Derek Davis, Ganges ward (Shotley & Erwarton)  

Planning appeals and applications

No surprise that an appeal has been lodged by the applicants for five homes in the farm yard next to Erwarton Hall.

That will be held in person at Endeavour House in Ipswich.

An application to build six new houses off Gate Farm Road in Shotley Gate. This was mainly due to its location, which perhaps surprisingly, is deemed to be outside the built-up area boundary, there in the countryside.

More details here…

On a wider planning note, Babergh's Joint Development Plan has progressed with the inspectors praising it as sound, which means it steps a step further to being adopted. This will affect all building on the Shotley peninsula, and across two districts.

As I write this no date has been confirmed to hear the Section 73, variation of conditions for the former HMS Ganges site, by Babergh planning committee, which I will be attending and speaking.  

Babergh Armed Forces Champion Update

Last month I attended the Armed Forces Covenant Conference in Newcastle (which is why I missed the Shotley Parish council meeting).

It was a hugely informative, interesting and inspiring conference, which I found very useful. As you know I'm Babergh's Armed Forces Champion and attended on behalf of Suffolk Champions.

The theme of the conference was to ensure no service personnel, serving or veteran, or their families, should suffer any disadvantage for being associated with the Armed Forces.

An example I have encountered recently is in terms of married accommodation when the serving member leaves the home in a separation and the issues in rehousing that can result in.

As part of the Armed Forced Covenant local authorities like Babergh, are committed to ensuring no disadvantage takes place and we do what we can for the parties involved. 

In short. the Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

It is an important pledge and all involved should make it a tangible benefit and not just to pay lip service to it.   

Babergh Armed Forces page.

Economy Portfolio

It is no secret district councillors can put in around 20 hours+ per week just on council matters.

Time spent of ward maters can vary, especially dealing with complex individual residents' issues. All unseen, time-consuming but worthwhile and much needed/ 

For me hours spent on usual Babergh issues, this also includes briefings, meetings and workshops within my Economic Growth and Regeneration Portfolio role as a Cabinet member.

This is district wide and is about getting things done in terms of growth, innovation and skills within the whole district. Latterly that has included looking at business opportunities on the stunning Shotley peninsula, and talks involving Freeport East have been useful. 

I have been involved in Hadleigh Vision and investing in the town. For example, getting Starbucks planning approval on a site Babergh owns, which will bring further employment opportunities.

Belle Vue has always been a difficult issue in Sudbury, but I'm delighted to report excellent progress has been made, working will with partners, especially Sudbury Town Council.

Explore Suffolk

An issue that effects peninsula businesses, and not necessarily in a good way depending on your point of view, is Ipswich central's Explore Suffolk BID plans. Their random embrace of areas outside the town have left many across Babergh, and Felixstowe concerned, especially those that will have to pay an extra tax on top of their business rates. 

Check map and more details here…

Climate Workshops

Babergh has always looked at ways of battling the effects of the Climate Emergency and has instigated many green initiatives over the past few years.

This has been compounded by it recent move to hold Climate Workshops

More details here…

A final thought…

Polar bears belong in the arctic – not south Suffolk. And no, I don't believe the spin about them being saved from certain death- there is no evidence of that.

Please feel free to get in touch on all these and any other matter.

I shall be at Shotley village hall on Friday, 3 November between 2pm and 3pm. Officers from Babergh district council's customer services' team will also be there as part of the pop up library, which has moved from its Monday slot.   

I'm always happy to give truthful updates, so if you want to know what is really going on ignore the nonsense on certain Facebook Groups and ask me direct. Alternatively, my Derek Davis – Independent Councillor gives regular updates.    

Derek Davis

Ganges ward member

[email protected]

Council phone: 07548153784

Work phone: 07824167196