Minutes of the Council Meeting Held in Lindsey Village Hall

Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Wednesday 10th September 2025 in Lindsey Village Hall, Church Road, Lindsey which commenced at 7.35pm.

In attendance: Cllrs. C Arthey (in Chair), R Corcoran, M Hainsworth, B Howe, J Moore and A Sturgeon, District Councillor L Jamieson and Mrs V Waples, Parish Clerk.

The Chair asked all to take a quiet moment to remember Councillor Ruth Howe who had recently passed. The Councils condolences were offered Cllr. B Howe and the family. Details of the funeral were discussed amongst members.

The Clerk confirmed the process that would need to be followed due to the casual vacancy that had now arisen, and confirmation was given that the Clerk would advise Babergh District Council of the vacancy by the end of the week.

1. Opening and Welcome

The Chair, Cllr. Arthey, opened the meeting and thanked all for attending. The statement on reporting at meetings of the parish council was read by the Clerk. The Chair opened the meeting and thanked all for attending.

2. Apologies of Absence

To receive apologies of absence – there were no applicable apologies of absence as all were present.
Apologies of absence were noted from County Cllr. Finch.

3. Declaration of Members Interest

To receive declarations of registrable, other and non-registerable interests as detailed in Appendix B of the LGA Model Code of Conduct Model Code of Conduct 2020 – there were no declarations of interests submitted.
There were no declarations of gifts of hospitality received exceeding £50.
There were no requests for dispensations for the agenda under discussion.

4. Minutes of Previous Meetings

To approve the minutes of the following Council Meeting:

Council Meeting of 23rd July 2025 - the meeting resolved that the circulated minutes were a true and accurate record of the meeting that took place, and resolved for the Chair to sign the minutes, which was undertaken in accordance with prevailing legislation, aif.

5. Public Forum

(maximum 10 minutes)

To receive a report from County Councillor James Finch – Cllr. Finch’s written report was taken as read: a copy of the written report submitted can be seen at Appendix A. There were no questions / issues raised by Councillors for onward submission.
To receive a report from District Councillor Leigh Jamieson – Cllr. Jamieson was invited to submit his report in which he commented or drew the meeting’s attention to the following: a copy of the written report submitted can be seen at Appendix B.
- LGR
- Emergency accommodation
- Electrical recycling banks
When questioned as to the issue relating to the disposal of disposal vapes and how this might be accommodated, he agreed to research and report back at the next meeting.
To receive comments from the public on the agenda as published – the clerk confirmed that no matters had been raised by the public.

6. Parish Matters

Climate Awareness / climate emergency – to receive an update / information on climate related issue coming forth – Cllr. Sturgeon reminded all that whilst the council had declared a climate awareness emergency, the council as a whole had achieved little although individually actions may have been taken. Thermal imaging had taken place but this has resulted in zero carbon being saved. Following recent research, it was queried as to whether a smaller turbine, producing energy for a localised area might be more appropriate for the community. Heating Bildeston were keen to assist with any such endeavours. Information received suggests that the community of Lindsey could be a contributor to the grid and could achieve the government’s ambition for locally produced electricity to be retained and used locally. Cllr. Sturgeon agreed to share information with Cllr. Moore for both to review and report back to the council at a later meeting.
To determine whether council would like to run a further thermal imaging project during the winter of 2025-2026 – it was agreed that this had been exhausted during the previous times the camera had been borrowed.
To receive a progress report on matters relating to:
- Traffic calming and appropriate signage on the A1141 in the vicinity of Canada Cottages and Hollow Trees Farm Shop – it was noted that an update was awaited from County Cllr. Finch on this matter.
- Traffic calming on C720 between Church Road to Lindsey Tye – it was noted that an updated was still awaited from County Cllr. Finch on whether the area had been assessed prior to the consideration of the deployment of vehicle activated signs and whether there were other traffic calming measures that could be introduced in this area.

7. Statutory Matters

In light of the changes to the Practitioners’ Guide 2025 with regards to the Annual Governance Statement Assertion 10 – Digital and data compliance, the following actions were taken by the council:

Adopt an IT Policy (Paper entitled IT Policy) – the meeting resolved to adopt the written IT Policy (subject to spelling corrections), ensuring that it a policy covering IT equipment and data for authority business.
Confirm that the council has in place a Data Protection Policy (Paper entitled Data and Information Security Policy 2025) – it was confirmed that council had in place a policy to cover data handling and sharing.
Confirm that the council has in place appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data (See Data and Electronic Retention Policy) – it was confirmed that the council had an appropriate policy in place for the storage of personal data.
Confirm that the Clerk has carried out a GDPR risk assessment on the control measures in place to ensure compliance with Data Protection Legislation – it was noted and confirmed that the Clerk, as the council’s appointed Data Protection Officer, had undertaken data impact assessments to analyse, record and review the control measures in place for the protection of personal data and the manner in which personal data is held to protect if from breaches.

8. Planning Matters

To consider the following planning applications: none at time of serving
To note the following planning applications determined by the local planning authority:
- DC/24/05496 – Refusal of planning permission for the conversion of timber framed barn into a 3 bedroom dwelling house. Insertion of windows and doors as required. Traditional timber stairs and access balcony. Barn on land to the east of Rose Green Road.
- DC/24/05497 – Refusal of Listed Building Consent for the conversion of timber framed barn into a 3 bedroom dwelling house. Insertion of windows and doors as required. Traditional timber stairs and access balcony. Barn on land to the east of Rose Green Road.
- DC/25/02699 – Planning permission for the erection of two-storey and single-storey extensions and alterations. Change of use of part of agricultural land to residential curtilage.
- DC/25/03209 – Approval for a non-material amendment in relation to DC/24/03276 - To remove Condition 20 (Biodiversity Net Gain) and replace with self-build compliance condition. Amend description to 'Erection of 1no. self-build building (following demolition of barn)'. Location: Rose Barn, Rose Green Road.
- DC/25/03359 - Discharge of Conditions granted for DC/24/03276 - 12 (Construction Management Plan), 16 (Landscaping Scheme) and 18 (Materials). Location: Rose Barn, Rose Green Road.

9. Correspondence: To Consider / Note the Following

Sudbury and South Suffolk Citizens Advice – to note the invitation to the Sudbury & South Suffolk Citizens Advice AGM, Wednesday, 1 October 2025 @ 2.00 pm – all noted the invitation.
SALC – Local Government Reorganisation – all noted the communications that had been circulated on this matter.
BMSDC – Town and Parish Updates – council confirmed all monthly updates are emailed to Councillors for their perusal.
SALC – to note all weekly news bulletins are emailed to Councillors for their perusal. Councillors to contact the Clerk if there are any items of interest / training courses they wish to attend.

10. Financial Matters

To consider schedule of receipts received and payments made since the last meeting – Paper A – all confirmed receipt of Paper A (details can be seen at Appendix D) noting that two receipts had gone through the account since the last meeting: the settlement of VAT in the sum of £841.40 and the second half of the precept in the sum of £3,063.50. Payments that had been made between meetings as shown on Paper A (details can be seen in Appendix D) covered the direct debit to HMRC (£123.40) for 1st quarter of 2025-2026 PAYE due and settlement of the account for the installation of the stone setts (£5,048.40).
To consider and approve the verified items awaiting authorization as per the schedule submitted – Paper B - all confirmed receipt of Paper B (details can be seen at Appendix D) - having reviewed the paper submitted, all approved the payments awaiting authorisation for settlement via online transfer, aif.
To consider the Council's financial position to date – Paper C – Council noted the reconciled position of £212.65 once the accounts awaiting payment had been settled, aif. Councillors Corcoran and Hainsworth confirmed that they had verified the position against the bank statements and cashbook. (Details can be found at Appendix D).
Council to ratify the implementation of the local government services pay agreement 2025 for the Clerk (sole employee of the council) backdated to 1st April 2025 (Confidential paper) – the meeting resolved to retrospectively approve the implementation of the local government services pay agreement 2025 for the Clerk (sole employee of the council) backdated to 1st April 2025.
To consider the council budget versus actual statement to end of September 2025 – Paper D – all reviewed the submitted paper noting the slight overspend for the year, in the main due to increased administrative costs.

11. Clerk’s Report

To discuss further remedial works to the village sign – Cllrs. Arthey, Sturgeon and Howe confirmed that they had recently reviewed the sign, inspected the bolts holding the sign in situ and ascertained that the sign could be removed. It was suggested that remedial work might need to be undertaken to the top bolts but this would be considered at a later date once the sign was removed. Cllr. Arthey confirmed that he had approached a local artist, Suzanne Perry of Brett Gallery, who would be prepared to review and ascertain whether they would be in a position to paint the sign once removed from the post. Cllr. Arthey confirmed that he would follow this up and obtain a formal quotation.

12. Parish Councillors’ Reports

Stone setts at Lindsey Tye – dislodged sett at The Old Forge triangle. The Clerk agreed to contact the contractor for remedial repairs. Mix too dry or too lean. Haunch needed to cement in the loose stone.
Minor / low level thefts in Lindsey – 2 No. at the Community Farm (tools), 1 at a residential premise (tools) and 1 at a residential premise (household goods).
Elm Cottage – is it paying council tax? The Clerk was asked to ascertain the status of the property.
Lighting of Beacon for Remembrance Sunday confirmed as 9th November – risk assessments would be undertaken.
Hedge at White Rose – Cllr. Sturgeon agreed that he would liaise with the homeowner and express the parish council’s concerns over the lack of visibility at this junction due to the overgrowth of the hedgerow.
Maple Tree on triangle by Village Hall – Cllr. Moore, as Tree Warden, agreed to review and suggest the best course of action.

13. Date of Next Meeting

To note the next meeting is scheduled as 26th November 2025 – all noted the confirmed date.

14. Close of Meeting

There being no other business the Chairman declared the meeting closed 20.44pm.

Appendix A – Report from County Councillor James Finch

Smarter, Simpler Better – ONE Suffolk What is happening? The Government is asking councils in Suffolk to simplify. There are currently six councils, leading to confusion, waste and duplication. Instead, Suffolk County Council is proposing a new single council which will be responsible for both county wide and local services.
- New District and Borough Council boundary proposals mean 3 councils and 3 sets of salaries
- District and borough councils’ new boundary proposals criticised as costly and unworkable
- Creating 3 new councils in Suffolk would lead to increased costs and carry safeguarding risks – more cost to set up, a post code lottery for essential services.
Therefore, One New Unitary Council for Suffolk is the best for the county overall. One Suffolk would replace all of the current county, district and borough councils resulting in a better use of public money.
- Simpler and Better services which are easier to contact and better co-ordinated
- Clear accountability, no more confusion about who does what
- Safer, more joined up services
- Stronger local voice for communities
- Better leadership for Suffolk
- Greater value for money
- Keeping Council Tax as low as possible.
From Parish Pews to Pixels - More than 400 years of the county’s rich historical heritage is now at your fingertips. Millions of records dating back to 1538 are now available online in Suffolk for the first time, with more additional local interest records to follow. Records digitised include full-colour, high-quality digital images of parish registers from across the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich. They include key historical moments like the 1776 baptism of the artist John Constable and the 1846 burial of abolitionist Thomas Clarkson. Until now, these baptism, marriage, confirmation, and burial records were only available on microfiche or in-person. Access will be free at The Hold in Ipswich – the home of Suffolk Archives and at Suffolk Community Libraries. Viewing from home will require an Ancestry subscription. Royalties will be used to support archive services. The project has helped preserve fragile historic documents by reducing wear and tear. Suffolk Archives were also able to carry out conservation checks during the scanning process. This project is a fantastic step forward in making Suffolk’s rich history more accessible. Whether you're overseas, have mobility challenges, or simply prefer to research from home, these records are now just a click away.
Guide published to support developers in Suffolk Suffolk County Council has updated its “Developers Guide to Infrastructure Contributions in Suffolk”, following a consultation over the summer. It has been updated and redesigned in line with the feedback and takes account of legislative and policy changes. The guide is there to support developers appreciate the myriad ways which a new project will affect local communities and its financial implications on local authorities. The guide sets out what developers should consider, including financial contributions, to help reduce the impact of new projects on communities and the county council. For example, new housing would have a knock-on effect on things like the local environment, education, waste services, local amenities, highways, and flooding, and therefore cost implications for local authorities. The “Developers Guide to Infrastructure Contributions in Suffolk” can be found on the Suffolk County Council website.
New and Improved bus services coming to Suffolk this month Further to my article last month, these routes have all been suggested by the community through the council’s “scheme on a page” initiative and have been funded through the 2025/26 Local Authority Bus Grant from Department for Transport.

These are the new local routes and changes of Bus numbers launched as from 31st August 2025

Bus Service Changes
Operator	Number	Route	Change	Commencing
Chambers	Was 90, 91, now 50	(Ipswich) -Hadleigh - Sudbury	New Sunday Sudbury – Ipswich service plus additional Sudbury – Hadleigh Mon-Sat journeys	31/8/25
Chambers	Was 84, 753, 784, now 43/X43	Bury St Edmunds – Sicklesmere – Lavenham – Acton - Sudbury – Great Cornard - Leavenheath – Stoke-by-Nayland – Nayland - Colchester	New Sunday and evening journeys for Sudbury – Colchester section. Daytime Mon-Sat services retimed to give better frequency for Stoke By Nayland and Leavenheath. All journeys via West Suffolk and Colchester hospitals.	31/8/25
Chambers	49	Acton Lane (near Health Centre) – Tesco – Chaucer Avenue bus gate – Town Centre	New Sudbury town service	1/9/25
Chambers	Was 375, now 45	Sudbury - Alpheton - Shimpling - Bury St Edmunds	Upgrade from Weds only to run Mon-Sat, route change to cover West Suffolk Hospital	1/9/25

Council remains opposed to Norwich Tilbury pylon project, as application is submitted Primarily, the county council maintains that offshore and undergrounding solutions should be priorities for the scheme, not 114 miles of pylons cutting through countryside, sensitive landscapes and communities in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex. Previously, SCC has formally and strongly requested that National Grid pauses the Norwich to Tilbury proposals, to allow for effective consideration of offshore alternatives. When the full details of National Grid’s application are published next month, we hope they reflect many of the concerns raised by us, and local communities, from consultations and discussions. The application for the Development Consent Order - essentially planning permission - was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) by National Grid on Friday 29 August. PINS has 28 days to determine whether or not to accept the application. Should it be accepted, full details of the project will then be published, with the six-month Examination period likely to begin in early 2026. If consent was then granted, construction could begin in 2027.
Virtual Fostering and Adoption Sessions for the Stour Valley Fostering is a flexible role with options for short term care from a weekend a month to longer term opportunities, all providing life-changing support for local children. If you want to find out more about what it's like to foster or adopt with us, please call a member of the team on 01473 264800.

Appendix B – Report from District Councillor Leigh Jamieson

Local Government Reform - The LGR saga goes on. While the County have decided to spend c £100,000 of taxpayer’s money on their one unitary campaign the district and borough councils have published their proposals for three unitary councils. The three proposed unitary councils have been set out as they are to ensure that there are enough people in each council to meet the governments requirements. The three unitary plan responds directly to what people across Suffolk have said they want: councils that are local, greater accountability with local councillor leadership, and provide services that understand and reflect the needs of Suffolk’s diverse communities. It also delivers value for money. Independent analysis by KPMG shows the model could unlock £34 million in annual savings, while allowing reinvestment of £20 million every year back into vital services such as social care, highways, and housing. It will:
- Put residents first, with services delivered by councils that know their communities.
- Empower town and parish councils making sure they are fully engaged in decision-making.
- Support businesses by aligning council structures with Suffolk’s real economic geography.
- Enable the voluntary and community sector to thrive through better engagement and fairer funding.
- Enable councils to continue to work together across Suffolk where there is commonality of service, through shared service arrangements for additional efficiency.
Having said all this I do wonder if there will be any changes to the governments position now that both Angela Rayner and Jim McMahon have lost their jobs. I imagine they will carry on but similarly will not be surprised if things change.
New Emergency Accommodation - As of March 2025, the councils were housing a total of 158 households in emergency accommodation, including women and children fleeing domestic abuse and vulnerable adults with complex needs who might otherwise be sleeping rough. Rising demand for temporary accommodation has seen Babergh need increase by 69 per cent. This this has led to the councils increasingly relying on bed and breakfast and hotel accommodation, costing the councils in the region of £70k each month. To reduce our reliance on high-cost B&Bs and to ensure families in need can be housed safely and appropriately, close to existing schools, jobs, friends and family rather than having to place people further away at a time of crisis the councils have agreed to invest in 30 new properties for each district to be used for temporary emergency accommodation instead.
Electrical Recycling Banks - The Council has launched a new recycling scheme for electrical items. Twelve striking new pink recycling bins can found across the district where residents can dispose of their broken electrical items. This includes things like coffee machines, kettles, mobile phones, tablets, and anything smaller than a 4-slice toaster. The closest bin to Lindsey will be located in Magdalen Road car park, Hadleigh. The scheme has been supported by £47,000 from Material Focus' Electricals Recycling Fund, a not for profit which heads up the national 'Recycle your electricals' campaign.
The Tour of Britain - It was nice to see the Tour of Britain racing through the district last week. It was unfortunate that the weather was against anyone that was out and about, but it was nice to see our lovely countryside used again for a major cycle race. Even if it did only take a few minutes to pass you by.
Celebrate our local heroes – nominate now for the 2025 Move More Awards - Public nominations are now officially open for the 2025 Move More Awards – an event that celebrates the people, groups and organisations who champion sport, physical activity, movement and social cohesion across our communities. Nominations for the awards are open until the 14th September and can be submitted on the Abbeycroft Website.

Appendix C – Briefing Notes from Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils

Three Councils For Suffolk: Big enough to deliver, local enough to care The five district and borough councils of Suffolk, Babergh, East Suffolk, Ipswich, Mid Suffolk, and West Suffolk, have launched their joint Three Unitary Councils for Suffolk proposal, a locally led plan to reshape local government and deliver stronger, more responsive services to communities across the county.
Suffolk routes revealed for opening stages of Lloyds Tour of Britain Men The two stage routes that will open this year’s Lloyds Tour of Britain Men in East Suffolk and Mid Suffolk and Babergh, have been revealed, that will see the world’s top cyclists pass through dozens of communities and cover more than 300 kilometres of Suffolk roads.
New emergency temporary accommodation for those most in need Babergh and Mid Suffolk Councils are to invest in additional temporary accommodation – helping those at risk of homelessness.
Twelve new electrical recycling banks installed in Babergh and Mid Suffolk Residents can now recycle their broken electricals at one of 12 electrical recycling banks located in the districts.
Celebrate our local heroes – nominate now for the 2025 Move More Awards Public nominations are now officially open for the 2025 Move More Awards – an event that celebrates the people, groups and organisations who champion sport, physical activity, movement and social cohesion across our communities.

Appendix D – Financial Report

Items received since the last meeting:

Income	Description	Nett	VAT	Gross	Ref
09.09.25	Babergh Payments – Precept 2 of 2	3063.50	0.00	3063.50	BACS
08.09.25	HMRC – VAT Refund	841.40	0.00	841.40	BACS
Total Income £3094.40

Items Paid out since the last meeting:

Income	Description	Nett	VAT	Gross	Ref
24.07.25	HMRC – PAYE – 1st Qtr	123.40	0.00	123.40	DD
06.08.25	Proserve – Village Triangle Enhancement	4207.00	841.40	5048.40	Bacs
Total Expenditure £5171.80

Items Authorized for Payment:

Expenditure	Description	Nett	VAT	Gross	Ref
Clerk	Clerk’s Salary & Expenses	576.70	0.00	576.70	BACS
Zurich Municipal	Insurance	304.00	0.00	304.00	BACS
Suffolkcloud	10gb mailbox storage	70.00	0.00	70.00	BACS
Roundabout Magazine	Support for the magazine	75.00	0.00	75.00	BACS
Total Expenditure £1025.70

Financial Report

Date	£
Opening Balance	23.07.25	11410.15
Add Income Received	July to September	3904.90
Less Expenditure Incurred	July to September	5171.80
Less Verified Expenditure	10.09.25	1025.70
Closing Balance	10.09.25	9117.55

Bank Reconciliation

Community Account	Statement at 10.09.25	£
Less uncleared payments		1025.70
Plus unaccredited income		0.00
Reconciled Total	As at 10.09.25	9117.55

Within the balance above are the following reserves:

(Restricted) CIL reserve - £4,478.18
Earmarked General reserve - £1,331.75
Election reserve - £ 836.59
General Fund - £2,471.03