Ferguson Way, Kesgrave, IP5 2FZ | 01473 625 179
Planning & Development
10 August 2026
6.15pm
10 August 2026
6.15pm
Ferguson Way, Kesgrave, IP5 2FZ | 01473 625 179
held on Monday 10 August 2026 in the Council Chamber, Town Council Office.
Present: Councillor Rod Gibson (Chair), Councillor Neal Beecroft-Smith, Councillor Jonathan Ogden, Councillor Avtar Athwall, Dr John Ling, Councillor Alastair Cook.
In attendance: Joanna Abbott (Town Clerk), one member of the public.
Apologies: None.
The Chair read the emergency evacuation procedure.
1. Welcome and Apologies for Absence
The Chair welcomed all those present to the meeting. It was noted that there were no apologies for absence.
2. Declarations of Interest
The following declarations of interest were made:
3. Minutes of the last Meeting held on the 13 July 2026
The minutes of the meeting held on 13 July 2026 were reviewed by the Committee.
Resolved: That the minutes of the Planning & Development Committee meeting held on 13 July 2026 be accepted as a true and accurate record. This was agreed unanimously and the minutes were duly signed by the Chair.
4. Clerks/Officer Report/Update
The Town Clerk reported that there were no matters to update, as all relevant items would be covered under other agenda items.
5. Members of the Public
The Chair welcomed the member of the public present, who confirmed that they did not wish to speak.
6. Copy Letters of Objection/In Support/Observations
The Town Clerk confirmed that no letters had been received directly by the Town Council office.
7. Schedule of Planning Proposals
The Committee considered the schedule of planning proposals as statutory consultee to the Local Planning Authority.
a. DC/26/2325/ARM, Land To The South And East Of Adastral Park Martlesham - Approval of Reserved Matters for a Primary Substation including access and landscaping and compliance with Conditions 10; 13; 17; 30a; 32; of DC/24/2810/VOC (Variation of DC/23/3984/VOC; original application DC/17/1435/OUT) Brightwell Lakes
b. DC/26/2326/ARM, Land To The South And East Of Adastral Park Martlesham - Approval of Reserved Matters for Phase 2a Infrastructure works (Highways and Drainage) and compliance with Conditions 10; 13; 17; 30a; 32 of DC/24/2810/VOC (Variation of DC/23/3984/VOC; original application DC/17/1435/OUT) Brightwell Lakes
The Committee discussed application 7a and agreed to maintain its established policy of making no comment. For application 7b, the Committee noted that Martlesham Parish Council had submitted an objection regarding the proposed use of raised tables at cycleway and footpath crossings. Members shared this concern, citing similar issues of road safety, user priority conflicts, and localised flooding experienced with such features on Main Road in Kesgrave.
Resolved: That for planning application DC/26/2325/ARM, a response of ‘no comment’ be submitted. For planning application DC/26/2326/ARM, a response be submitted in support of Martlesham Parish Council’s objection, citing concerns over highway safety, user conflict, and potential drainage issues associated with the proposed raised tables, based on local experience. This was proposed by Councillor Beecroft-Smith, seconded by Councillor Ogden and agreed unanimously.
c. DC/26/2557/TPO, 57 Ferguson Way - 1no. Group of mixed species (G001 on plan) Reduce by 0.5 metres. 1no. Group of mixed species (G001 on plan) Reduce by 0.5 metres back to fence line. 1no. Cherry (T001 on plan) Reduce in height by 1 metre and shape. 1no. Unknown species (T002 on plan) Reduce by 0.5 metres back to fence line. 1no. Apple (T003 on plan) Reduce to fence line.
Dr Ling declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item as family members live opposite the property and confirmed he would not participate in the vote. The Committee considered the application, which concerned minor maintenance works to TPO-protected trees, and agreed that the proposals were not controversial or detrimental.
Resolved: That a response of ‘no objection’ be submitted for planning application DC/26/2557/TPO. This was agreed unanimously, with Dr Ling abstaining.
d. DC/26/2456/FUL, 33 Edmonton Road - Proposed side extension to rear elevation.
Members reviewed the proposal for a side extension and found no issues, noting the plot was of sufficient size to accommodate the development.
Resolved: That a response of ‘no objection’ be submitted for planning application DC/26/2456/FUL. This was agreed unanimously.
8. Schedule of Planning Decisions
The Committee noted the planning decisions received from East Suffolk Council. Particular attention was given to application DC/26/1503/FUL (63 Main Road), which ESC had permitted despite the Town Council's objection. Members expressed significant disappointment with the decision, reiterating their view that the fence is detrimental to the street scene and sets an unwelcome precedent.
Resolved: That the Chair, on behalf of the Committee, writes to East Suffolk Council to express strong disappointment regarding the decision to permit application DC/26/1503/FUL, highlighting concerns about the adverse impact on the street scene and the concerning precedent this sets. This was proposed by the Chair, seconded by Councillor Athwall and agreed unanimously.
9. Possible Referral to Planning Committee (LPA) as opposed to Officer Delegated
The Town Clerk confirmed there were no items for referral.
10. NALC Neighbourhood Planning Survey
The Chair reported that he had reviewed the NALC survey and circulated proposed answers. The Committee agreed for the Town Clerk to complete and submit the survey. The Chair then raised concerns that the survey was inadequate for conveying the strength of feeling regarding the erosion of neighbourhood planning powers by central government. He had drafted a letter to NALC to express this disappointment.
Resolved: That the Town Clerk completes the NALC Neighbourhood Planning Survey as discussed. It was further resolved that the Chair sends the drafted letter to NALC expressing the Committee’s disappointment with the survey and the wider watering down of the principles of localism. This was proposed by the Chair, seconded by Councillor Athwall and agreed unanimously.
11. Other/Urgent Communications
The Chair brought correspondence from a resident regarding the Committee’s procedures to the attention of members. Two key suggestions were considered: firstly, that declarations of interest should be included in the formal consultation response to ESC, and secondly, that the Council should delay its consideration of applications to allow more time for public comments to be registered. The Committee reaffirmed that the correct procedure for managing interests is through declarations recorded in the public minutes, as the Council responds as a corporate body. Regarding timing, it was agreed that while the process is constrained by deadlines, the existing informal practice of the Clerk using discretion, and the Committee having the option to seek an extension from ESC for complex applications, remains appropriate. The Chair will respond to the resident to outline the Committee's position.
12. Suggestions for the Press and Social Media
No specific items were identified for inclusion in press or social media releases.
13. Next Meeting
It was noted that the next meeting would be held on Monday 24 August 2026 at 6.15pm in the Council Chamber, Town Council Offices.
14. Agenda Items for Next Meeting
No items were put forward for the next agenda.
The meeting closed at 7.04pm.
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.