At the meeting of Southwold Town Council held on 29th November 2011
Policing matters
Sergeant Tompsett reported that he did not have much to say as only seven crimes had been reported so far in November:
- Two cases of criminal damage, both to windows of premises.
- One case of burglary at a dwelling, with two shotguns being stolen.
- One case of attempted burglary at an empty holiday home.
- Two cases of burglary involving a garage and a warehouse, with various metals being stolen.
- One case of an abusive phone call.
The number compared well with last year, when 15 crimes had been reported in the same period.
Enquiries were still ongoing for all of these crimes, so he could not say much more. He noted that the theft of metal was a nationwide problem.
He also gave the latest on the match-funded PCSO (see previous Town Jottings). He could confirm that, as of the time of the meeting, Southwold Town Council, Reydon Parish Council, the Southwold and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Adnams plc, and Southwold Pier had kindly agreed to contribute funds towards this. He was grateful for the Town Council’s backing. Discussions were ongoing with one other potential contributor but he could not say more until this had been finalised. If everything went to plan, he hoped to have a new PCSO in place and in training from April 2012.
Finally, Sergeant Tompsett outlined changes resulting from reductions in the Police budget for Suffolk. This was being cut by 20% over the next four years, necessitating some reorganisation of the force. It had been decided that there were too many sergeants, and the Southwold and Halesworth and the Beccles and Bungay Safer Neighbourhood Teams would in future share one between them, the two existing posts being merged. However, the current holders of these posts (Sergeants Tompsett and Howell) would remain in place for the foreseeable future as it had been decided not to sack anyone. The reduction would come through natural wastage. Sergeant Tompsett joked that they would remain where they were until they wasted away and until ‘I expire naturally’ (he was due to retire in three years’ time).
The one point of interest for councilors was the reported burglary involving shotguns. Surprise was expressed that this had happened in Southwold as well as concern about the guns’ security. Sergeant Tompsett agreed that this was quite unusual for this area and that it was quite an unusual crime. It was a rural area, so people would have them, though. The usual safeguards had been applied (always kept in a locker and checked by firearms officers etc).
Planning matters
The meeting made following recommendations about the development permission applications before it:
Approve
- 29 Stradbroke Road (reduction to bay tree for reshoot).
- 25 Market Place (installation of a steel support beam within the ground-floor retail area).
Refuse
- The Haven, 3 Trinity Close (construction of single-storey front and first-floor rear extensions, side oriel windows to on the first and second floors, dormer window at the front with solar panels, raising of the roof height, pitching of the existing flat garage roof, installation of air-source heat pump, provision of weatherboarding to all elevations, and relocation of entrance door to side elevation), on the grounds of loss of light, overlooking, overdevelopment, and no specific noise level for the pump being given (which was important as so many people lived close by). Five letters of objection had been received.
Finally, with the application for 10 Market Place (W H Smith) (installation of air-conditioning units, creation of new rear opening, refitting of shop and internal alterations, plus Listed Building Consent for these), the meeting agreed to return without comment the document sent to them by Waveney, but with a strongly worded letter complaining about the way this had been handled.
The word from Waveney
The meeting was informed that Waveney had given its approval to proposed developments at 10 Eversley Court; and Burchley, North Green.
The Town Plan
A member of the public used the Public Forum to express interest in being involved in the Town Plan, adding that many present at the meeting were also interested and would want to support it.
The reason for discussing a Town Plan was a proposal to adopt a resolution as detailed in the working paper ‘Moving forward based on tests established by NALC’. Cllr Bradbury noted that this was just NALC emphasising basic standards; it was not a criticism of what had gone before.
The Town Mayor (Cllr Windell) noted that government was pushing this – the Localism Bill had got Royal Assent a few weeks previously, part of which involved taking back powers. A Town Plan would put them in good stead for all this. There was a lot of support out there. It was also no longer seen as acceptable to be a self-contained town council in isolation. They should now form partnerships etc.
Cllr Bradbury added that community engagement would drive the Town Plan. They had had the Town Appraisal, which had been well received, but this would go much further. The local community had the power to decide what went in the Plan. It would still be within Waveney’s remit to go against our decisions, although a Town Plan would add strength to our elbow. That said, Waveney was encouraging them to draft a Town Plan. The Town Council was trying to engage with the electorate through monthly councillor surgeries (he thanked the Police for their co-operation), making notes of Town Council meetings available in the Town Hall within seven days of a meeting, and publishing a quarterly newsletter.
Cllr Tobin felt it was good for engagement with the town, plus it was also an element necessary for the Town Council to get quality status. He found it heartening that members of the public were supportive. Cllr Ladd added that the Town Council had engaged with the community in the past, and not only just now.
The meeting agreed to adopt the resolution, and also that the former Town Appraisal Group become the Town Plan Working Group, and to look into this and report back as soon as possible.
Miscellaneous matters
Neither Cllr Goldsmith (who was not present) nor Cllrs Allen and Ladd (because of pre-by-election purdah) were able to give reports about the latest developments at Suffolk or Waveney respectively.
The meeting discussed buying a new Union flag for the Town Hall. Cllr Baggott noted that this had first been mooted three years ago. The current flag was a bit dirty and had looked bad on Remembrance Day, particularly as The Swan next door had had a brand-new flag. She was concerned because of all the celebrations next year. The meeting agreed to buy a new flag.
The meeting gave its blessing to the Town Mayor speaking for ten to 15 minutes a month on the Blyth Valley Community Radio. Cllr Ladd felt the Town Council’s media and media policy was still broadly OK. After discussion, it was decided to be more flexible as to who could act as a spokesperson for the Town Council, subject to certain conditions (normally only the Town Mayor and Town Clerk acted as the Town Council’s point of contact for the media).
At the meeting of the Policy and Finance held on 13th December 2011
More planning matters
The following recommendations were made at the meeting:
Approve
- Hazel Cottage, 3 Youngs Yard (retrospective application for the retention of replacement front windows, removal of porch and new picket fencing to front boundary). It was noted that, on balance, the Planning Panel did not like retrospective applications, but it was happy to recommend approval in this case.
- Kittiwake House, 10 Market Place (Listed Building Consent for internal alterations to provide fire and acoustic separation between shop and dwelling above and alterations to lobby entrance to flat).
Refuse
- Southwold Tennis Club, Hotson Road (erection of ten tubular galvanised hinged columns at a height of 5.5 metres above ground level). This application went to the heart of economic versus social and environmental concerns. Although it was not without merit in economic terms, on balance the Panel was not in favour of this application on the grounds of light pollution, and intrusion and impact on neighbours. The Chairman of the Southwold Tennis Club, speaking as a householder with a property backing on to the Tennis Club, used the Public Forum to express his concerns about what was being proposed. There had also been three letters objecting and a petition signed by six local residents. Cllr Tobin was supportive of the Tennis Club and hoped it would come back with a better design.
The word from Waveney
The meeting learned that Waveney had decided to give its approval to planning applications for developments at the Pier Pavilion, North Parade; Harbour Marine Services; 6 High Street; 10 Market Place; 7 Park Lane; 2 Church Street; 4 Blackshore Cottages; and The Red Lion, South Green.
Affordable housing schemes
The Chairman (Cllr Ladd) noted that the Town Council had been very keen to provide affordable housing in the town. Two likely sites had been identified in the past: North Road and Blyth Road. He was able to report that, after a hiatus of a few years, Blyth Road was being looked at again by a local property development company that had been given funding. It wanted to meet councillors about this. The company had undertaken similar developments in Wenhaston and he felt they were a good fit with Southwold. Cllr Temple wondered if this would have an impact on the Town Council’s budget. The Chairman felt Cllr Temple had asked a good question. He would bear this in mind. It had taken four years to get to this point.
Grit bins
Cllr Tobin reported that he had had a meeting with Mr Mitchell of the Chamber of Trade and the relevant Suffolk officer about acceptable locations for grit bins. They had identified four locations: down the side of Blackmill Road, the corner of Victoria Street near the telephone box (where there used to be two telephone boxes), the United Reformed Church, and by the side of Hutsons. Suffolk felt these were acceptable. It would cost £800 and with each location there were four people prepared to spread the grit. They would be insured. This was again approved by Suffolk.
He acknowledged concerns that these were all town-centre locations, but the intention was to start in these inobtrusive places and them build them up. The Chairman agreed: there was not the budget to covert the whole town. They had to start somewhere and build it up. It was better than nothing. Some concerns were still expressed about locations (Cllr Allen noting that it was no good improving access to shops if residents could not get out of their roads). Cllr Tobin explained that all options had been considered and these four locations were the most discrete.
He also noted that several years ago people had been unhappy as grit had been trodden inside. Apparently this had been because grit supplies had run out and sand was used instead. This is why salt grit would be used, which was different. Suffolk would fill the bins free of charge. This would cost the Town Council £400. There was a three weeks’ delivery time for the bins.
The Chairman suggested that they move quickly on these four bins and apply for funding, and then get another three or four if necessary. He noted that if they waited, then the time of need would have passed. The meeting agreed to let Cllr Tobin get on with it.
Miscellaneous matters
The meeting agreed not to precept for 2012/13. As the Chairman noted: ‘Good news for our residents, more money in their pockets.’ However, he added that he sensed they were getting closer towards it each year.
Cllr Tucker wanted to mention Mary Portas’ report about saving the high street, which had been published that day, as it was all about the vibrancy of town centres. Key recommendations included free parking and setting up a ‘town team’ to look at the vitality of town centres. She suggested the Town Council look into this and create a working group as a forward-looking council. The meeting noted this and agreed that it be raised at the next Town Appraisal Group meeting.
Cllr Bradbury reported on the Town Council newsletter, a colour version of which had been circulated in the Church magazine the previous month. It was to come out every three months. Then intention was to make it available in the Town Hall foyer to anyone who wanted it. The idea was to have ten in the foyer, and then refill with another ten if they then ran out. The cost should not be high.
Dates for the Diary (as of 9th January)
- Next Town Council meeting: 31st January 2012 at 7.30 pm in the Town Hall.
- Next Policy and Finance Committee meeting: 17th January 2012 at 7.30 pm in the Town Hall.
- Next Councillor Surgeries: 28th January and 22nd February 2012.
