Derek Davis, Ganges ward (Shotley & Erwarton)  

Queens Head planning appeal launched

The owners of the Queens Head building in Erwarton have lodged an appeal against Babergh planning committee's decision to refuse an application for a change of use to residential.

The main reason for refusal was the applicant Claire Claire Niewiarowski had not proven they had suitably marketed the building for 12 months and councillors voted 8-3 against the application.

Queens Head owner loses application again

That was the second time the application has been turned down, and the owners also lost at appeal in 2020.

Mrs Niewiarowski and husband Marek argued returning pub was not a viable option as it had previously failed before being sold by former owner James Buckle.

However, a community group has offered a fair price as valued by an independent assessor, but the owners have not even responded, making their case difficult.

Objections must be lodged by close of play on Wednesday (April 17) using details below.

Modest car parking charges to be implemented 

After years of debate, resistance and much public consultation across the district, modest car parking charges will be introduced after Cabinet voted 6-2 in favour of the 10 recommendations.

I voted in favour of the motions for a variety of reasons, not least because I believe there is no such things free parking, it has always been paid for by the rest of the district and while it be be free to those users in Hadleigh, Sudbury and Lavenham, it costs us more than £420k a year to provide our car pars, as an extra service.

The vast majority of residents on the peninsula (and former councillors) have made it clear they wanted to see the subsidies, a burden on taxpayers, be reduced and supported the decision.

 Pin Mill which already has no free parking and charges, never benefited from subsidies in the way the towns did.

The cabinet decision has been subjected to a 'call-in' by objectors where the Overview and Scrutiny committee will ensure correct process was followed. 

Latest on Shotley marina and Ganges   

The developers at Shotley marina, have been granted permission to build 10 of the previously granted allocation of 131 houses a little further away from the listed Martello Tower and fort.

Due to necessary flood defence work the marina owners are looking to contact all the owners of the memorial benches along the footpath.

Meanwhile, a site visit by Babergh planning committee members is due to take place at the former HMS Ganges site, probably in May on a Wednesday morning, so they can see first-hand the proposed changes to Phase Two of the development.

The members will pay particular attention to those buildings due to be demolished or repurposed and the work on the expected Spine Road. 

Finally, Ganges and the marina have agreed a footpath and cycle path will connect the two sites.    

Talking of the marina, vital flood defence work will be taking place to protect boat owners and the landscape, therefore everyone that owns a memorial bench is asked to get in touch with [email protected] as these will need to be removed.

Why I'm minded to vote for a Tory in May

You may want to be sitting down for this.

It is no secret that I'm left of centre when it comes to my politics but have never aligned myself with any particular party, as I believe in putting people first. Not political parties. That is way I have always stood as an Independent, and have always been independently minded, even under pressure from biased residents who think I should just do what they want, and blow the rest of my constituents.

Therefore, I have always done, and voted for, whatever I believe is in the best interests of residents in Ganges ward, the Shotley peninsula and Babergh as a district.

However, it may surprise many of you to learn that I'm minded to vote for a Conservative in the upcoming Police and Crime Commissioner elections.

As an Independent I vote for policies and people I believe are in our best interests, and no disrespect to the other candidates, I believe Tim Passmore is the best person for the job.

I have worked closely with Tim, both as a councillor, and in my day job as a journalist, and have found him to be an excellent advocate for the county's police service. He cares about, as he puts it, every pound note, that is spent policing Suffolk. Is scrupulous and fair in his approach and has an excellent relationship when it comes to deal with the Home Secretary and other, difficult Government offices.

He is able to achieve things as PCC, that the excellent Chief Constable, Rachael Kearton can't do politically – just as she can do things as top cop, that the PCC is not able to accomplish.

For the avoidance of doubt – this is my personal opinion, not that of any council or group.

 It is also fair to say I'm voting for Tim, not his party as 14 years of austerity and failure on their part means they should be gone. Again, just my personal opinion.

Help at hand for our Armed Forces 

I recently attended the East of England Armed Forces networking event 'The Bridge For heroes' in Newmarket

Among the items we discussed were; what are the main issues facing veterans, a better collaboration among veteran support bodies, developing collaborations for effective delivery of services.  

The event also marked the retirement, on his birthday, of unsung peninsula star David Powell from his long-standing role at Op Courage, an important health and wellbeing service of veterans.  

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. As your Armed Forces Champion I'm always prepared to be the first point of call. 24/7.  

The Armed Forces 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. 

And finally...

You may have seen that I'm retiring from my day job with Nub News after 30 years as full time journalist.

This will not affect by role as your district councillor, for which I have another three years to serve at least, or as a Cabinet member of which I will continue as portfolio holder for the foreseeable future.

Chatting with Rob Dunger at Suffolk Sound

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

I shall be at Shotley village hall on the last Friday of the month, 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 informed 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 FB page gives regular updates.    

Derek Davis

Ganges ward member

[email protected]

Council phone: 07548153784

Work phone: 07824167196