres)”.
It was noted that the Local Planning Authority have issued a Breach of Condition Notice on this application
PLANNING INSPECTORATE REF. NO: App/D3505/C.01/1071943 – LAUREL COTTAGE, HADLEIGH HEATH, HADLEIGH
“Erection of a concrete wall”.
It was noted that the Local Planning Authority has issued an enforcement notice and that an appeal has been made to the Secretary of State against this action. The Town Council has written to both the Planning Inspectorate and the Local Planning Authority giving details of the Town Council’s recommendation to allow the wall to remain.
PLANNING APPLICATION NO: B/01/00432/FHA – 42 BENTON STREET, HADLEIGH
“Retention of boundary walls and railings with addition of brick skin”.
It was noted that the Local Planning Authority has issued a Breach of Conditions Notice as the brick finish should have been constructed within three months of the permission.
B/01/01249/TCA – 3 CROSS MALTINGS, HIGH STREET, HADLEIGH
“Felling of one eucalyptus and pruning of one silver birch”.
It was noted that the Local Planning Authority has permitted removal of the eucalyptus against the recommendation of the Committee.
B/99/01349/ROC – STONE STREET FARM, STONE STREET, HADLEIGH
The Clerk reported that he had attended the Hearing on the 18th September 2001 in order to register the Town Council’s position on this proposal and that the Inspector was hoping to announce his decision within the next two months.
B/01/01378/TCA – 8a GEORGE STREET, HADLEIGH
The Committee noted the recent letter from the Local Planning Authority advising that the felling of the cidar gum tree is permitted because it is a danger to homes.
SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL – TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT POLICY
The new policy about siting of telecommunications equipment on County Council owned property was noted. The Committee recommended that a cautionary approach would be adopted about new installations by the County Council until more solid confirmation about health effects becomes available and that all existing masts and equipment be reviewed at the end of the lease period.
SUPERMARKET PUBLIC INQUIRY
The Deputy Clerk reported that the Secretary of State had supported the conclusions of the Planning Inspector and had refused both development applications for the town but had reminded both applicants of their right to challenge the decision in the High Court.
The Committee was aware of the Conclusions in the Inspectors Report (a copy of which was available in the office) and that the reasons given for refusal were broadly :
1. that the Tesco’s application (on a site between the High Street and the River Brett)
a. had unacceptable conservation and heritage implications for the town centre, and
b. that there were fundamental objections to the design of the store and to the new access to/from the High Street.
2. that the Buyrights application (on a site in Calais Street)
a. constituted a consolidation of an existing out-of-centre store and as such was in conflict with national policies and
b. would adversely affect the vitality and viability of the centre.
R.E. STEVENS – Town Clerk – 9th October 2001