Ferguson Way, Kesgrave, IP5 2FZ | 01473 625 179
Full Council
29 June 2026
7.15pm
29 June 2026
7.15pm
Ferguson Way, Kesgrave, IP5 2FZ | 01473 625 179
Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on Monday 29 June 2026 at 7.15pm in the Council Chamber, Town Council Office, Ferguson Way, Kesgrave.
These minutes are subject to approval at the next Town Council meeting.
Councillors: Rod Gibson (Vice-Chair in the Chair), Avtar Athwall, Alan Comber, Alastair Cook, Dr John Ling, Geoff Lynch, Jonathan Ogden.
Officers: Joanna Abbott (Town Clerk), Angela Dougall (Responsible Financial Officer).
In Attendance: Alistair Jeffreys (Suffolk County Councillor).
The meeting commenced at 7.15pm.
The Chair read the emergency evacuation procedure.
1. Welcome and Apologies for Absence
The Vice-Chair, Councillor Rod Gibson, welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies for absence were received from the Chair, Councillor Neal Beecroft-Smith.
Resolved: It was unanimously agreed to accept the reason for absence for Councillor Neal Beecroft-Smith.
The Clerk reported apologies for absence from Councillor Glenn Ward (personal reasons). Notes of absence were also recorded for Councillor Debbie McCallum and Councillor Stuart Lawson.
2. Declarations of Interest
a. To receive, any interests, (these can be made at any point during the meeting).
Declarations were made as follows:
Councillor Rod Gibson – None.
Councillor Jonathan Ogden – None.
Councillor Dr John Ling – None.
Councillor Geoff Lynch – None.
Councillor Alan Comber – Item 8. Non Precuniary - Scout Leader and Rupert Fison Centre Director
Councillor Avtar Athwall – None.
Councillor Alastair Cook – None.
b. Change to Register of Interest: home address disclosure – to note.
The Clerk advised that from 29 June, Councillors are no longer legally required to show their residential address on the publicly accessible register of interests. The Council has already removed home addresses from the KTC public list, which will now show the Town Council office address. The Clerk confirmed she would circulate an email with full details of the new process.
3. Minutes of the Annual Town Council meeting held on the 11 May 2026
The minutes of the Annual Town Council meeting held on 11 May 2026 were proposed by Councillor Rod Gibson and seconded by Councillor Geoff Lynch as a true and accurate record.
Resolved: The minutes were unanimously approved and duly signed by the Vice-Chair.
4. Chairman's Communication
The Vice-Chair reported that the Chair, Councillor Neal Beecroft-Smith, had no specific items to cover. The Vice-Chair asked that the Council record its congratulations to the Events & Estates Manager, Jennie Catling, and all staff, operatives and councillors involved in delivering a fantastic Fun Day. He also commended the excellent drone videos shared on social media which showcased the event very well.
5. Clerks/Officer Report/Update
The Town Clerk reported on several matters:
6. Members of the Public
The Vice-Chair noted that County Councillor Alistair Jeffreys was present and would be speaking under Agenda Item 7.
7. County and District Councillor Reports
The Council received reports from County and District Councillors.
County Councillor Alistair Jeffreys provided an update on several topics, including a meeting with the cycling, walking, and wheeling partnership regarding potential improvements. Key points included advocating for an improved cycle route from Rushmere to Ipswich, raising the issue of the potential sale of Portal Woods, and highlighting the need for better maintenance of existing cycle routes. A discussion followed regarding specific issues on local cycle paths, including the need for better signage, surfaces, and enforcement of parking restrictions, particularly around Kesgrave High School. The need for secure cycle storage in Ipswich was also raised as a barrier to cycling into the town.
Councillor Jeffreys also updated the Council on the legal challenge to the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), noting the SCC Cabinet had agreed to continue the challenge based on procedural grounds.
District Councillor Geoff Lynch reported on two meetings attended. He noted that the primary issue raised by residents continues to be the new waste collection service ('bins'). He reiterated his concerns, previously raised at Scrutiny meetings, that the move to a four-day collection week with a 37% increase in collections was unworkable. He also reported on the 'call for sites' being undertaken by East Suffolk Council, questioning the logic of proceeding with a five-year process when the council will cease to exist under LGR. It was noted that this view had been expressed by the Town Council's Planning & Development Committee.
8. Finance & Governance
a. Committee meeting minutes 1 June 2026
The minutes of the Finance & Governance Committee meeting held on 1 June 2026 were received and noted.
b. Schedule of Accounts
The lists of payments and receipts for the period 1 April 2026 to 31 May 2026 were presented. The RFO highlighted significant payments for the new pump track (CCTV, ground preparation, furniture) and annual Service Level Agreements.
Resolved: The schedule of payments and receipts for April and May 2026 were unanimously approved.
c. Transfer from the KTC Card Payments Account to Current Account March 2026 to May 2026
Resolved: The transfer from the card payments account to the current account for March to May 2026 was unanimously approved.
d. Internal Audit Report 2025-26
The year-end Internal Audit Report was received. It was noted that the auditor was happy with the Council's procedures, using the word 'excellent' in the report, and that there were no recommendations for action.
Resolved: The Internal Audit Report for 2025-26 was unanimously approved.
e. Annual Return year ended 31 March 2026 (AGAR Form 3)
The Council considered the Annual Return for the year ended 31 March 2026.
Resolved: It was proposed by Councillor Geoff Lynch, seconded by Councillor Jonathan Ogden and unanimously agreed that in the absence of the Chair, the Vice-Chair is authorised to sign the Annual Return on behalf of the Town Council.
The RFO presented the supporting documents. The Supporting Statement, Summary of Performance against Budget, Balance Sheet, Income & Expenditure Account and S137 Report were agreed.
The Council then considered Section 1 - Annual Governance Statement 2025-26. Each of the ten assertions was considered in turn and agreed. For Assertion 10, the Council confirmed it was satisfied that effective IT and data management arrangements were in place, including the use of gov.uk emails, website accessibility compliance, GDPR compliance as evidenced by the data map, and an up-to-date IT policy.
Resolved: It was proposed by Councillor Geoff Lynch, seconded by Councillor Dr John Ling, and unanimously agreed to approve Section 1 of the Annual Return.
The Council then considered Section 2 - Accounting Statements for 2025-26.
Resolved: It was proposed by Councillor Geoff Lynch, seconded by Councillor Dr John Ling, and unanimously agreed to approve Section 2 of the Annual Return.
The supporting documents for the External Auditor were noted. The Vice-Chair recorded the Council's immense gratitude to the RFO, Angela Dougall, for her fantastic work in ensuring the Council remains compliant.
f. Confirmation of the dates of the period for the exercise of public rights form
The period for the exercise of public rights was confirmed as Wednesday 1 July to Tuesday 11 August 2026.
Resolved: The dates were unanimously approved for publication on the website and noticeboard.
g. CIL Reports as at 31 March 2026
The CIL reports were reviewed. It was noted that no CIL was received or spent in 2025-26 and the balance carried forward is £46,688.13.
Resolved: The CIL reports as at 31 March 2026 were unanimously approved.
h. Flagstone Saving Account
An update on the Flagstone Savings Account was received. It was noted that since the account was opened, it is due to accrue £58,662.74 in interest, with a current total balance of £863,812.74.
i. Asset Register, Inventory List and Summary of Additions/Disposals as at 31 March 2026
Resolved: The Asset Register, Inventory List and Summary of Additions/Disposals as at 31 March 2026 were unanimously approved.
j. Ear-Marked Reserves as at 31 March 2026
The schedule of Ear-Marked Reserves was considered. It was confirmed that these reserves remain under review for the current year.
Resolved: The Ear-Marked Reserves as at 31 March 2026 were unanimously approved.
9. Planning & Development
a. Committee meeting minutes 11 May 2026, 1 and 15 June 2026
The minutes of the Planning & Development Committee meetings held on 11 May, 1 June and 15 June 2026 were received and noted.
10. Community & Recreation
a. Committee meeting minutes 15 June 2026
The minutes of the Community & Recreation Committee meeting held on 15 June 2026 were received and noted.
b. Kesgrave, Rushmere St Andrew, Martlesham, Carlford and Fynn Valley Community Partnership meeting, Tuesday 19 May 2026
The action notes from the Community Partnership meeting were received and noted. The Clerk, who attended, had nothing further to add.
c. ESC Land Adoption
The Clerk provided an update, confirming that the officer at East Suffolk Council has put the land transfer forward for consideration at the July ESC Cabinet meeting. The outcome is awaited.
d. Kesgrave SID; data from new site in Dobbs Lane
The Council noted the data from the Speed Indication Device (SID) located in Dobbs Lane. It was noted that the new Estate Operative Co-ordinator has taken over the management of the SIDs. A discussion took place regarding data interpretation, traffic volumes, and the potential for anomalous readings due to local building works or incorrect calibration. It was noted that ongoing data collection across multiple sites will provide a clearer picture over time.
e. AFC Kesgrave, The Hollies Project
The Clerk outlined the situation regarding AFC Kesgrave's project at The Hollies, which requires £300,000 to construct a car park to the standard required by their planning consent. Without this funding, the project cannot proceed. The club has requested the Town Council's support in their application for CIL funding from East Suffolk Council. Councillors discussed the project, noting concerns around governance and long-term financial viability, but also acknowledging the shortage of football facilities in the area. It was agreed to offer support in principle to assist their CIL application, without making a financial commitment at this stage.
Resolved: It was proposed by Councillor Rod Gibson, seconded by Councillor Alan Comber and unanimously agreed that the Clerk will write to the East Suffolk Council CIL bid team to confirm that Kesgrave Town Council is supportive in principle of the AFC Kesgrave Hollies Project.
f. Land Acquisition from Kesgrave Covenant Ltd
The Vice-Chair reported that the transfer of the final phase of land from Kesgrave Covenant Ltd was ready to complete. This includes significant areas such as two-thirds of Dobbs Wood and the land surrounding the Computer Monument, which are being transferred at no cost to the Council other than legal fees. It was noted this was a fantastic development for the town.
Resolved: It was proposed by Councillor Geoff Lynch, seconded by Councillor Alan Comber and unanimously agreed to proceed with the final land transfer from Kesgrave Covenant Ltd.
11. Local Council Award Scheme
The Clerk confirmed there were no further updates at this time.
12. Community Engagement Improvement Plan
The interim report on the Community Engagement Improvement Plan was received. The Vice-Chair commended the outstanding progress made in a short time, particularly on the new website and social media integration. He extended thanks to the Town Clerk and her team, and to the Chair, for their exceptional work. It was noted that this document would be key for the Local Council Award Scheme application.
Resolved: It was proposed by Councillor Alan Comber, seconded by Councillor Jonathan Ogden and unanimously agreed to approve the report.
13. Devolution/Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
The Clerk reported that the 'Future Suffolk' website, a central source for factual information on LGR, is now live. A link will be added to the LGR page on the Town Council's website.
14. Other/Urgent Communications
The Council discussed the potential purchase of Portal Woods by Martlesham Parish Council (MPC). It was noted that while there is strong support in principle for preserving the woodland, which is used by many Kesgrave residents, MPC has not yet made a formal request for financial support. A discussion was held on whether the Town Council could legally provide a loan or a donation. It was agreed to await formal clarification from MPC on what support they are requesting, and for the Clerk to continue her enquiries with the Suffolk Association of Local Councils (SALC) regarding the legality of providing a donation and or loan.
15. Date of Next Meeting
The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Monday 27 July 2026 at 7.15pm.
16. Agenda Items for Next Meeting
No items were raised.
17. Resolution to exclude the Public under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960
Resolved: It was proposed by Councillor Rod Gibson, seconded by Councillor Dr John Ling and unanimously agreed to exclude the public and press from the remainder of the meeting due to the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.
The meeting closed at 8.49pm.
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.