20th March 2025
Minutes of the Sutton St Edmund Parish Council Meeting held on 20th March 2025 at Sutton St Edmund Village Hall
Present: Cllrs C. Allen (Chair), G. Beatty, R. King, District Cllr Laura Eldrige and Miss D. Leedham (Parish Clerk).
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Public Forum
None.
Apologies for absence and acceptance of reasons given
Apologies were received from Cllr Hatch and Cllr Hunns, reasons given were accepted.
To receive any declarations of interest in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and to consider any requests for dispensations
There were no declarations of interest.
To consider notes from 22nd January 2025 and resolve to approve as minutes
The minutes from the meeting held on 22nd January were reviewed. It was resolved to approve the minutes as a true record, and they were duly signed.
Finance
To review and resolve accordingly on the:
latest Financial report
The financial report was circulated prior to the meeting. The Council resolved to approve the financial figures as presented.
Action: Clerk check whether the defibrillator is the same unit as the one at the Village Hall and so whether it would be possible to share pads.
Planning
To review the latest planning applications and resolve accordingly:
The following Planning applications had been circulated and any comments made were listed on the SHDC portal:
Planning Consultations:
H19-0156-25 - Erection of a self-build agricultural workers dwelling and garage
H19-0031-25 - Erection of House
H19-0329-24 - Temporary ground mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) farm with battery
To discuss and resolve accordingly on Infrastructure Projects including Solar Farms and Pylon upgrades.
Nothing further to add at present.
Projects (current and potential)
To receive updates and resolve accordingly on:
Grounds Maintenance
The draft tender document was reviewed and it was agreed the following items would be added, approval to be sort by email:
Bi-annual hedge trim
Car Park pruning
Grass cutting at Memorial
Separate quote for cutting back the hedge on the dyke side
Action: Clerk to update and circulate for approval.
Speed signs
The Council discussed and agreed locations for the installation of the poles for the flashing speed signs.
Action: Clerk to confirm locations with LRSP.
Playground equipment
The Clerk confirmed the ordered had been placed for equipment, the Council request the Clerk confirm contracts and installation date.
Action: Clerk to confirm contract and installation date.
Gym equipment
The Council discussed future plans for the Playing Field including a MUGA, climbing frame and roundabout and agreed to discuss further after the installation of the swings and table tennis table.
Sutton St Edmund Village Sign and other update projects
The Chair updated the meeting on Sutton ST Edmund Village sign, noting installation would be taking place in the next couple of weeks. The Chair agreed to draft a Risk Assessment and forward before, during and after photos to the Clerk.
Action: Chair to draft RA.
Action: Chair to forward photos to Clerk.
Notice Boards
Deferred to next meeting.
Airtable
Deferred to next meeting.
Community newsletter
Deferred to next meeting.
Dog bins
The Council noted new dog bins had been installed in the Parish.
War memorial
As above.
Climbing Frame
As above.
Review allotments
Deferred to next meeting.
The Council discussed to need for a location for the new defibrillator to be installed in Throckenholt and agreed for the Clerk to explore an old phone box location and post on social media.
Action: Clerk to post on social media and explore old phone box location.
External Reports
To receive and resolve accordingly on reports from representatives on external bodies:
Village Hall
The Chair updated the meeting on the latest with the Village Hall advising the latest minutes were available and asked the Clerk to circulate.
Action: Clerk to minutes.
Correspondence
To discuss and resolve accordingly on Community Resilience
The Council discussed the Community Resilience initiative email and agreed to support initiative but not lead.
Action: Clerk to respond to correspondence.
To discuss and resolve accordingly on the Fenland Flag
The Council discussed and agreed to send a letter of support.
Action: Clerk to send letter of support.
To consider any correspondence not included within the agenda
The Council reviewed the speed report circulated by Cllr Allen in advance of the meeting, the Council asked the Clerk to enquire with the Police regarding increasing speed checks in the Parish.
Action: Clerk to liaise with Police.
The Council discussed and agreed concerns with damage to conifers along Broadgate especially by straw and hay bale lorries and should be reported to LCC.
Action: Clerk to report concerns to LCC.
Closed session
To resolve on whether the Council will move into closed session to consider the following matters in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960. Should this resolution be passed the public and press will be required to leave the meeting at this stage.
Cllr Allen proposed and Cllr Beatty seconded, all agreed to the NALC PAY SCALE for April 2024
Future meetings
To advise of items for inclusion at the next meeting
None.
To confirm the date of the next Parish Council meeting as:
Wednesday 14th May 2025, 7pm at Sutton St Edmund Village Hall
Meeting closed at 8.33pm.