BARKING PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES of the Meeting held at Barking Village Hall at 7.30pm

on Thursday 21st January 2016

PRESENT:

Cllr S Butler Chair

Cllr A Smith Vice -Chair

Cllr M Bailey

Cllr A Ross

Cllr R Fellowes

IN ATTENDENCE:

Mrs R J Cochrane Clerk

District Councillor David Card

County Councillor Julia Truelove

APOLGIES:

Cllr C Eagles - work commitment

ABSENT:

Cllr M Smith

BPC001/16 PUBLIC FORUM

There were no members of the public present.

BPC002/16 DISTRICT COUNCILLOR DAVID CARD’S REPORT (see attached report)

Councillor Card reported on Locality Awards - £1,000 awarded to Barking Village Hall

towards the extension, and £500 to Barking Church towards the upgrade of the lighting and a

new PA system; Community Infrastructure Levy, Community Led Planning, Devolution of

Powers, MSDC Medium Term Financial Strategy, Stowmarket Food Enterprise Zones and

Stowmarket Technology Hub, and Barking & other Road Closures.

BPC003/16 COUNTY COUNCILLOR JULIA TRUELOVE’S REPORT (see attached

report)

Cllr Truelove reported on Key Stage 2 Improvements (Education), Future County Policing,

Broadband, Devolution, Anglian Water Works B1078 and Defibrillator provision - £2,000 has

been set aside for Barking if it wishes to purchase a defibrillator. Clerk to invite Martin Render

from the Community Heartbeat Trust to the next meeting. Also raised was the issue of traffic

management at the site adjacent to Barking Hall Nursing Home. A recent update had been

received by Cllr Truelove from SCC Highways. Item to be considered further at the next scheduled meeting.

BPC004/16 TO RECEIVE APLOGIES

Apologies had been received from Councillor Eagles.

BPC005/16 - DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

There were no declarations of interest.

BPC006/16APPLICATIONS FOR DISPENSATION

None had been received.

Clerk

BPC007/16 TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 17TH

NOVEMBER 2015

Decision - The minutes of the meeting held on 19th

November 2015 were approved as a true

record and were duly signed by the Chair.

BPC008/16 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES - CLERK’S REPORT

i) Gritting – As requested, the Clerk had contacted SCC Highways and was advised that

only the designated diversion route will be gritted (other minor roads will not be

treated)

ii) Dog Waste Bin - It was reported that the bin near Lower Farm was emptied the day it

was reported to MSDC, and has been added to the schedule for weekly emptying by

MSDC.

iii) Pill Boxes on the Tye – Clerk to chase Cllr Smith to cut back the brambles.

BPC009/16 PLANNING

i) 3724/15 Land adjacent to Home Farm, Battisford Road, Barking Barking There were concerns raised regarding the argument being made in the Planning Statement

to support a sustainable development. It was noted that there were errors contained in the

document.

1. There is NO footway from Battisford/along the Battisford Road at all. The nearest

footway is on the B1078 some several hundred metres away only reached by walking

along an unlit narrow country lane (Battisford Road). The footway itself is unlit from the

Barking Forge all the way to Needham Market.

2. The bus stop (there is only one in Barking) is sited at the junction of the B1078 and the

Willisham Road, one mile from the site this application relates to.

3. It is understood that the proposed development is also in the setting of other listed

buildings in addition to Home Farm - Fairfax House (not mentioned) and also St Marys

Church, Barking (again not mentioned in the Planning Statement).

Barking is designated as 'Countryside' in the Local Plan and as such is not allocated any

housing unless a good argument can be made for Affordable Housing, such as the small

development currently taking shape at Fox Meadow. This application does not relate to

Affordable Housing.

Decision - However, taking all the above into consideration, and in view of the more

relaxed view to housing in countryside settings, it was resolved that the replacement of the

existing barns in their current state of repair with a family home (single dwelling and

garage)would be seen as an improvement to the site, so the application was supported , but

then only on one condition.

It was resolved to support this application subject to the access NOT being moved. It was

considered that the existing access is more than adequate where it currently is to allow

access to and from the property, and there is no reason for the access to be moved at all.

One other question remains - is the plot not registered as agricultural land, as such would

need consent to change the use to residential use? Clerk to respond to MSDC Planning within the deadline.

BPC010/16 HIGHWAYS

This item was deferred to the next meeting in view of comments made earlier by Cllr

Truelove.

BPC011/16 GRANT REQUESTS

i) Four Parishes Magazine Decision – It was resolved to award £80 to the Four

Parishes Magazine. Clerk to action.

ii) St Mary’s Church – This item was deferred to the next meeting, as £200 has already

been awarded this financial year. It was suggested that the Parochial Church Council

Clerk

Clerk

Clerk

arranges a working party for churchyard maintenance and villagers be alerted via a flier

drop. Cllr Fellowes will take this suggestion back to the PCC.

iii) SARS – It was proposed and resolved that the profit from the Calendar sales be

awarded to SARS. Clerk to arrange.

BPC012/16 EASEMENT REQUESTS

i) Shillings, Barking Tye – It was reported that a request has been received to grant a

deed of easement for vehicular access to Shillings. It was resolved that, provided a

statutory right to claim a vehicular right of way over the common land owned by the

Parish Council can be proven, the application will fall within the criteria for granting a

Deed of Grant in perpetuity and the Parish Council would be willing to grant such a

Deed provided the criteria is met. Clerk to respond to the applicant accordingly.

ii) Fox Meadow – It was reported that the developer (Needhams) had contacted the Clerk

regarding access to services across the Tye for the new properties. The Clerk has taken

legal advice and has been advised that an easement if required. Needhams have been

advised to make contact with the Council’s solicitor, but to date no more has been

heard. Decision – It was resolved in principle to grant a deed of easement in exchange

for an agreed charge (to be based on an independent valuation). Clerk to progress.

BPC013/16 PCSOs MATCH FUNDING

It was reported that the number of PCSOs are being cut dramatically and that Parish and Town

Councils are being given the opportunity to match fund a PCSO for their area. Decision – It

was proposed and resolved that the Parish Council did not wish to commit public funds

towards the funding of a PCSO. Clerk to relay the decision to the Suffolk Constabulary.

BPC014/16 TRANSPARENCY CODE FOR SMALLER AUTHORITIES

It was reported that funding is now available to help smaller parish councils such as Barking,

with a turnover of less than £25,000 to comply with the Transparency Code for Smaller

Authorities, which is now mandatory. Decision – It was proposed and resolved that the Clerk

apply for funding to buy a lap top, scanner, to fund up to one year’s internet costs and any

initial training. Clerk to action.

BPC015/16 RENEWAL OF WATER MAIN UPDATE

It was reported that the road is due to be closed until 12th

February, but work cannot

commence on the Tye until the Planning Inspectorate grants permission. It was further

reported that the Clerk had sent a letter to Anglian Water urging that the work be completed as

soon as possible.

BPC016/16 VILLAGE HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE

Cllr Bailey reported that three quotes had been received for Phase 2 of the Village Hall

Extension Project. 3 items were not included in the quotes – heating, lighting and flooring.

The Clerk needs to have complete quotes before applying for funding. The VHMC have been

requested to ensure the quotes received cover all aspects of the required work.

BPC017/16 FINANCE

i) Clerk’s Finance Report (attached to these minutes) The Clerk reported on the financial movements since the previous meeting. Balance @

21st January 2016 was £40,760.75. Bank Statements were checked by the Chair and

signed. It was proposed and resolved to transfer £1,500 from the Base Rate account to the

Community account with immediate effect. Clerk to action.

ii) Authorisation of Payments

Decision - Payments totalling £2,571.16 were approved and cheques signed.

Cllr Fellowes

Clerk

Clerk

Clerk

Clerk

Clerk

VHMC

Clerk

iii) Budget 2016-17

The Budget for 2016 – 17 was presented for consideration and minor changes were agreed.

Decision – It was proposed and resolved to set the budget at £19,973.

iv) Precept 2016 -17

Decision - It was proposed and resolved to set the Precept for 2016 – 17 at £8,488 (no

increase). The ‘Precept Upon Charging Authority’ was duly completed and signed. Clerk

to action within the deadline.

BPC018/16 CLERK’S REPORT ON URGENT DECISIONS SINCE THE LAST

MEETING

There were no urgent decisions to report.

BPC019/16 CORRESPONDENCE FOR INFORMATION

The ‘correspondence for information’ folder was circulated.

BPC020/16 MATTERS TO BE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE

COUNCIL

i) Trees/hedge from Forge to Nursing Home - It was reported that several trees that

form the hedge from the Forge to the Nursing Home need attention. Clerk to action

via SCC Highways.

ii) Fence adjacent to Barking Hall Nursing Home – It was reported that the fence

adjacent to the footway is very unstable and looks like it could fall onto the

footway or road at any moment. It also looks very untidy. Clerk to action via SCC

Highways.

iii) 30mph repeater signs – It was reported that the 30mph repeater signs along the

Tye opposite Rose Cottage are almost unreadable as they have been bleached by

the sun. New signs are needed. Clerk to action via SCC Highways.

PC021/16 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Date of next meeting will be Thursday 17th

March 2016 at 7.30pm.

Meeting closed at 10.10pm

Chairman ……………………………….. Date …………….

Clerk

Clerk

Clerk

CLERK’S FINANCE REPORT 21st January 2016

Clerk’s report on the Council’s current financial position and movements since the last report:

i) Community A/C (Current - 20154156): Balance at 12th January 2016 £1,396.51

Payments 101530 234.35 R Cochrane Clerks salary September 2015

101531 1,186.44 Vertas Group Ltd Grass Cutting quarter 2

101532 112.14 R Cochrane Clerks expenses September 2015

101533 90.00 R Cochrane Finance Training 101534 52.00 R Nash Litter picking

101535 66.00 Heelis & Lodge Internal Auditor fee

101536 234.75 R Cochrane Clerks Salary October 2015

101537 36.95 R Cochrane Clerks Expenses October 2015 101538 17.00 M Bailey Poppy Wreath

Total out £2,029.63

Receipts 23/12/2015 280.80 MSDC Cleansing Grant

Total receipts £280.80

Payments for authorisation

101539 200.00 St Marys Church PCC Donation (grass cutting)

101540 18.00 MSDC Bin Emptying

101541 72.00 MSDC Calendar printing

101542 136.50 M Pryke Litter Picking Sept – Nov

101543 234.15 R Cochrane Clerks Salary Nov 2015

101544 18.00 SALC Clerks Networking Day

101545 39.00 M Pryke Litter Picking Dec 2015

101546 280.46 SCC Street Lighting 2015-16

101547 234.55 R Cochrane Clerks Salary Dec 2015

101548 42.50 R Cochrane Clerks Expenses Nov/Dec 2015

101549 1,186.44 Vertas Group Ltd Grass Cutting

101550 109.56 MSDC Play Area Inspections 2015

Total to be authorised £2,571.16

ii) Barclays Active Saver (33796183): Balance at 12th January 2016 £11,051.83

Payments: n/a Receipts: £36.82 Interest

iii) Barclays Base Rate Reward (83036480) Balance @ 12th January 2016 £27,728.76

Payments: n/a Receipts: 1/12/2015 £11.01 Interest

4/1/2016 £12.91 Interest

Total Receipts £23.92

iv) Parish Paths Partnership (50502480) Balance at 12th January 2016 £83.65 Payments: n/a Receipts: n/a

v) Village Hall Extension Project (23784843) Balance @ 12th January 2016 £500.00 Receipts:

Payments: n/a

Total funds held @ 12th January 2016 £40,760.75

R Cochrane 21st January 2016

District Councillor David Card Report January 2016 District Councillor “one off” £5,000 Community Locality Award – In January I will have to decide how to allocate this one off locality award. As I write this the deadline (8th January 2016) is approaching. So far I am aware of 10 applications:

Somersham Community Shop,

Somersham Tennis Club,

Somersham Duke Community Pub

Somersham Play area equipment

Somersham/Offton Link magazine

Barking Village Hall

Offton/Willisham Village Hall playground

Baylham Church toilet

Suffolk Cruse Bereavement Care

Needham Market Parish church

Community Infrastructure Levy – A decision is now expected to be put to a special meeting of

Full Council in January 2016.

Community Led Planning – rather than adopt the more complicated Neighbourhood Plan MSDC have now introduced the simpler Community Led Planning scheme. I have forwarded a copy of the Guidance to the scheme to Parish Clerks. If anyone else would like a copy do let me know. Devolution of Powers Debate – The Government’s Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill continues to be worked up behind the scenes. Suffolk, Norfolk and now Cambridgeshire are working up yet another ‘bid’. The “goal posts” continue to keep changing! The ideas for what structure, how responsibility is matched with authority, budget and power and especially for Parish Councils how you see any enhancement of your roles!!! All these issues are WIP (work in progress) and TBA (to be advised). This will be an important issue for 2016. MSDC Medium Term Financial Strategy – Details are now being shared with back benchers on the Financial Plans. In papers released by Officials they acknowledge “the need to live within our means”. I welcome this approach but would add that we need to understand what we must do as against what we volunteer to do. Then we can set priorities for refreshing the Joint Strategic Plan. Stowmarket Food Enterprise Zones & Stowmarket Technology Hub. I remain hopeful that my suggestion that local Businesses be invited to a meeting to learn what this means to them will happen. I still await details of date and venue and will advise you accordingly. In the meantime if any local food business wishes to find out more do contact me. Barking and other Road Closures – I have had a number of complaints about the 24/7 long term

road closures. Although this is not a District Council responsibility I have said I would support our

County Councillor in discussing the problems and the inconvenience long term 24/7 road closures

cause. I am told the next Barking Road closure will be in January 2016.

Babergh and Mid Suffolk Office Accommodation plans- How much office space and where will be an important topic for debate in 2016. Babergh and Mid Suffolk continue to develop ideas that will rationalise the current spare office space. An impact study will be undertaken to inform you as the community and to get your views before any final decision is taken. Joint Strategic Plan to 2019 (“the plan acts as an inspiration for all our communities ….to work

with us to deliver the best ways of achieving the plan’s outcomes”). This Plan is currently being

“refreshed”. Your comments will be most welcome

This month’s topic:-

Communities – “collaborate with relevant communities to develop and implement emergency resilience plans”

What type of emergency would require a parish response?

Would you wish to play a part in developing ideas?

Do you know where to get more information about the help available?

Previous Monthly Topics

Priority 1 Economy & Environment-

“adopt the Community Infrastructure Levy (whereby developers contribute to new facilities

with some of the monies retained by town and parish councils) and work with communities

to ensure that local infrastructure is invested in, to support new developments” (6)

“Community led planning will be supported and we are already making good progress

where communities are prepared to lead sustainable growth in their areas” (7)

“Understanding our businesses and building relationships will help us to target our resources and deliver services directly to them or connect them quickly to the support available”. Priority 2 Housing –

“Explore innovative approaches to housing delivery such as Self build, co-Housing, Community Land Trusts and Equity share” (31)

Deliver new homes using our own resources by commissioning development partners to help us deliver, identifying suitable land and agreeing a development programme” (29)

Priority 3 Communities-

“Identify and work with communities who wish to take up their rights (community right to

build, community right to buy, community right to challenge, community right to bid,

neighbourhood planning)” (39)