Social Value Ideas for Babergh District Council

Birds of prey attraction approved

The committee approved a full planning application to change arable land into a birds of prey display experience and small reptile exhibit, with visitor parking, aviaries and reception buildings. Offi…

“Thank you, chair. Good morning, members. Um, this application is DC25 04984. um a full planning application at Orly End in Lorshaw for the change of u…”

Industrial office conversion refused

A prior approval application to convert first-floor offices above an industrial unit in Sudbury into residential accommodation was refused. Officers concluded the proposal failed noise and industrial-…

“So this is class MA prior approval. Uh, conversion of offices to a self-build dwelling. Um, as self build is not one of the prior approval matters can…”

Highways refusal threshold clarified

Officers repeatedly relied on National Planning Policy Framework paragraph 116 and Suffolk County Council highways advice to explain that refusal on highway grounds requires a severe or unacceptable i…

“Thank you, Councillor. Um so, Suffolk County Council have considered that the impact would not be severe and therefore the MPPF only prescribes that r…”

Neighbourhood plan funding

The council agreed alternative funding of up to £20,000 to support groups preparing neighbourhood plans after government support was withdrawn. This is a direct spending decision linked to planning su…

“Following the government's withdrawal of financial and technical support for neighborhood plans, we have now agreed alternative funding of up to £20,0…”

Affordable housing mix contested

Members and officers discussed the affordable housing mix on Phase 4, including concern about the high proportion of two-bedroom affordable units and the limited number of larger affordable homes. Off…

“The strategic housing team have raised concerns over the high number of two-bedroom affordable units on this phase. Um they feel that along with the f…”

Temporary moves policy approved

Cabinet approved a temporary moves policy to cover decants and temporary rehousing when tenants must leave homes due to fire, flood, or other issues. The policy is intended to formalise existing pract…

“Um I'm going to introduce these next four items all together. Um we're bringing in front of you today four house four new housing policies for approva…”

Bungalows sought in future phases

Members repeatedly pressed for bungalows to address local need and an ageing population. The developer said bungalows are being considered for later, lower-density phases 5 and 6, but made no firm com…

“Disappointed, no bungalows. >> And I think this has cropped up before, hasn't it, at meetings? >> Many times. >> Yeah. So, um Taylor Wimpey have said …”

Good neighbourhood toolkit

Cabinet approved the good neighbourhood management policy, which supports early intervention on low-level neighbour disputes before they escalate into antisocial behaviour. The policy is backed by a g…

“One of the things you agree to from this policy is actually we have a good neighborhood toolkit which has come off the back of it as well which was ki…”

Roofing tender to relaunch

The housing service is re-starting the roofing procurement because the previous contractor, Breer, went into liquidation before works began. Officers said the tender is about to go back out under the …

“We are in the process of um securing a new a new roofing contractor. We did appoint a new contractor last year. Um that was a company called Breer who…”

Kitchens and bathrooms retender

A separate kitchens and bathrooms workstream is also being taken back out to tender. Officers said they are working through the planned works capital programme and are using procurement protections su…

“Um so kitchens and bathrooms is another another work stream that is going out to tender at the minute. Currently we're working on an old contract. you…”