Hopkins Homes/Loraine Way, 49 Dwellings
The Planning Inspectorate has dismissed the appeal made by Hopkins Homes against the refusal to build 49 dwellings off Loraine Way. In her report, she said: “The public benefits do not outweigh the harm I have found to the Heritage assets”. An article was published in the local press on 24 December 2020 giving details of the decision. The parish council had been against the development which had been added to the Local Plan but also rejected by its planning committee! The parish council will be asking Babergh to withdraw it.

Neighbourhood Plan Update
The final draft is nearing completion and will be sent to Ian Poole, the advisor to the parish council for comment. Additional grant funding will be requested in order to complete the Neighbourhood Plan. It was hoped to hold an exhibition early this year but because of the lockdown, this has been delayed. Watch for a leaflet through your door.

Brown Bin
Collections have been suspended due to staff shortages and hopefully will restart soon.

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New Bus Route 8B
From Monday 4 January 2021, Ipswich Buses introduced a bus service 8B between Ipswich Central and Bramford via Farthing Road/Amazon and Sproughton Wild Man. It operates three times a day Monday to Fridays during school term time. A timetable can be downloaded at: www.ipswichbuses.co.uk.

New Year Roadworks A14 update
Covid-19 restrictions has meant less traffic and an alteration to the repairs being carried out. A letter has been sent to residents from Highways England. It has meant the program of works has been reduced from nine to four weeks with diversions via Sproughton High Street to set up contraflows on the A14 from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 January, Sunday 31 January to Wednesday 3 February, and then Sunday 14 to Tuesday 16 February.

The Parish Council Budget 2021-22
There were two factors related to setting the precept this year: there were less homes built in the parish than projected and many households have claimed Council Tax Relief because of Covid-19. This has created a 25% increase on the demand on those that will pay. At the January meeting,
It was agreed to subsidise from parish council reserves to reduce the increase to 2.26% which translates to a Parish Precept increase of just £2.01p per year for a Band D house.

New Parish Council Members
The council welcomes anyone who is interested in becoming a parish councillor. Full meetings are once a month with planning twice a month. These are currently online via Zoom. Any other offers of help are much appreciated.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Wednesday 10 February – Online Planning Meeting 7pm / Parish Council Meeting 7.30pm

Wednesday 24 February – Online Planning Meeting 7pm

Agendas are posted on the noticeboards and if any member of the public wishes to attend, please contact the clerk, Kirsty Webber: sproughtonpc@gmail.com / 07538 311567.