Minutes - 28th January 2026
Minutes of the Sutton St Edmund Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 28th January 2026 at Sutton St Edmund Village Hall.
Present: Cllrs C. Hatch (Chair), R. King, B. Sleight, G. Beatty, County Councillor R. Condell, 4 members of the public.
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Public Forum
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Resident enquired how to confirm if meetings are taking place, the Chair advised via Parish Council website and Facebook page. Clerk to add Instagram as an additional communication channel.
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It was noted the Appeal by PACE Solar was adjourned due to another solar farm site being in close proximity; environmental impact assessment required by the inspectorate before further consideration.
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Request for funding ‘no solar’ boards.
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Malice solar farm consultation dates noted.
1.26. Apologies for Absence and Acceptance of Reasons Given
Apologies received and accepted from Cllr Clare Hunns and District Councillor Laura Eldridge.
2.26. Declarations of Interest and Requests for Dispensations
Cllr King declared an interest in matters relating to Meridian.
No requests for dispensations were made.
3.26. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The notes of the meeting held on 12th November 2025 were reviewed and resolved to be approved as minutes. All agreed.
Co-option
4.26. To Review and Resolve on Co-option
No applications received.
Finance
5.26. To Review and Resolve on:
a. Latest Financial Report, all agreed.
b. 2026-27 Budget Proposal, proposed by Cllr Beatty, seconded by Cllr Sleight, all agreed.
c. 2026-27 Precept Figure Proposed as £16,971.70, proposed by Cllr Beatty, seconded by Cllr King, all agreed.
Planning
6.26. To Review the Latest Planning Applications and Resolve Accordingly
Planning Consultations:
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H19-1232-25 – Erection of detached domestic garage (Retrospective)
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H19-1200-25 – Single storey side extension
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H19-1016-25 – Replacement detached dwelling following fire damage
Approved:
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H19-1174-25 – Proposed Pair of Semi-Detached Houses
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H19-1016-25 – Replacement detached dwelling following fire damage
Appealed:
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H19-0329-24 – Temporary ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) farm with battery
Clerk to ask Cllr Eldridge regarding non-receipt of notification for adjourned appeal.
Council resolved to allow a nominated representative to read a statement on behalf of the Parish Council at the PACE appeal. Cllr Condell volunteered if in attendance. Motion includes: statement to be read verbatim; attendance subject to Councillor availability and conflicts of interest. Proposed Cllr Beatty, seconded Cllr Sleight, all agreed.
The Council considered funding for community members requesting display materials for ‘no solar’. The Council resolved not to support to maintain neutrality.
The Clark resolved for the Clerk to contact LCC Highways requesting to recommend/enforce road use restrictions on the planning application at Cross Road, South Eau Bank and Guanockgate.
7.26. Infrastructure Projects including Solar Farms and Pylon Upgrades
Updates and discussion noted under Planning. No further resolutions made.
Projects (Current and Potential)
8.26. Updates and Resolutions:
a. Defibrillator
New defibrillator now installed at Coronation Avenue, Throckenholt, with thanks to a resident. Clerk to draft checklist and rota.
b. Ground Maintenance Contract
To be circulated for approval.
c. Gym Equipment
Installed and available to use.
d. Speed Signs
Working with neighbouring Parish Councils to secure a best opportunity at the request of the funder.
e. Notice Boards
Grant application to with Cambridgeshire Community Fund for Wrydecroft Wind Farm Grant Fund.
f. Park and Playing Field Maintenance
The Council resolved for the Clerk to draft Councillors on monthly rota for checks.
g. Community Newsletter
Deferred to next meeting.
h. Climbing Frame/MUGA/Roundabout
Roundabout quotes to be submitted; other items to proceed via community vote. DL to request rough figures from supplier. Solar-powered and mains-powered lighting options to be considered.
i. Allotments
Clerk to follow up. Reminder of dog-free zone circulated via social media.
j. Training
The link to training circulated; draft induction programme for new councillors to be drafted.
k. Santa Sleigh
The Council resolved to support if planned, all agreed.
Wryde Croft Small Grants Programme
9.26. Updates and Resolutions
The Council resolved the following:
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Up to £500 – to be agreed via email by majority vote and ratified at the next meeting.
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£500–£1,000 – to be approved at meetings.
External Reports
10.26. Reports from Representatives:
a. Village Hall
Clerk to arrange meeting between Village Hall Committee and the Council.
b. SSE Charities
No updates reported.
Correspondence
11.26. Matters not included within the agenda:
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South Eau Bank closure – 30th January noted.
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Station Road level drop noted.
Future Meetings
12.26. Items for Next Meeting
To consider downloadable app to coordinate communications (email).
13.26. Date of Next Parish Council Meeting
Wednesday 11th March 2026, 7.00pm at Sutton St Edmund Village Hall.
Meeting Closed: 9.24pm