DISTRICT NEWS (September 2014)
Rewiew the planning process - the objective of the review is to speed-up the whole process, so that low-complexity applications (the majority) can be passed on a predominantly ‘tick-box’ basis, unless there are local objections; this will leave more time for the more complicated applications. For these latter it is expected that there will be increased emphasis on pre-application activities and local consultation. A new software system will accompany the new processes, the main impact being that all consultation will be done on an electronic (rather than a paper) basis. We expect that prints of plans will still be available on request but details have still to be worked out. There is no published definitive timescale for all of this but we would expect that we should see an announcement of the revised processes by end-2014.
‘Back to basics’ review of activities -to assess the extent to which current activities contribute to the recently identified priority BDC outcomes, and if these activities could be done more effectively /efficiently. Also later to see if there are other things that should be done - which currently are not - which would help the priority outcomes. Results expected during late-Autumn.
Accommodation Review -there is a review being undertaken at the moment recommend in general terms what should happen to the existing buildings (Hadleigh and Needham Market), but there is a lot of other work still to be done after that, eg - looking at impacts on the local economy of any change, what new office facilities are required to support contact with the local population as well as back-office activities, as well as knock-on impacts of the above ‘Back to Basics’ activity review. Ie, don’t expect an announcement any time soon!
BERNERS
Freston Cross Roads -A reminder that Freston Parish Council have organised a public meeting to discuss Freston cross-roads, on Friday 5th September. Cllr Graham Newman- Cabinet Member for Roads, Transport & Planning at SCC has kindly agreed to attend a meeting to discuss this topic. The meeting will start at 19:00 in Freston Village Hall, which will be open from 18:40 for tea/coffee. This is a section of the B1456 that we all have contact with on a regular basis. Support at the meeting would be very helpful to show that the community cares.
Speeding in Woolverstone -there have recently been a number of cars caught speeding on the B1456 in Woolverstone. Please spread the word and encourage road users of the need to drive carefully at all times on this busy road.
SUFFOLK & NATIONAL
Benefit & Money Talk -Ipswich CAB are giving a series of talks this autumn about benefit entitlements. Of interest to our ward is the session on Friday 17th October (10:30-12:00 in Chelmondiston Village Hall).
Exploring the countryside - whilst the good weather lasts why not find time to visit a part of our beautiful county that you don’t know or have not visited for some time. The ‘Discover Suffolk’ website has lots of ideas; see -http://www.discoversuffolk.org.uk/exploring-the-countryside.aspx
Volunteering opportunities - AONBs.
Tony Roberts Tony.Roberts@babergh.gov.uk (01473-787 185)
John Deacon John.Deacon@babergh.gov.uk (01473-780 819)
District Councillors for Berners* Ward
We are extremely fortunate to live so close to two (AONB-designated) areas of outstanding scenic and wildlife value. To protect and maintain these areas requires a lot of effort, and volunteers are always being sought. This is a great opportunity to get out and about in the countryside, and at the same time make a valuable contribution to these assets of National importance. For volunteering opportunities see - http://www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org/get-involved/volunteering/ * [comprising the parishes of Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Freston, Shotley & Woolverstone.]