Ferguson Way, Kesgrave, IP5 2FZ | 01473 625 179
Planning & Development
7 September 2026
6.15pm
7 September 2026
6.15pm
Ferguson Way, Kesgrave, IP5 2FZ | 01473 625 179
The meeting commenced at 6.15pm.
The Chair welcomed everyone to the Planning & Development Committee meeting.
Present: Councillor Neal Beecroft-Smith (Chair), Councillor Avtar Athwall, Councillor Dr John Ling, Councillor Geoff Lynch, and Councillor Jonathan Ogden.
In attendance: Joanna Abbott (Town Clerk).
Apologies: Councillor Rod Gibson and Councillor Alastair Cook.
1. Welcome and Apologies for Absence
Resolved: To accept the apologies from Councillor Rod Gibson and Councillor Alastair Cook.
2. Declarations of Interest
Councillor Beecroft-Smith, Councillor Ogden, Councillor Lynch, Councillor Athwall and Councillor Ling all declared they had no interests. The Chair noted that these could be amended at any point during the meeting.
3. Minutes of the last Meeting held on the 24 August 2026
Resolved: To accept the minutes of the meeting held on 24 August 2026 as a true and accurate record.
4. Clerks/Officer Report/Update
The Town Clerk reported that she had sent congratulations to Martlesham Parish Council on their successful acquisition of Portal Woods, noting the benefit to residents of both parishes.
The Town Clerk advised that East Suffolk Council would be holding a Town and Parish Planning Forum on Wednesday 16 September at the Melton office. The Clerk confirmed she would be attending and invited other Councillors to register their interest. In response to a query, the Clerk confirmed the forums provide updates on matters such as the local plan and new legislation.
5. Members of the Public
There were no members of the public present.
6. Copy Letters of Objection/In Support/Observations
The Town Clerk confirmed that none had been received.
7. Schedule of Planning Proposals
a. DC/26/2783/VOC, The Birches Medical Centre Twelve Acre Approach - Variation of Condition No. 2 of DC/25/3457/FUL - The construction of a 156sqm single-storey extension to an existing medical centre to provide an additional four clinical rooms, two offices/virtual consultation rooms and two meeting rooms together with reconfiguration of the existing parking and landscaping.
Members discussed the application, noting the installation of solar panels was a positive step and that the main construction was nearly complete. It was agreed that the development provided needed support for community medical services.
Resolved: To submit a recommendation of ‘No Objection’ to the LPA.
b. DC/26/2859/ADI, Land North Of Hartree Way - Illuminated Advertisement Consent - Proposed shop signage: 1 no. illuminated totem sign, 1 no. illuminated fascia sign and 1 no. illuminated wall sign.
Members raised concerns regarding the proposed illuminated signs due to the proximity of residential properties. Key issues discussed were the potential for light pollution, the brightness of the signs, their hours of operation, and whether one of the signs was for advertising purposes. It was felt that illumination should be restricted to the store's opening hours. Particular concern was noted for the sign on the side of the building which would directly face a neighbouring house.
Resolved: To submit a holding objection to the LPA. The Committee requests confirmation on the level of brightness of the proposed signs, their hours of operation, and clarification that the impact of light spillage on nearby residential properties has been fully considered before the application is permitted.
8. Schedule of Planning Decisions
The schedule of planning decisions from East Suffolk Council, including permissions granted for 11 Dodson Vale, Sinks Pit Main Road, and 37 Holly Road, was received and noted.
9. Possible Referral to Planning Committee (LPA) as opposed to Officer Delegated
There were no items for referral.
10. Other/Urgent Communications
There were no urgent communications.
11. Suggestions for the Press and Social Media
There were no items identified for press or social media.
12. Next Meeting
Noted that the next meeting will be held on Monday 21 September 2026 at 6.15pm in the Council Chamber, Town Council Offices.
13. Agenda Items for Next Meeting
No items were proposed for the next agenda.
The meeting closed at 6.30pm.
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.