MINUTES OF A MEETING OF SAXMUNDHAM TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON
MONDAY 8th NOVEMBER 2010 IN THE MARKET HALL AT 7:15pm

Present:
Cllr M. Palman, Chairman
Cllr. Mrs M Andrews
Cllr. S. P Batho
Cllr. G. Cooke
Cllr. Mrs R Damiral-White
Cllr. J. Fisher
Cllr. K. Howe
Cllr. G. Moye
Cllr. Mrs. D Sculley
Cllr. Ms C. Trotter-Langlois
Cllr. Col. R Warren
Cllr. D. Willett

In attendance:

Mrs M. Gallop, Clerk to the Council
Sector Commander Chris Gilmore
1 member of the public

PUBLIC FORUM: No queries raised

REPORT FROM THE LOCAL POLICE: Report had been circulated with 21 recorded crimes. The Sector Commander, Chris Gilmore, reported.
* Response times since April 2010 have improved with only 18 incidents not arriving within 20 minutes
* Performance has gone up
* There has been a 13% decrease in anti social behaviour in the County
* The perception by Town & Parish Councils that crime has increased is not accurate
* Burglary has increased dramatically within the last few months but a Detective Sergeant and 4 Detective Constables in the CID have been stationed in Leiston and are working very hard to combat this.
* Despite major problems in Leiston which are being sorted out, with five people on bail, there is nothing to suggest Saxmundham is experiencing the same problems. The only link between Leiston and Saxmundham is that two of the people involved in Leiston crimes actually now live in Saxmundham.

However the Town Councillors thought that Saxmundham is experiencing mindless vandalism and complained about the lack of visible police presence in our town. The Sector Commander assured the Council that the primary function of the SNT was to be visible and he will be liaising with the local sergeant about this.

REPORT FROM THE COUNTY COUNCILLOR: No report available

REPORT FROM THE DISTRICT COUNCILLORS: Cllr Sir Peter Batho had nothing to report.
Cllr Mrs Andrews gave an update on the Hopkins Homes proposed development. An archaeological survey has been completed but has not yet been submitted to SCDC planning department. Various interesting artefacts including Saxon, Roman, and Neolithic have been discovered.
Tesco have a number of conditions to meet from Suffolk Coastal District Council causing delay but it is hoped it will be in situ by spring 2012.
An enforcement case due to take place this week by Suffolk Coastal regarding a satellite dish at Zorba’s will have to be reconsidered as the dish has been taken down but increased lighting has been erected.
Planning scrutiny has been finalised and will go before the full Council at the end of the month.
Suffolk Coastal District Council will send a letter of explanation when its decision to approve planning applications is directly opposed to the wishes of the local towns and parishes.
The process that began before May, of implementing best practice from other services, annual audit of planning services, increased training and various other improvements has been strengthened since the coalition Government came into power.

AGENDA

3753. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
Members are invited to make any declarations of personal or prejudicial interests that they may have in relation to items on the agenda and are reminded to make any declarations at any stage during the meeting if it becomes apparent that this may be required when a particular item or issue is considered. None declared.

3754. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Cllr B. Jones, work commitments, Cllr Miss Peall, family problems

3755. MATTERS TO BE RAISED UNDER AGENDA ITEM 18:
3755.1 Disappointment regarding police response to various concerns raised by the Town Council

3756. TO APPROVE AND SIGN AS A TRUE RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE 11TH OCTOBER 2010 MEETING previously circulated: Unanimously agreed and signed. Motion carried.

3757. MATTERS ARISING THEREFROM NOT COVERED ON THE AGENDA:
Planning permission for the rebuilding of the Scout Hut has been approved – work will begin on January 1st 2011.
A Licensing meeting was held at the Police station regarding breaches of the license for Zorba’s. Since then anti-social behaviour in that vicinity has been much quieter.
The felling of trees at the bottom of Brook Farm Road is being investigated by Cllr Fisher.
C216 Vacancy for Primary School Governor – this position does not have to be filled by a Councillor but we would appreciate regular feedback from the school.

3758. TO CONSIDER CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:

A – CORRESPONDENCE TO BE NOTED AND CIRCULATED:

532 Coast & Country Summer 2010
533 Suffolk CC Change to the pattern of admissions – information for parents on their choices
534 Lumalite brochure
535 SCDC agenda & minutes
536 Sizewell update
537 Thorpe News Autumn 2010
538 SALC AGM papers Nov 8th
539 ESTA Minutes of meeting 29th Sept 2010
540 SCC Youth Offending Service
541 SCDC Business Bulletin
542 ESTA Members’ Bulletin
543 NHS Suffolk Anglia Cancer Network
544 Town Telegraph
545 Email Trevor Tate Sizewell Parishes Liaison Group meeting 23rd November at 7.30pm

B – CORRESPONDENCE TO BE DISCUSSED BEFORE REPLY:

135 Suffolk Constabulary reply to our letter regarding policing in Saxmundham & Leiston. Further discussions about this will take place under agenda item 18.
136 Unison – SCC new strategic direction – any feedback please give to the Town Clerk
137 Suffolk Police Authority – public section cuts – planning for the future of Policing in Suffolk – to be discussed later.

C – OTHER CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED TO DATE:

C222 Steve Shaw Sustainable Communities Act
Will everyone write or email Greg Clark MP asap regarding ensuring the proposals made under the Act are set.
C223 SALC Suffolk Coastal Area Meeting 22 Nov Riverside St Andrew 7.00-9.30 pm
Cllrs Fisher & Palman to attend
C224 SALC The new strategic direction explained with survey
Circulation
C225 Suffolk Acre
The Big Society – What does it mean for Suffolk invitation to Henley Community Centre Fri 26th Nov 10am
If anyone would like to attend please inform the Clerk.
C226 SCC Use of Market Hall to temporarily accommodate displaced staff
Agree in principle provided it is not being used for other emergencies

3759. CHAIRMAN’S/ TOWN CLERK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The Clerk informed the Council that the senior Solicitor, Simon Burridge, at Suffolk Coastal District Council had retired but left notes regarding unfinished business. Ownership of Fromus Square is still not concluded but Cllr Mrs Andrews is hoping the Chief Executive of SCDC will investigate and get back to her with his findings. In the meantime Cllrs Mrs Andrews and Sir Peter will write a letter to SCDC.

3760. FINANCE REPORT:
* To approve the monthly finance report to end of October 2010 . Unanimously agreed. Motion carried.

A five minute break ensued. Cllr Warren left the meeting due to ill health

3761. TO DISCUSS THE REMOVAL OF THE RAILINGS OUTSIDE ZORBAS:
Cllr Mrs Damiral-White explained that after a meeting with various residents, police and the Environmental Health Officer regarding anti-social behaviour around the Market Place the Police had suggested that removal of the railings would probably stop the frequent disturbances outside Zorbas. However this idea met with complete disapproval as the railings were originally erected as part of the Regeneration programme plus removing them would only result in moving the disturbances elsewhere . Cllr Moye proposed the railings should remain because the ongoing problem with anti-social behaviour in that area is solely due to lack of managerial supervision and policing to address these kinds of issues. Seconded by Cllr Willett. Unanimously agreed. Motion carried.

3762. TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSALS OF THE MARKET WORKING PARTY:
Cllr Howe reported that the largest expense of running the weekly market has been the collection of rubbish and he thought that the stallholders should be responsible for their own refuse as happens in other towns. Administration costs could be omitted if the Town Clerk collected all the fees. At present there are ten pitches at £16.50 each that are paid on the day giving a maximum income of £8,500 per annum. Occasionally discounts have to be given when inconsiderate drivers leave their cars parked in the way of the stalls. The average size of a pitch is 13 foot. Cllr Howe advised that the working party thought that, in principle, the Town Council should take over the running of the market. Cllr Moye proposed the Town Council take over the running of the market, seconded by Cllr Howe. Unanimously agreed. Motion carried. The Charter appears to be missing although it could be in the National Archives – a search is underway.

3763. TO RECEIVE A REPORT FROM SAVVY: Cllr Ms Trotter-Langlois advised there was nothing to report at present.

3764. TO RECEIVE A REPORT FROM THE PLANNING COMMITTEE: Cllr Mrs R Damiral-White advised the following results from the meeting on the 1st November.


C10 2584
Mr P Morphy Beech House, North Entrance, Saxmundham
Listed building consent (& in a conservation area) for repairs including changing felt gutter to lead, internal alterations and new external flues Unanimously agreed.
Motion carried.
C10 2586
Mr C Morris
Burnt House Farm, Rendham Road, Saxmundham
Erection of detached double garage & extension of driveway
Unanimously agreed. Motion carried.
C10 2365
Reef Estates
Former Plastics Factory, Saxmundham
Redesign of the first floor extension of the development
Cllr Howe declared an interest.
Although we agree to this in principle we have grave concerns over the lack of a second fire escape from the mezzanine floor store and retail area. Motion carried.

SCDC planning permission given to the following
C10 2194 The Red House, 11 South Entrance, Saxmundham – Change of use of two shop units from
A1 retail to domestic use associated with the existing residential dwelling
C10 2103 5 Bright Close, Saxmundham – erection of a conservatory to the rear of the property
C10 0294 Capital Associates Land between Rendham Road & A12 Rendham Road, Saxmundham (outline planning permission)
C10 2296 Saxmundham War Memorial Playing Field – erection of new Scout Hut to replace the existing building damaged by fire and vandalism
C10 0990 Whitwell Day Hospital, Saxon Road, - Change of use from day hospital to institutional residential Class C2 and creation of additional parking spaces
C10 2450 4 Orwell Avenue, Saxmundham – erection of single storey front port extension

The following applications were discussed by the Town Council:
C10 2767
HSBC 20 High St, Saxmundham
Removal of 40mm step to front entrance to be replaced with a graded entrance to create a level threshold
Unanimously agreed to strongly support this. Motion carried.
C10 2768
HSBC 20 High St, Saxmundham
New ATM sign like for like replacement of projecting sign and fret-cut fascia lettering
Unanimously agreed to strongly support this. Motion carried.
C10 2794
Hopkins Homes 32 High St Saxmundham
Demolition of existing vacant former shop building and erection of replacement building to provide 2 ground floor shop units with two first floor apartments above
The Clerk will ask SCDC for an extension to enable the planning committee to discuss this application on Monday 6th December.
C10 2793
Hopkins Homes
32 High St Saxmundham
Erection of replacement building to provide two ground floor shop units with two first floor apartments above (existing vacant former shop building to be demolished)
The Clerk will ask SCDC for an extension to enable the planning committee to discuss this application on Monday 6th December.

Despite the Town Council’s previous objections C10 0294 Capital Associates, Rendham Road, Saxmundham, outline planning permission had been given by SCDC who wrote to the Town Council advising that they had taken our comments into account but felt that they could not reasonably refuse permission in this case.

3765. TO RECEIVE A REPORT FROM THE POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE: Cllr Mrs Andrews advised there was nothing to report on as a meeting had not taken place this month.

3766. TO RECEIVE A REPORT FROM THE MARKET HALL COMMITTEE: Cllr Mrs Sculley advised there was nothing to report on as a meeting had not taken place this month.

3767. TO RECEIVE A REPORT FROM SAXMUNDHAM IN BLOOM: Cllr Howe reported that the Clerk had been busy organising planting of Fromus Square, barriers and pyramids by community workers. Shrubs have been put into the four round beds and variegated holly with pansies planted elsewhere. There has been increasing vandalism of our floral displays recently and one of the barriers has been moved to a different location.
Cllr Mrs Andrews wondered whether the Girl Guides would be interested in doing a project for Saxmundham in Bloom by cultivating an allotment plot to a vegetable garden. Cllr Howe will contact the Guides leader, Sue Palmer.

3768. TO RECEIVE A REPORT FROM SAXMUNDHAM NEWS AND THE WEBSITE: The deadline for the next issue is Monday 6th December.

3769. TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS COMMITTEES including working parties:
Cllrs Mrs Andrews, Sir Peter Batho and the Town Clerk attended the Budget Review evening – news will be released at a later date as to how the Council will be affected by the cutbacks
Cllr Willett attended the ESTA meeting on the 29th September. The hourly service from Saxmundham to Ipswich will go live on the 13th December. 2000 leaflets have been printed and have been circulated in Council office, shops and libraries. The next meeting will be on the 19th February followed by the AGM on the 15th May. The Ipswich lift will be operational in Spring 2011. Discussions will take place on the 24th November regarding the condition of the Railway Station
Cllr Willett went to the Welfare Committee meeting where it was agreed that any person living in a residential care home who came from Saxmundham will receive £7.50 annually. If anyone knows of any worthy cases perhaps they would advise the Welfare Committee.

Cllr Mrs Damiral-White advised that the laying of the wreaths will take place at the War Memorial in Fromus Square this coming Thursday, 11th November, gathering at 10.45am. As Rev Webb is unable to take the service Dennis Bloomfield is stepping in to find a replacement. On Sunday 14th November there will be a Civic Parade mustering in Kelsale car park at 2.15pm for a church service between 3pm to 4pm followed with refreshments afterwards. It would be encouraging to see as many Councillors as possible attending this Parade.

3770. OTHER MATTERS TO BE DISCUSSED AT THE CHAIRMAN’S DISCRETION as notified under Agenda item 3:
3755.1 Disappointment regarding police response to various concerns raised by the Town Council

The Councillors expressed their disappointment to the response given by the Chief Constable to our letter of the 15th September regarding policing in Saxmundham and Leiston. Facts, figures and statistics do not allay public fears lack of police presence in our town. Cllr Howe will draft a reply to the Chief Constable and liaise with the Town Clerk about this response.
Cllr Palman received an email from a resident in Albion Street complaining about the increasing number of vehicles parking there whilst the drivers commute on the train. The piece of waste ground owned by Network Rail with room for approximately 20 cars has recently been cordoned off resulting in insufficient places for commuters to park their cars. There are no plans to re-open this land at present. However it is hoped that Suffolk Coastal District Council may wish to take it over to use as an overspill car park in the future.
Cllr Willett advised he is unable to attend the Suffolk Coastal Local Strategic Partnership meeting on the 12th November.
Cllr Palman tendered his resignation as Chairman of the Council but will continue as a Councillor for the time being.


3771. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: 13 DECEMBER 2010


Meeting closed at 9.45pm





Signed………………………………………………… Dated…………………………………..……….
* Page 6 of 6 Town Council Minutes 8th November 2010