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Weekly updates
Council Refuses Aldham & Tostock Plans; Approves Ringshall & Stowmarket
This week, the council held the following meetings:
- Unknown committee on Monday 24 June 2024 – Cancelled
- Unknown committee on Tuesday 25 June 2024 – Cancelled
- Unknown committee on Wednesday 26 June 2024
- Unknown committee on Thursday 27 June 2024 – Cancelled
- Unknown committee on Friday 28 June 2024
Babergh Planning Committee – Wednesday 26 June 2024
The Babergh Planning Committee convened to determine two planning applications. The first application, to build a single dwelling and detached garage, was refused. The second application, to convert outbuildings into a dwelling, was approved.
Application 23/01396/FUL at Land East Of Hill Farm, Hadleigh Road, Aldham, CO6 3DZ
The most significant discussion surrounded an application to build a detached four-bedroom house with a detached double garage on land east of Hill Farm in Aldham.
The Council received 50 letters of objection to the application and four letters of support. Several members of the committee expressed the view that the application should be refused on the grounds it represented undesirable infill development in the open countryside.
Ultimately, the committee voted to refuse the application, stating it would be harmful to the character and appearance of the area
and would be contrary to several policies in the Babergh Local Plan[^2].
Application DC/23/03909 at The Workshop, Church Road, Ringshall, Stowmarket, IP14 2EB
The committee then discussed an application to convert some outbuildings at The Workshop on Church Road in Ringshall to a single dwelling.
Councillor Adrian Osborne expressed some concern that the development did not include any form of affordable housing provision.
In response, the planning officer advised that, as the development was for a single dwelling, it was not subject to any requirements in the council's policy on Affordable Housing Contributions[^3]. The committee voted unanimously to approve the application.
Mid Suffolk District Council Regulatory Committee – Friday 28 June 2024
The Mid Suffolk District Council Regulatory Committee met to discuss two planning applications, refusing one and granting the other.
Planning Application DC/23/04512 - Land South of Church Road, Tostock
The committee discussed a planning application for the erection of up to 175 dwellings on land south of Church Road, Tostock. The application had been called in for discussion by Councillor Barry Salmon, who raised concerns about road safety on Church Road, which has a 30mph speed limit. He cited a lack of confidence that the proposed footpath improvements would provide sufficient safety for pedestrians.
The Council's Principal Planning Officer noted that the application complies with the development plan and was recommended for approval. However, after a two-hour discussion focusing on road safety, the committee voted by a majority to refuse the application.
Planning Application DC/23/2443 - Former Walnut Tree Public House, Stowmarket
The committee considered a planning application for the erection of nine dwellings and associated infrastructure at the former Walnut Tree Public House on Finborough Road, Stowmarket.
The Senior Planning Officer introduced the application, explaining it is a revised scheme following the refusal of permission at appeal in 2021. The new application addressed the previous concerns by proposing an off-street parking area with space for 20 cars. A representative of the applicant highlighted the efficient use of brownfield land to deliver much-needed housing. The committee discussed the application and voted unanimously to grant planning permission.
This week's decisions highlight the council's ongoing commitment to balancing development with community concerns and environmental considerations. The refusal of the Aldham and Tostock applications underscores the importance placed on maintaining the character of local areas and ensuring road safety. Meanwhile, the approval of the Ringshall and Stowmarket applications demonstrates a willingness to support appropriate development that meets community needs and addresses previous planning concerns.
New Leadership and Green Initiatives: Key Takeaways from Babergh Council Meeting
This week, the council held three meetings: Mid Suffolk Council on Wednesday, Babergh Council on Monday, and the Annual Mid Suffolk Council on Wednesday. The notes from the Mid Suffolk Council and Annual Mid Suffolk Council meetings have not yet been summarised, so we will focus on the Babergh Council meeting.
The Babergh Council meeting on Monday primarily dealt with the election of council positions and the outlining of future council priorities. Key positions such as Chair, Vice Chair, and Leader of the Council were filled, and several announcements were made regarding the council's plans and challenges.
Election of Key Positions
Councillor Elizabeth Malvisi was unanimously re-elected as Chair of the Council. She expressed gratitude for the support and highlighted her experiences and achievements from the past year. Councillor Ruth Henry was elected as Vice Chair, praised for her tenacity and caring nature.
Councillor Deborah Saw was elected as the new Leader of the Council, making history as the first Green Leader of Baber District Council. She is known for her hard work, tenacity, and attention to detail.
Leader's Announcements
Councillor Saw outlined the council's focus on improving the environment, building a thriving economy, and supporting communities. She emphasized the need for good quality housing, combating climate change, and supporting vulnerable residents. Financial challenges were acknowledged, with a call for innovative solutions and community empowerment.
Key priorities include:
- Improving council housing
- Encouraging community-led housing
- Supporting renewable energy plans
- Working with partners like Citizens Advice to help people through the cost of living crisis
Designation of Committees and Joint Committees
Various committees were designated, including:
- Overview and Scrutiny Committee
- Planning Committee
- Licensing and Regulatory Committee
- Joint Audit and Standards Committee
- Joint Appointments Committee
Election of Chairs and Vice Chairs of Committees
Several key appointments were made:
- Councillor Mary McLaren was re-elected as Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
- Councillor John Wyman was elected as Vice Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
- Councillor PLUM was elected as Chair of the Planning Committee, and Councillor John Wyman as Vice Chair.
- Councillor Lee Jameson was elected as Chair and Vice Chair of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee.
- Councillor Bryn Haren was elected as co-chair of the Joint Audit and Standards Committee.
- Councillor Lee Jameson was elected as co-chair of the Joint Appointments Committee.
Appointments to Outside Bodies and Working Groups
Councillors were appointed to various outside bodies and working groups, including:
- Suffolk Enhanced Bus Partnership
- Shared Revenues Partnership Joint Committee
- Suffolk Joint Standards Board
- Joint Gypsy and Traveller Steering Group
- Several council working groups
Appointment of Champions
Councillors were appointed as Armed Forces Champion and Mental Health Champion.
Questions and Procedural Matters
The meeting concluded with procedural matters, including questions by the public and councillors, and the announcement of the next meeting date.
The focus on environmental sustainability and community support continues to be a theme we've discussed before. Councillor Saw's emphasis on innovative solutions and community empowerment suggests a proactive approach to addressing financial challenges and supporting vulnerable residents. The designation of various committees and the appointment of champions indicate a structured approach to tackling diverse issues, from housing to mental health.
The decisions made in this meeting will shape the council's direction, particularly in terms of environmental policies and community support initiatives. The election of a Green Leader marks a significant shift, potentially leading to more robust actions against climate change and a stronger focus on sustainable development.
Key Decisions on Waste Management and Housing: Mid Suffolk Council's Strategic Moves This Week
This week, Mid Suffolk Council focused on several significant issues across two key meetings: the Babergh Cabinet and the Mid Suffolk Planning Committee.
The Babergh Cabinet meeting on Tuesday was particularly eventful, covering topics from waste management to housing finance. A new scrap metal policy was approved, aiming to align with national standards and enhance local enforcement. This policy is crucial as it seeks to curb illegal activities by ensuring transparency in scrap metal transactions. The council emphasized the importance of clear licensing for dealers and collectors, which could help reduce theft and boost public trust in the sector.
Another major decision involved the initiation of procurement for vehicles and bins for a new food waste collection service. This move is in response to national regulations and presents both logistical challenges and financial risks due to the tight timeline and high demand for specialized vehicles. The environmental benefits of this program, however, are expected to be significant, aligning with broader waste disposal laws.
The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) business plan was another focal point. The plan, which outlines a 30-year financial strategy for managing council housing, raised concerns about sustainability due to increasing debt levels and potential future financial risks. The council accepted the plan but stressed the need for ongoing reviews and adjustments.
A minor yet essential correction was made to a previous council report regarding the increase in affordable rents, ensuring accuracy in official documents. The council also discussed the potential implications of government policy changes on local housing finance, highlighting a proactive approach to adapting to external pressures and ensuring long-term sustainability.
On Wednesday, the Mid Suffolk Planning Committee convened to discuss a planning application for Aldercar Farm, which included adding a refrigeration container and expanding parking. Despite concerns about heritage impact and noise, the application was approved. The council imposed conditions to mitigate visual impact and noise, demonstrating an effort to balance development benefits with environmental and aesthetic concerns.
These meetings underscore the council's commitment to addressing both immediate operational needs and long-term strategic challenges. The decisions made this week will likely have lasting impacts on waste management practices, housing finance stability, and local development, reflecting the council's ongoing dedication to sustainable growth and community welfare.
Recent meetings
Babergh Regulatory Sub-Committee - Thursday, 26th September, 2024 10.00 am
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Babergh Regulatory Sub-Committee - Thursday, 26th September, 2024 11.30 am
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Mid Suffolk Council - Thursday, 26th September, 2024 5.30 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Babergh Council - Tuesday, 24th September, 2024 5.30 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Mid Suffolk Planning Committee - Wednesday, 25th September, 2024 9.30 am
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Joint Audit and Standards Committee - Monday, 23rd September, 2024 10.30 am
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Mid Suffolk Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 19th September, 2024 9.30 am
This meeting has been cancelled.
Babergh Planning Committee - Wednesday, 18th September, 2024 9.30 am
This meeting has been cancelled.
Babergh Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 16th September, 2024 9.30 am
This meeting has been cancelled.
Upcoming meetings
No meetings found.