Ferguson Way, Kesgrave, IP5 2FZ | 01473 625 179
Planning & Development
24 August 2026
6.15pm
24 August 2026
6.15pm
Ferguson Way, Kesgrave, IP5 2FZ | 01473 625 179
KESGRAVE TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 24 AUGUST 2026 AT THE TOWN COUNCIL OFFICE, FERGUSON WAY, KESGRAVE.
Present:
In attendance:
Apologies: None received.
The meeting commenced at 6.15pm. The Chair took the emergency evacuation procedure statement as read.
1. Welcome and Apologies for Absence
The Chair welcomed all attendees. The Town Clerk confirmed that no apologies for absence had been received.
2. Declarations of Interest
The Chair invited declarations of interest. Councillors Beecroft-Smith, Ogden, Dr Ling, Athwall, Cook, and Gibson all declared none.
3. Minutes of the last Meeting held on the 10 August 2026
The minutes of the meeting held on 10 August 2026 were considered.
Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on 10 August 2026 be signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record. The vote was unanimous.
4. Clerks/Officer Report/Update
The Town Clerk advised that there were no updates at this time.
5. Members of the Public
The Chair noted that no members of the public were in attendance.
6. Copy Letters of Objection/In Support/Observations
The Town Clerk noted that two comments regarding application 7a had been submitted via the Local Planning Authority's online portal.
7. Schedule of Planning Proposals
a. DC/26/2643/FUL, 78 Penzance Road - Single storey rear extension and re-roofing existing garage with new pitched roof, and proposed cart lodge.
The Committee discussed the proposal. While the scale and design were deemed acceptable and in keeping with the area, members noted concerns raised by a neighbour regarding the extension's proximity to the boundary line. It was commented that the plans lacked sufficient detail to confirm the exact distance from the boundary, which could be a material planning consideration relating to residential amenity.
Resolved: To recommend 'No Objection' in principle to the scale and design. However, the Committee wishes to draw the Local Planning Authority's attention to the neighbour's comments regarding the proximity of the proposed build to the boundary, as the submitted plans lack clarity on this matter. The vote was unanimous.
b. DC/26/2051/FUL, Foxhall Stadium Foxhall Road - Construction of access [part retention of].
The Committee considered the application, noting that a formal Highways response was not yet available, but an objection from the Public Rights of Way team had been registered. Members agreed that the proposal supports a significant local business and leisure facility, which is in alignment with the Kesgrave Neighbourhood Plan. It was also noted that moving the access could reduce traffic impact on nearby residential properties.
Resolved: To recommend 'Support' for the application, on the grounds that it supports local business, employment, and leisure facilities in line with the Kesgrave Neighbourhood Plan. The Committee trusts that the Local Planning Authority will give full consideration to statutory responses from Highways and Public Rights of Way. The vote was unanimous.
c. DC/26/2860/FUL, Site of Former 66 Bell Lane - Construction of two self-build dwellings with shared access.
The Committee noted this was a revised application for a development it had previously seen.. As there were no material changes to the footprint or overall design, the previous position was maintained.
Resolved: To maintain the previous recommendation of 'No Objection'. The vote was unanimous.
8. Schedule of Planning Decisions
The schedule of planning decisions from East Suffolk Council for applications DC/26/2247/FUL and DC/26/2103/FUL, which were both permitted, was received and noted.
9. Possible Referral to Planning Committee (LPA) as opposed to Officer Delegated
The Town Clerk confirmed there were no items for referral.
10. Other/Urgent Communications
The Town Clerk provided an update on the proposed active travel scheme for the A1214 Main Road/Woodbridge Road, following discussions with County Councillor Alistair Jeffreys. The Committee expressed significant concern regarding the proposal to narrow the carriageway to accommodate a shared cycle and footway.
Members unanimously opposed the narrowing of the road, citing its critical function as an arterial route into Ipswich, its frequent use by emergency services, and its essential role as a diversion route during closures of the Orwell Bridge. It was felt that narrowing the road would severely impact traffic flow and cause major congestion. Furthermore, members commented that experience shows many competent cyclists would not use a shared path and would continue to use the main carriageway, thus negating the benefit of the scheme while creating additional traffic problems.
The Committee requested that the Town Clerk formulate a robust response to Suffolk County Council outlining these objections and requesting that any proposals be supported by comprehensive traffic and user data, which appears to be currently lacking.
11. Suggestions for the Press and Social Media
Members were reminded to send any suggestions to the Town Clerk.
12. Next Meeting
The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Monday 7 September 2026 at 6.15pm in the Council Chamber. It was noted that Councillor Neal Beecroft-Smith would act as Chair for this meeting.
13. Agenda Items for Next Meeting
Members were reminded to submit any proposed agenda items to the Town Clerk.
The meeting closed at 6.56pm.
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.