Minutes of a meeting of the Drinkstone Parish Council
held on
Monday 4th December 2023 at 8.00pm in the Village Hall, Gedding Road, IP30 9SZ
1. Absences
There were no absences to be noted and approved.
2. Declarations of Interest
- There were no Members’ Declarations of and/or Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in subsequent Agenda items.
- There were no requests for dispensations.
3. Reports
The Council received reports from District and County Council Ward Members & Clerk. Areas of specific areas of interest in addition to the reports submitted for review:
- Cllr Penny Otton County Councillor
Cllr Otton raised matters arising from recent Drinkstone flooding. Cllr reported that she is working to help out Phil Graves to resolve flooding issues on Chapel Lane. The junction at Park Road / Gedding Road blockage next to Drinkstone House had been reported. Gill Joly, who lives next to Drinkstone House explained that all parties were working to clear the culvert. The matter of Park Road next to Stone Cottage was discussed and the Council heard that it was referred to Malcolm Cox for repair. Cllr Otton informed that Suffolk are trying to promote a fund from the County Council to assist those parishioners who have suffered from flooding. - Nicky Wilshere Mid-Suffolk District Councillor
District finance report submitted to Council. Significant spend available because of limited activity during COVID. Request for private land to support planting - biodiversity. Key point of contact for initial biodiversity biodiversitybaberghmidsuffolk@gov.uk - Janet Elnaugh Planning – see Agenda item 8.
- Paul Selvey Highways
No written report. Request from PCC following “20s plenty” campaign is being considered but largely rejected. Cllr Selvey to respond to “20s plenty” to inform them that Drinkstone PC would not support their initiatives. With respect to recent flooding on Park Road and Blacksmith corner the issue of erecting a water depth meter was discussed however it was agreed to carry this matter forward.
4. Reports Continued
- Alice Robinson Allotments and Village Assets
Cllr Robinson reported that the village defibrillator had been serviced and repaired. Repairs to the playground equipment are being budgeted once a report is received from the inspection team. - Malcom Turner Footpaths
No additional comments but new dog pin post requested on Chapel Lane. Discussed a new trench near Duncan Hannant’s property. It was agreed that this matter be raised with Peter Holborn, tree warden. Tree work on Rattlesden Road can be used from Cedar Cottage. - Christine Emery Community Engagement
Adult Christmas Party has been cancelled. 14 children and 13 adults will attend the Children’s Christmas Party. April 7th agreed for the percussionist. No immediate plans for a party for older children. - Clerk Report
Budget of £10,000 agreed for financial year 2024/2025. Cllr Selvey and the clerk signed the precept form. It was noted that Drinkstone has 5 years to spend its CIL allocation of £11,700. Purchase of a new laptop – budget £700 inc VAT – was agreed.
5. Vice-Chair Role
There was no support to assume the role of Vice-Chair. It was agreed to step up the recruitment of additional councillors.
6. Minutes Approval
The minutes of the meeting held 16th October 2023 were reviewed and three changes requested. Revised minutes were agreed were approved and signed by Paul Selvey.
7. Public Comments
Louise Sharp informed the council that the A14 traffic is now both morning and evening – this is a change to previous traffic flow where the problems have largely been an evening rush hour issue. Speed is not the primary concern but rather the sheer volume of traffic. It was suggested to invite someone from National Highways to review the state of the verges. Cllr Selvey to ask Penny Otton on how to progress.
8. Financial Matters
The month’s bank transactions and the latest bank reconciliation were reviewed and approved by the Chair.
- The following payments were reviewed and approved for payments.
Description £ UT1 Village Hall hire 4th December 2023 20.00
9. Planning Matters
The planning matters were reviewed, and Cllr Elnaugh gave her report. It was agreed that there were no issues with the consultations:
- DC/23/3599 Brookside – bungalow extension. Agreed to post no comment on planning portal.
- DC/23/02296 Holm House, Garden Lane. Agreed to post no comment on planning portal.
The Clerk was requested to update the portal with “no comment”.
10. Next Meeting
To confirm that the scheduled date for the next meeting is agreed by Council as Monday, February 5th, 2023, at 8pm.
11. Close of Meeting
Signed: Paul Selvey, Chair 4th February 2024