- Present
- Cllr Bilverstone, Cllrs Riddick, Walton, Pugson, Moffat
- Also present
- 4 members of the public, Clerk
1. Welcome and Apologies
Cllr Bilverstone welcomed everyone to the meeting and reminded everybody present that the meeting may be recorded. Apologies were received from Cllr Andrew Speed.
- Councillors Pugson and Riddick declared they had an interest in item 1. DC/25/1621/HH – Glebe Cottage Troston. There were no updates to Councillors register of members interest’s form.
- No written requests for dispensation were received.
2. Minutes
The minutes of the Council meeting on Monday 6th October 2025 were agreed, approved and signed to stand as an accurate record of the meeting.
3. Report from RAF Honington
The Clerk reported that RAF Honington have not appointed a community liaison officer as yet. The Station warden advised there will be the possibility of increased noise levels from low flying aircraft for up to 2 weeks commencing 10th November 2025.
4. Meeting Open for Questions from the Public – 15 Minutes Total
A member of the public asked if new members could be admitted to join the village Facebook page. The Parish Council do not administer the page but will ask the moderators to check for new member requests.
5. Report from County Councillor Rebecca Hopfensperger
Cllr Hopfensperger was not at the meeting.
6. Report from Borough Councillor Andrew Speed
Cllr Speed had sent his apologies.
7. Planning Applications
- DC/25/1621/HH - Glebe Cottage
Cllrs Pugson and Riddick did not take part in these discussions. Councillors reviewed the documents relating to the application and after discussion Cllr Bilverstone proposed supporting, Cllr Walton seconded. Unanimously agreed by the 3 remaining Councillors.
- DC/25/1661/TPO - Maple House, Woodsdale Grove
Councillors reviewed the documents relating to the application, the Clerk advised the West Suffolk Council Tree Officer would inspect the trees. After discussion Cllr Bilverstone proposed following the recommendations of the Tree Officer, Cllr Riddick seconded. Unanimously agreed.
8. Update on Tree Wardens for the Village
The Clerk advised that she is in discussions with a resident in the village.
9. Council to Consider a Parish Council Surgery Once a Month During Coffee Mornings at the Village Hall
Cllr Bilverstone proposed offering the residents the opportunity to chat to a member of the Parish Council at the village hall during the new coffee mornings sponsored by a warm spaces grant. They could discuss any ideas or concerns relating to the village. Cllr Walton seconded. It was agreed unanimously to proceed with this. The coffee morning will be held between 10 – 12am on the following Fridays: November 7th and 21st, December 5th and 19th, and January 9th and 23rd offering free drinks and biscuits.
10. Playground/Playing Field
- To consider the playground inspection report and note any actions
Cllrs agreed to proceed with repairs to the grass matting at the launch point of the zipwire, the log climber and foundations of the slide. Cllr Bilverstone proposed a budget of £200, seconded by Cllr Riddick, unanimously agreed.
- Zipwire update
Council to consider the cost of attaching batons to the ramp and if this will still meet regulations. The Clerk had circulated quotes to provide batons to make the ramp more accessible. The manufacturer advised careful consideration as this adaptation will make the structure more accessible to younger children although it would still meet all regulations. Cllrs discussed and agreed unanimously not to make this adaptation due to the cost.
- Biodiversity/environmental considerations
Cllr Bilverstone advised that the hedge saplings have arrived ready for planting and it was agreed to meet on Saturday 15th November 9am – 11am to plant them. Cllr Bilverstone will include in the newsletter and on the Facebook page advising volunteers would be welcome. Cllr Bilverstone is working on more ideas for the playing field.
11. Village Matters/Maintenance
- To receive any updates regarding the village website
Cllr Pugson advised that the village book link should now be working.
- Troston Wood update
Cllr Pugson would like to thank Richard Balaam for the donation of the daffodil bulbs and all those who attended to plant them. It will be lovely to see them in the spring.
12. Finance
- The Clerk provided a schedule of payments which were agreed and approved unanimously.
- The Clerk had circulated prior to the meeting bank reconciliations for both Current and Savings accounts which were agreed and approved unanimously.
- Actual spend against budget report was circulated prior to the meeting, Councillors had no questions.
- Clerks Report
The Clerk will circulate the minutes of a meeting held in October with Suffolk County Councils Highways and a number of Parish Councils to discuss rural village concerns. The Clerk attended the Parish and Town Council Forum at West Suffolk House where topics discussed were the new recycling scheme that will launch in 2026 and the hope to provide training on planning.
13. Councillors Reports and Items for Future Agenda
Cllr Pugson reported that a resident had asked about a tree growing into telephone lines at the start of the path to Pear Tree Close. The Clerk will report to Openreach. Cllr Pugson asked about renewing the Neighbourhood Watch scheme signs in the village and it was agreed to add to the agenda for December.
14. Correspondence for Action or Information
None
15. Date of the Next Meeting
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 2nd December 2025 at 7pm.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.50pm.