Ferguson Way, Kesgrave, IP5 2FZ | 01473 625 179
Planning & Development
15 June 2026
6.15pm
15 June 2026
6.15pm
Ferguson Way, Kesgrave, IP5 2FZ | 01473 625 179
Kesgrave Town Council
Planning & Development Committee
Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 15 June 2026 at 6.15pm in the Council Chamber, Town Council Office.
Attendance
Councillors:
Rod Gibson (Chair)
Neal Beecroft-Smith
Alastair Cook
Dr John Ling
Jonathan Ogden
In Attendance:
Joanna Abbott (Town Clerk)
1. Welcome and Apologies for Absence
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies were received from Councillor Athwall.
Resolved: To accept the apologies for absence from Councillor Athwall.
2. Declaration of Interests
The following declarations of interest were made:
* Councillor Beecroft-Smith: None.
* Councillor Ogden: Non-pecuniary interest as a trustee of the scout group.
* Councillor Dr Ling: Non-pecuniary interest, noting he knows two of the objectors regarding a previously decided application at Dodson’s Vale.
* Councillor Cook: None.
* Councillor Gibson: Non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 7 (DC/26/0803/FUL, Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre), as Secretary of the Trust involved. Councillor Gibson stated he would leave the meeting for the duration of this item.
3. Minutes of the last Meeting held on the 1 June 2026
The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed.
Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on 1 June 2026 be approved and signed as a correct record.
4. Clerks/Officer Report/Update
The Town Clerk reported on the following matters:
* Suffolk County Council (SCC) Minerals and Waste Plan: A call for sites consultation is running from 15 June to 27 July 2026. This was noted for information.
* East Suffolk Council (ESC) Planning Guidance: New guidance on public involvement in planning has been released and is available on the ESC website.
* Purdis Farm Woodlands: Martlesham Parish Council has acknowledged and thanked the Town Council for its letter of support.
* Local Planning Briefing: Attendance was confirmed for the Town Clerk and Cllr Ling on 16 June, and for Cllrs Ogden and Beecroft-Smith on 22 June.
* Tree Application Responses (ESC): Responses have been received from the arboricultural officer regarding:
* Tesco Supermarket: A condition for replacement planting, including maintenance for five years, will be included in any permission granted.
* 44 Wright Lane: Following the Committee's concerns, the officer visited the site and provided a detailed report supporting the felling of the oak tree due to significant decay, a heavy lean towards the property, and the benefit to adjacent healthier trees. The Committee was satisfied that due diligence had been undertaken.
5. Members of the Public
There were no members of the public in attendance.
6. Copy Letters of Objection/In Support/Observations
The Town Clerk confirmed that no letters had been received directly by the Town Council. It was noted that public comments for the Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre application were available on the ESC planning portal.
7. Schedule of Planning Proposals
DC/26/0803/FUL, Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre Twelve Acre Approach - Padel Courts.
*Councillor Gibson declared his interest and left the meeting. The Committee considered the application.*
The Committee reviewed the noise assessment report, noting that the predicted noise levels were comparable to the existing tennis courts and within acceptable national guidelines. It was felt that the report addressed the concerns raised by objectors. The Committee also noted that the facility would be accessible to all residents, unlike the current members-only tennis club, and would provide a valuable community asset.
*Councillor Gibson returned to the meeting and resumed the Chair.*
Resolved: To reiterate the Committee's support for this application and to submit a more detailed response to the Local Planning Authority, referencing the findings of the noise assessment and addressing concerns raised in public objections.
DC/26/1559/FUL, 69 Main Road - Demolition of rear conservatory and construction of single storey extension to rear hip and gable and conversion of loft space.
The Committee considered the proposal and found it to be in keeping with the varied character of the street scene and not in breach of any planning policies.
Resolved: To recommend 'No Objection' to this application.
DC/26/1814/FUL, Peppercorn Cottage 112 Bell Lane - Construction of first floor extension and rear single storey extension.
The Committee noted that the proposed extensions were of a style common in the area and that the plot was of sufficient size to accommodate the development without adverse impact.
Resolved: To recommend 'No Objection' to this application.
DC/26/1845/FUL, 70 Bell Lane - Erection of porch extension. Change from brick to render of entire dwelling. Erection of 1.4m wall with 1.5m piers. Creation of low level storage unit for electric charging point.
The Committee had no objection to the porch, render, or storage unit. However, concerns were raised that the proposed 1.4m high boundary wall at the front of the property would be out of keeping with the established street scene on Bell Lane.
Resolved: To recommend 'Objection' to this application based on the proposed height of the front boundary wall, which is considered to be out of keeping with the street scene. The Committee has no objection to the other elements of the proposal.
8. Schedule of Planning Decisions
The Committee noted the planning decisions received from East Suffolk Council. Particular note was made of the refusal of permission for DC/26/1434/VOC at 11 Dodson’s Vale, to which this Committee had objected. The Town Clerk advised on the likely enforcement process.
9. Possible Referral to Planning Committee (LPA) as opposed to Officer Delegated
There were no items for referral.
10. Other/Urgent Communications
The Town Clerk presented the A12 consultation from Suffolk County Council. The Committee reiterated its concerns, in line with Martlesham Parish Council, regarding the proposed bus lane through Portal Avenue.
Resolved: That the Town Clerk will await the formal response from Martlesham Parish Council regarding the A12 consultation and will then submit a response on behalf of Kesgrave Town Council in support of Martlesham's position, particularly the objection to the proposed bus lane through Portal Avenue.
11. Suggestions for the Press and Social Media
No items were raised for inclusion.
12. Next Meeting
The next meeting was confirmed for Monday 29 June 2026 at 6.15pm in the Council Chamber, Town Council Offices.
13. Agenda Items for Next Meeting
No items were proposed.
The Chair thanked everyone for their attendance and contributions, and the meeting closed at 7.00pm.
Please note that the Council uses AI to transcribe audio recordings of our meetings to assist in generating minutes. These drafts undergo a thorough human review and correction process by Council staff to ensure the accuracy of the final record.