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Babergh approves listed building works in Hadleigh

The Babergh District Council held one meeting this week: an unknown committee meeting on Wednesday 26 June 2024.

Wednesday 26 June 2024, Unknown Committee Meeting

The unknown committee meeting on Wednesday 26 June 2024 concerned two applications for listed building consent.

The first concerned a request to install a bat loft at 23 Bridge Street, Hadleigh.

The meeting began with a presentation by a planning officer, who explained that the application was for the installation of a bat loft at 23 Bridge Street, Hadleigh. The officer explained that the property was a Grade II listed building, and that the proposed works would involve the removal of part of the roof and the installation of a new bat loft in the roof space. The officer went on to explain that the application had been called in by a local councillor, and that the council’s conservation officer had raised no objections to the proposal.

During discussion by councillors, concerns were raised about the accessibility of the loft to the human residents of the property, and the officer confirmed that the loft would not be accessible to humans. A councillor expressed surprise that the application had been called in given that the application seemed uncontentious, and stated their intention to support the application.

Councillor Hoe asked:

What's it like living with a bat loft?

And

Most for humans, that is, not the bats, obviously.

Councillor Hoe also sought reassurance that the bats would not be a nuisance to the residents. The ecology officer stated that most people with bats in their roofs do not realise that they are there, as they are only active at night and in this case would only comprise a small number of bats.

The committee voted to approve the application.

The second application was for permission to re-roof 21 Bridge Street, Hadleigh.

The officer explained that the application was for the re-roofing of 21 Bridge Street, Hadleigh. The officer explained that the property was a Grade II* listed building, and that the proposed works would involve the replacement of the existing roof tiles with new tiles. The officer went on to explain that the application had been called in by a local councillor, and that the council’s conservation officer had raised no objections to the proposal. The officer stated that the applicant had originally proposed to only re-use tiles on the front elevation but that following discussions with the council's heritage team it was agreed that re-claimed tiles salvaged from the property that was the subject of the previous application would be used for the entire re-roofing project.

There was no discussion by councillors, and the committee voted to approve the application.

Implications and Themes

The two applications that were discussed by the unknown committee on 26 June 2024 are relatively common types of application that are considered by local planning authorities across the UK. The applications raise a number of issues that are relevant to the council's statutory duties and policy objectives, including the need to protect listed buildings and their settings, the importance of conserving biodiversity, and the duty to ensure that development is carried out in a sustainable manner.

The decisions made by the committee in relation to these two applications demonstrate the council's commitment to protecting the borough’s heritage assets, whilst also recognising the importance of supporting sustainable development.

Babergh Council's New Green Leadership and Key Appointments: What It Means for You

This week, Babergh Council held a significant meeting on Monday, 20 May 2024. Additionally, Mid Suffolk Council had two meetings on Wednesday, 22 May 2024, including their Annual Meeting. Here are the details:

Babergh Council Meeting

The Babergh Council meeting on Monday focused on the election of key council positions and the appointment of members to various committees and working groups. Here are the key points:

Election of Chair and Vice Chair of the Council:
- Elizabeth Malvisi was re-elected as Chair. She highlighted her past year's experiences, including supporting the Star Valley Men's Shed charity.
- Ruth Henry was elected as Vice Chair, praised for her tenacity and caring nature.
Election of Leader of the Council:
- Deborah Saw was elected as the Leader of the Council, becoming the first Green Leader of Babergh District Council. Saw announced that the Cabinet would remain unchanged for the near future.
Leader's Announcements:
- Saw outlined a vision focusing on a revitalised environment, a thriving economy, and community support. She emphasized the need for good quality housing, addressing climate change, and supporting vulnerable residents.
- Financial challenges were highlighted, with a call for innovative solutions, including improving council housing and encouraging local renewable energy plans.
Designation of Committees and Joint Committees:
- The council approved the composition of various committees, including the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Planning Committee, Licensing and Regulatory Committee, Joint Audit and Standards Committee, and Joint Appointments Committee.
Election of Chairs and Vice Chairs of Committees:
- Merrick McFarrah was elected as Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, with John Wyman as Vice Chair.
- Councillor Plum was elected as Chair of the Planning Committee, with John Wyman as Vice Chair.
- Councillor Lee Jameson was re-elected as Chair and Vice Chair of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee.
- Councillor Bryn Haren was re-elected as co-chair of the Joint Audit and Standards Committee.
- Councillor Jameson was elected as co-chair of the Joint Appointments Committee.
Appointments to Outside Bodies and Working Groups:
- Appointments were made to various outside bodies and working groups, including the Suffolk Enhanced Bus Partnership, Shared Revenues Partnership Joint Committee, Suffolk Joint Standards Board, and Joint Gypsy and Traveller Steering Group.
Appointment of Champions:
- Councillor Saw was appointed as the Armed Forces Champion.
- Councillor Ward was appointed as the Mental Health Champion.
Procedural Matters:
- Apologies for absence were received from several councillors.
- The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
- No declarations of interest or public/councillor questions were raised.

The meeting concluded with the announcement of the next council meeting scheduled for 25 June.

Mid Suffolk Council Meetings

The Annual Mid Suffolk Council meeting and the Mid Suffolk Council meeting were both held on Wednesday, 22 May 2024. However, the notes from these meetings have not yet been summarised.

Implications and Themes

The election of Deborah Saw as the first Green Leader of Babergh District Council marks a significant shift towards environmental priorities. Her focus on climate change and renewable energy plans aligns with broader themes we've discussed before, such as the council's commitment to sustainability and community support. The emphasis on innovative financial solutions and housing improvements reflects ongoing challenges and priorities in local governance.

The unchanged Cabinet suggests a period of stability and continuity in council operations, which may help in addressing the financial and environmental goals outlined by the new leadership. The appointment of champions for the Armed Forces and Mental Health indicates a continued focus on supporting specific community groups.

As these new appointments and policies take effect, their impact on the community will become clearer, particularly in areas like housing, environmental sustainability, and community support.

Key Decisions from Babergh Cabinet and Mid Suffolk Planning: New Policies and Local Development Insights

This week, Babergh Cabinet and Mid Suffolk Planning Committee convened to discuss and decide on several significant issues affecting our community.

Babergh Cabinet Meeting

The Babergh Cabinet meeting on Tuesday covered a range of topics from waste management to housing and corrections to council reports. Here are the key points:

Scrap Metal Policy Approval: A new policy was approved to regulate scrap metal dealers more effectively, aligning with the Scrap Metal Dealers Act of 2013. This policy is designed to enhance industry standards and curb illegal activities. It will make it easier for the public to identify licensed dealers, promoting a safer trading environment.
Food Waste Collection Policy: The council is moving forward with the procurement of vehicles and bins for a new food waste collection service, which must be operational by March 2026. Despite the financial and logistical challenges discussed, this initiative is aimed at improving recycling rates and reducing waste processing costs. However, the financial sustainability of this project remains a concern due to its significant initial and ongoing costs.
Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan: The council reviewed the HRA business plan, which forecasts the financial management of council housing over the next 30 years. The plan indicates increasing debt levels but aims to maintain a minimum surplus. The discussion underscored the need for efficiency improvements and potential government support to manage and enhance council housing stock effectively.
Correction to Council Report: A correction was made to a previous report regarding the increase in affordable rents, emphasizing the importance of accuracy in official documents.

Mid Suffolk Planning Committee Meeting

The Mid Suffolk Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday focused on a specific planning application at Aldercar Farm, which was approved with conditions to mitigate visual impact and preserve heritage. The farm's expansion includes a refrigeration container and expanded parking. The decision reflects the council's effort to support local business growth while balancing heritage preservation concerns.

Both meetings this week reflect ongoing efforts by the council to manage community resources responsibly, support local businesses, and ensure transparency and accuracy in governance. These decisions have direct implications on local employment, environmental sustainability, and the integrity of our community's historical sites. As these projects and policies develop, their long-term impacts on the community will become clearer.