Meeting Minutes 2026

Minutes - 11th March 2026

 

Minutes of the Sutton St Edmund Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 11th March 2026 at Sutton St Edmund Village Hall.

Present: Cllrs C. Hatch (Chair), C. Hunns (Vice-Chair), B. Sleight G. Beatty, County Councillor R. Condell.

 

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

 

Public Forum

None.

 

14.26. Apologies for absence and acceptance of reasons given

Apologies received and accepted from District Councillor Eldridge. 

15.26. To receive any declarations of interest in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and to consider any requests for dispensations

None.

16.26. To consider notes from 28th January 2026 and resolve to approve as minutes

The notes of the meeting held on 28th January 2026 were reviewed and resolved to be approved as minutes. All agreed.

 

Co-option

17.26. To review and resolve accordingly on Co-option

None.

 

Finance

18.26. To review and resolve accordingly on the: 

  1. latest Financial report

All agreed to the finance report.

  1. Budget v Forecast 2025/26

Clerk to forward for review.

 

Planning

19.26 To review the latest planning applications and resolve accordingly:

Planning Consultations:

  1. H19-1200-25 - Single storey side extension (DL to check and circulate)

     Approved:

  1. H19-1232-25 - Erection of detached domestic garage - Retrospective

  2. H19-1016-25 - Replacement detached dwelling following fire damage

    Appealed:

  1. H19-0329-24 - Temporary ground mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) farm with battery

  2. H19-0249-25 - Erection of 4no. bungalows following removal of existing outbuildings on existing garden land

20.26. To discuss and resolve accordingly on Infrastructure Projects including Solar Farms and Pylon upgrades.

No updates.

21.26. To discuss and resolve accordingly on correspondence received regarding H19-1174-25

Members were requested to ensure the process is followed consistently. Delegated authority remains with the Clerk to monitor applications, issue reminders where required, and retain evidence of submissions. 

 

Projects (current and potential)

22.26. To receive updates and resolve accordingly on:

  1. Defibrillator

In operation, Clerk to forward checklist. 

  1. Ground Maintenance Contract

Clerk to circulate draft. 

  1. Gym equipment

The Clerk advised that photographs relating to the paint concerns had been forwarded to the supplier and a response was awaited. Members agreed that the final payment should be withheld pending resolution of the matter. 

  1. Speed signs including grant application to Wrydecroft Wind Farm Grant

The Council agreed that LCC should be contacted regarding installation arrangements through the LRSP scheme. It was also agreed to seek recommendations from Wisbech St Marys Parish Council and Parson Drove Parish Council on suitable contractors for the works. 

  1. Notice Boards including Grant application to Wrydecroft Wind Farm Grant

The Clerk noted the application had been submitted and we were awaiting a decision.

  1. Park and Playing Field maintenance

Cllr Sleight to purchase paint prior to the end of March.

  1. Community newsletter

Deferred to next meeting.

  1. Climbing Frame/MUGA/roundabout

Deferred to next meeting.

  1. Allotments

Clerk to chase.

  1. Training

Members agreed that councillor training requirements, including safeguarding training, should be reviewed and progressed. The Clerk was requested to circulate the training folder link and prepare the necessary training policies for consideration. 

  1. Car Park

Members agreed to apply for the Volunteering Scheme through Cllr Raymond Condell for support towards improvements including gravel around the post box area and repainting of the memorial railings. 

  1. Bus Shelter

Apply for funding for bus shelter lighting, tree works, and ivy clearance. A draft Google Sheet to be prepared and circulated to members of the public for feedback.

 

Wryde Croft Small Grants Programme 

23.26. To receive applications and resolve accordingly on the Wryde Croft Small Grants Programme 

Council reviewed applications: one application was approved, one was declined, and one will be referred to the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation for further review. 

 

External reports

24.26. To receive and resolve accordingly on reports from representatives on external bodies:

  1. Village Hall

Council thanked the Hall Committee for the update on proposed works and requested additional information prior to works commencing. Council agreed for Cllr Sleight to request a set of keys. 

  1. SSE Charities

Cllr Condell reported that the LCC budget has been agreed, with a 2.9% increase approved. A funding stream is available for councillors to allocate within their areas (similar to the district council model), alongside a second funding pot accessible via an application process. A new approach to pothole repairs (“cut and fill”) has been introduced; although it is expected to take longer and cost more, it is anticipated to provide a longer-lasting repair. Regarding Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), input is invited from all members. Cllr Condell will share a post on LGR; a response is expected by September/October.

 

Correspondence

25.26. To consider any correspondence not included within the agenda

The Council thanked and accepted the offer of £1,000 towards play equipment. 

Clerk to confirm, the Council is content to install a second bin but wishes to retain the existing one. Placement to be considered underneath or close to the sign, with ongoing checks to continue.

 

Future meetings

26.26. To advise of items for inclusion at the next meeting

Nothing.

 

27.26. To confirm the date of the Annual Parish Council meeting as: 

Wednesday 13th May 2026, 7pm at Sutton St Edmund Village Hall.

 

Meeting Closed: 9.24pm