- Present
- Cllrs Richard Morris (Chair), Steve Russell (Vice Chair), Bill Woodhall, Clare Taylor, John Morgan, Mark Tomkins, Nick Harvey, Will Draper, Alison Martin (new Parish Clerk), Lainey Pace, (Minute Secretary)
- Also Present
- District Councillor Richard Winch, County Councillor Andy Mellen
District Councillor Winch raised an issue from a concerned resident regarding the multi use games area (MUGA) which is proposed to be built at the back of the Village Hall in Badwell Ash. The resident had the following concerns:
- The entrance to the Village Hall was too narrow
- There are no footways to the area
- The route is used by children
- Visibility of the site is poor and
- It is difficult for emergency vehicles to access the site
District Councillor Winch agreed to reply to the resident confirming that their concerns had been raised and duly noted. ACTION District Councillor Winch
1. Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman
1.1 To Elect a Chairman (Vice Chairman to conduct)
Councillor Russell proposed Councillor Morris to stand for the position of Chairman which was seconded by Councillor Woodhall and unanimously agreed.
1.2
Councillor Morris accepted the nomination and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.
1.3 To Elect a Vice-Chairman
Councillor Morris proposed Councillor Russell to stand for the position of Vice-Chairman which was seconded by Councillor Morgan and unanimously agreed.
1.4
Councillor Russell accepted the nomination and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.
2. Apologies
Councillor Roy Woodfine
3. Declarations of Interest and Dispensations
3.1 To receive disclosures of personal and prejudicial interests on matters to be considered at the meeting
None.
3.2 To receive and agree requests for dispensations
None.
4. Minutes
4.1 To approve and sign the minute of the previous meeting of 07 April 2026
The minute of the previous meeting held on the 7th April was agreed and signed by the Chairman.
4.2 Matters arising from the minute not covered on the agenda
None.
5. Reports from Local Councillors
5.1
County Councillor Mellen had circulated a copy of his report prior to the meeting which was duly noted and will be filed with this minute.
County Councillor Mellen reported that the Council was now in a pre-election period, with elections taking place this Thursday 7th May. He was not standing for re-election.
County Councillor Mellen is working to help the relocation of the 30mph speed sign in Richer Road.
The Parish Council thanked County Councillor Mellen for all his support.
5.2
A copy of District Councillor Winch’s report had been circulated prior to the meeting and will be filed with this minute.
Plans for a UK Ijtima to be held in July have been confirmed by organisers. This is an event for Muslims internationally to join and learn from each other. There have been a lot of unfounded scare stories about the event and MSDC have been trying to understand what is being planned.
Mid Suffolk currently only recycles 42% of waste and is not in the top 150 Councils in the UK. A new regime of recycling is due to start in June 2026. This is the biggest change in recycling in decades, and the plan is to move recycling rates into the above 60% range.
The delivery of new bins has now started with the delivery of a new blue recycling bin and the new food caddie. The bins are:
- Food waste – food caddie
- Green recycling bin – paper and card
- Blue recycling bin – glass, plastics, tetrapaks i.e. non paper recycling
- Black bin – refuse bin
Mid Suffolk’s refusal of advertising signs on the A14 junction 47 was overruled by a government inspector.
The post office in Eye is reopening. This will restore the service to the area after the previous branch closed in December 2022.
The issue of a leaking water main in Back Lane in Badwell Ash was raised. Cllrs Russell and Morgan had previously checked that Anglian Water have reports of this leakage. Residents have raised concern regarding the possibility of sink holes developing. District Councillor Winch agreed to follow this up ACTION District Councillor Winch.
6. Review of outstanding actions from last meeting
6.1 Update of Action Tracker
| Date | Ref | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02.12.2025 | 7.1 | Community Development Plan | Cllrs Morgan, Russell, Taylor, and Tomkins will work together and draft PIP. |
To be progressed ACTION Cllrs Morgan, Russell, Taylor and Tomkins
7. Parish Clerk’s Report
7.1 Residents Reports
The damaged finger post and loose anti slip mat on the footbridge on the footpath in Long Thurlow has now been repaired.
The Clerk reported a volunteer has come forward to plant up of the trug in St Mary’s Crescent in Badwell Ash. Stephen Rose has been asked to provide the compost, when this is done the volunteer will be informed it is ready for planting. ACTION Parish Clerk
7.2 County Council Election Notices
Copies of the County Council Election Notices have been posted on the Parish noticeboards.
7.3 PC domain and email addresses update
The transition to the PC’s new website domain and email addresses has taken place. There are a few glitches with emails to be addressed. ACTION The Clerk to take this up with IT Solutions.
7.4 Outgoing Parish Clerk
The new Clerk thanked the outgoing Clerk for all the support since she came into post.
8. Finance
A copy of the RFO’s report was circulated prior to the meeting and will be filed with this minute.
BACS payments for this month were checked and signed off by the Chair and Vice Chair. This has been prepared in a new format and now includes monthly income. Councillor Harvey checked and signed off the PC’s bank statement for this month.
8.1 Equipment for new Clerk
A new monitor (large) has been purchased for the new Clerk.
8.2 Green ConneXions – Grant Applications
Green ConneXions, a local volunteer group who are interested in conservation, have submitted two grant application requests. One for funding to hold a bat walk in the Parish and the second to cover the costs to undertake a bio blitz. Both applications have been reviewed and are supported by the Finance Steering Group. Both applications were unanimously agreed.
8.3 Mid Suffolk Grant – Sports Infrastructure update
The Finance Steering Group have submitted a revised Expression of Interest (EOI) to Mid Suffolk Sports Infrastructure Fund. Confirmation has been received from Mid Suffolk District Council that, following assessment from their grants panel, the EOI is eligible to proceed to a formal application to the Sports Infrastructure Fund. However, in order for the application to be considered eligible, MSDC require certain provisions to be fulfilled which are now being considered by the PC. Funding is available to cover the cost this would incur via a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) bid.
8.4 Year VAT Claim update
The 2025–26 VAT reclaim for the sum of £5,330.86 has been submitted and payment has already been received.
Councillor Taylor reported the Village Hall have asked whether they can claim back VAT on the funding granted to them by the Parish Council. Following further discussion, it was agreed that the Finance Steering Group would discuss this further. ACTION Finance Steering Group.
The RFO will present the annual financial report at the next Parish Council meeting.
9. Community Litter Pick
9.1 Litter Pick Update
The spring litter pick took place in Badwell Ash and Long Thurlow on the 18th April. Councillor Woodhall reported that a total of 12 people volunteered to help with this in Badwell Ash; 6 Parish Councillors and 6 residents. Councillor Tomkins confirmed there were a total of 4 volunteers in Long Thurlow. Councillor Woodhall confirmed that overall, Badwell Ash is a lot tidier as a result of the litter picks that Stephen Rose undertakes, thankyou Stephen.
It was noted that a lot of litter tends to be on the roads outside the village and it would be good to clear these also. These stretches are outside of the 30mph speed restriction and therefore could be an area of work undertaken by the Highways Rangers.
10. MUGA (Multi Use Games Area)
Discussed under item 8.3.
11. Traffic management and road safety
11.1 Traffic calming measures – update
County Councillor Mellen has committed to SCC funding £3,500 from his locality budget towards the costs of relocating the 30mph speed sign in Richer Road so that it will stand in advance of the Hartog Hutton development. However, this funding is not guaranteed long term. Councillor Russell will hold a meeting with the Suffolk Highways Engineer together with Councillors Morgan and Taylor to move this matter forward as soon as possible. ACTION Cllrs Russell, Morgan and Taylor.
The speed cameras for Richer Road and Walsham Road will be located in due course.
12. Village Assets – Update
12.1 Playground Inspection report and discussion
A copy of the Annual Playground Inspection report produced by the Play Inspection Company on behalf of MSDC was circulated prior to the meeting. The findings of the report were duly noted and a copy of the report will be filed with the minute. The Clerk was asked to forward a copy of the report to the playground installation company. ACTION Parish Clerk
Councillor Draper agreed to undertake the inspection for this month.
12.2 Tennis Table graffiti
It was reported that Stephen Rose has had difficulty removing the graffiti on the table tennis table. Parish Clerk to investigate solvent removers. ACTION Parish Clerk
12.3 Dog and Litter Bins
A count of the dog and litter bins in the Parish has been undertaken and recorded.
12.4 Pride of Place update
Councillor Tomkins reported that the new benches should be delivered next week and the covered shelter the month after.
13. Environment
13.1 Pair of Hornbeams for planting
Stephen Rose has offered the PC 2 Hornbeam trees which have been given to the PCC by the Bishop. Following further discussion it was agreed that Green ConneXions might like to take this forward and Councillor Tomkins will pass this on to them. ACTION Cllr Tomkins
Richard Parmee of BMSDC has emailed asking the PC to identify areas for tree planting within the Parish. It was agreed that this should be held over to next year, once the MUGA (multi use games area) has been built. In the meantime, the Clerk was asked to put an article in the Broadsheet asking Parishioners for their suggestions. ACTION Parish Clerk
14. Planning
14.1 Report by Badwell Ash BAPAAG
| Application Number | Property | Summary Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Pre Consultation – DC/26/01332 | Land South of Wyverstone Road, Badwell Ash, Suffolk. Application for Agricultural Determination | Application to determine if Prior Approval is required for a (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 as amended Schedule 2, Part 6, Class A – Excavation of clay soil to form an irrigation storage reservoir. Assessment: Majority of 8:1 councillors agreed that Badwell Ash Parish Council should ask Mid Suffolk Planning Department to mandate a formal Planning Application for this development so that they and residents can have a say. |
| Pre Consultation – DC/26/01441 | Land to South of Wyverstone Road, Long Thurlow, Badwell Ash, Suffolk Application for Agricultural Determination | Application to determine if Prior Approval is required for a Proposed: Formation, Alteration or Maintenance of Private Ways for Agricultural or Forestry Use. Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 as amended Schedule 2, Part 6 – Construction of improved access track. Assessment: This is already on the MSDC Planning Portal and available for comment. |
Pre Consultation DC/26/01332 The Badwell Ash Planning Application Assessment Group recommend that the PC asks MSDC to mandate a formal Planning Application for this development so that the PC and residents have an opportunity to comment on this application.
Pre Consultation DC/26/01441 has been before MSDC Planning Committee and formal approval has been refused.
15. Place-names
15.1 Proposal SN/26/00117/SN: New Development at Land West of The Street, Badwell Ash, Suffolk – Buryford Meadows
This proposal relates to suggestions for naming the meadow in this new development. Councillor Harvey suggested naming the meadow after Hester Payne, who was a long term resident in Badwell Ash who was well respected and involved in the village. ACTION Cllr Harvey to write a brief outline of her history.
16. Village Hall Matters
16.1 Update from VHC representative
A copy of the report prepared by Richard Lock, VHC was circulated prior to the meeting and was duly noted and will be filed with the minute. There is a new VHC consisting of;
- Chair Ed Walsh
- Vice Chair Pete Dixon
- Treasurer Sharon Phillips
- Hall Manager Richard Lock
- Publicity/events Chloe Foreman
- New member Tracie Grey
So far the VHC have set up an improved online diary system for bookings; had emergency lighting installed and sorted out simplified key access to the Hall. Steps are planned to restrict lines of the CCTVs retaining cameras for overview of common areas.
The VHC are working on getting more people to use the VH, keeping their costs down and are looking forward to working with the Parish Council.
16.2 BAVH signed accounts year end 31st December 2025
A copy of the BAVH signed accounts for year end 31st December were circulated prior to the meeting, duly noted and are filed with the minute.
16.3 Emergency Lighting – update
Pete Dixon, VHC representative confirmed that emergency lighting has now been installed in the Village Hall and the VHC thanks the PC for their grant funding for this.
16.4 Playground goalposts – update
The goal posts at the back of the Village Hall are in poor condition and the VHC would like to replace these.
Councillor Tomkins had drawn up a ‘memorandum of understanding’ document. The purpose of the document is to give clarity to the current working relationship between Badwell Ash VHC and the Badwell Ash Parish Council and the aim is to help cement the proactive and positive relationship between both parties. This document has been reviewed and commented on by the Chairs and Vice Chairs of both the VHC and the PC at a recent meeting. This document now needs to be signed by both parties. ACTION Cllr Tomkins
17. Communications & Social Media
17.1 Facebook access by new Clerk
This has been undertaken and the new Clerk is now managing the PC Facebook page.
17.2 Key communication messages from meeting
The following messages were agreed:-
- Update on the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) – ACTION Cllr Harvey
- The outcome of the Spring litter pick – ACTION Cllr Woodhall
The next edition of the Broadsheet is due and the front cover will be a photo of the Badwell Ash Running Club. It will also include an article on the Classic and Vintage Car Show held in August last year at Badwell Hall. The Show was in aid of Cancer Research and a formal presentation of the monies raised from this event will be presented to Cancer Research on 8th May.
18. To approve and sign the minutes of the previous meeting held in confidence
Not applicable.
19. Matters arising from the minute
Not applicable.
Dates of future meetings 2026
| 2nd June | 7th July | 4th August (If needed) | 1st September |
| 6th October | 3rd November | 1st December |
Signed …………………………………………………. pp Councillor Richard Morris (Chair)
Appendix 1
BACS Payments for Authorisation - May 2026
| Expenditure | |
|---|---|
| Lorraine Pace Wages - April 2026 | £97.50 |
| SALC SALC Membership 2026-27 | £430.82 |
| IEC Noise Model / Report - MUGA | £342.00 |
| Alison Martin Clerk Expences - Milk | £5.80 |
| whitelTsolutions Set up new gov.uk emails on site at BAVH | £70.00 |
| whitelTsolutions Set up New Clerk Details etc | £79.00 |
| Curry's (A Martin) Expences - New Monitors | £119.00 |
| Badwell Ash Village Hall BAPC Grant - Emergency Lighting | £2,370.00 |
| Alison Martin Clerk April - Wages | £655.28 |
| Tavid Dobson April - Wages | £983.02 |
| HMRC TD Tax/Nic | £591.45 |
| SALC New Clerk Training | £126.00 |
| Stephen Rose Street Cleaner April 26 | £108.00 |
| £5,968.87 |
| Income | |
|---|---|
| 13-Apr-26 Mid Suffolk District Council Precept Part 1 | £18,323.50 |
| 13-Apr-26 Mid Suffolk District Council CIL Parish Payment | £37,093.67 |
| 22-Apr-26 VAT Refund 2025-26 | £5,330.86 |
| £60,748.03 |
Neighbourhood Plan Finances
Balance Carried Forward 2025/2026 -£880.93
Sign ……………………………………… Print Name RA Mellen
Sign ……………………………………… Print Name S Russell