Derek Davis, Ganges ward (Shotley & Erwarton)  

Shotley peninsula best place to live and Babergh named UK Council of the Year 

One of my bug bears is people talking down the Ganges ward, and the Shotley peninsula in general.

The negativity usually surrounds those who have gripe about homes being built to meet demand, some of which have had permission in place for years, or have already been built, with the exaggerated effect put out as part of the misinformation.

We live in a wonderful part of the world, as highlighted yet again in the national press when we were named (again) as one of the best places to live in the UK and we should celebrate that.

Shotley community picking up yet another award (Picture: Page Pix)

Can I also remind everyone Shotley is the reigning Babergh Village of the Year, and has won many other accolades that I can recall since first being elected in 2015.

Meanwhile, for all its perceived shortcoming Babergh District Council works extremely well overall, in incredibly challenging circumstances.

So, it was wonderful to see all the officers, managers, senior leaders, and yes deserving councillors recognised for the terrific work they do by Babergh being named UK Council of the Year 2024 in the iESE public sector awards at a ceremony at Church Hall, Westminster, London recently.

Of course challenges remain and no one will be resting on their laurels and that includes me as your ward representative and Cabinet member. Whether that is chasing up issues with dog poo bins, individual resident problems, dealing with planning or the bigger strategy concerns.

Full story here... 

Latest on planning issues

Another appeal has been made by the owners of the former Queens Head pub in Erwarton.

The appeal will made by written representations to the Planning Inspectorate.

The owners were refused a change of use, to turn the bottom part of once successful pub into accommodation.

The Save Erwarton Queen Group continues to garner support, showing just one example of how the Queens Head could be a viable community asset, should the current owners choose allow it to be sold for a sensible price to the village.

Meanwhile, Ganges developer Wavensmere has formally applied for permission to turn the old swimming pool building on the site, into a gym and related use. This is part of their larger S73 application for phase two of the site. You will have noticed there is virtually no construction work going on as the country faces a problem selling houses, for a variety of reasons.

Separately, the neighbouring developers at Shotley marina, a completely different development are making progress in their move to build 10 of the previously granted allocation a little further away from the listed Martello Tower and fort, with approval granted by Babergh planners.

Meanwhile, both developers have agreed a footpath and cycle path will connect the two sites as part of the legal agreement initially signed in 2015.     

Car parking charges to be decided 

The proposals for controversial car parking charges to replaces to current heavily subsidised free parking went to scrutiny committee earlier in March and will go to cabinet in April.

Among many things, the report proposes a £1 charge for short stay car parking in Hadleigh, Sudbury and Lavenham.

Pin Mill which already has no free parking and already charges users from the moment they park.

I will read the proposal thoroughly, listen to the debate, and then vote for what I believe is in the best interest of the majority of Babergh residents.  

My Locality Awards funding

As always the demand for my locality awards grants was high and I'm delighted to confirm successful groups included; The Viking Project, Shotley Kidzone and Shotley Village Hall.

Sadly, i could not help every group with grants this time round, but nothing stops them from applying again in the new financial year.

Over the years, I have been delighted to support many clubs, groups and organisations in Shotley and Erwarton and will continue to do so, with grants, advice and tangible support gleaned from almost nine years experience and expertise as your district councillor.

National Landscapes (formerly AONB) update. 

As Babergh's representative on the Joint Advisory Committee for the two AONBs, now known as National Landscapes, it is important to fight the corner for budgets in these straitened times. While volunteers play a vital role, especially here in the Coast and Heaths AONB, securing funding from Defra and various local authorities is imperative and we are looking for a three per cent uplift to secure the body's future.

Meanwhile, one of the outdating schemes the AONB is working in is bringing back farming heritage buildings, which could well include the stunning Shotley peninsula.

Babergh district council is firmly committed to the AONB, also now known as National Landscapes, pledge to Preserve, Protect and Enhance especially the Suffolk Coast and Heath area I represent. This was highlighted with our support against the appeal to allow development on the farm yard next to Erwarton Hall, which was dismissed.

Related, but separate, is the good news that the Secretary of State has signed off on the King Charles III England Coast Path: Shotley Gate to Felixstowe Ferry footpath, which hugs trails close to both sides of the River Orwell.

Full story here...

Help at hand for our Armed Forces 

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

It was an emotional moment top for the peninsula's David Powell who retired, on his birthday, from his role with the very worthy Op Courage organisation.

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.

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

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