News from Babergh 

Babergh ready for local plan inquiry

 Babergh District Councillors have approved the finishing touches to their Council’s draft Local Plan – in readiness for the public inquiry due to start in September. 

At the full Council meeting yesterday (July 12th), Councillors reaffirmed their support for the Chilton Woods development which, if approved, will combine housing (including 200 affordable homes), new businesses and community and recreation facilities. The final submission incorporates a number of minor alterations, including improvements to the Belle Vue junction. 

At the same time, full Council agreed to a number of minor changes to other parts of the Plan such as the removal of two housing sites at Brantham and Sudbury. All of these changes will be publicised and objectors to the changes will be given the chance to have a say at the inquiry if they so wish.

 “This Local Plan faithfully reflects Babergh’s objectives to create a sustainable and healthy local economy, and maximise the supply of low cost affordable houses in the area and to enhance the environment. We are confident that it is a good plan which can help support the local economy and improve opportunities for employment and affordable homes” commented Neil Greig, Babergh’s Head of Planning Policy & Economic Development.

 The Local Plan Inquiry begins on September 14th and is likely to last for 3 months.

 

Kids invited to join Team Babergh at Suffolk Youth Games

Babergh District Council is calling upon as many local children as possible to join Team Babergh to compete in this year's Suffolk Youth Games. Babergh is hoping to take a full complement of teams to Northgate Sports Centre, Ipswich on 4th July to compete in this exciting event.

Team Babergh will compete against other district teams from around Suffolk in this annual event.

The sports that will be played  are athletics, basketball, girls cricket, girls football, hockey, netball, tag rugby, and tennis. There is also the opportunity for children with disabilities to compete in the athletics events.

"The event is held annually and each year it proves to be a massive success with lots of fun had by all involved. There is also a competitive edge to the games with Team Babergh finishing third last year we hope to go better and bring the trophy home!" explained Stuart Everett, Babergh's Sports Development Officer "The Games is a very special event and in previous years everyone involved has had a great deal of fun. It also offers an ideal opportunity for local children to compete against others  from around Suffolk"

If you are interested and would like further details then please contact Stuart Everett on (01473) 826656 or E-mail on stuart.everett@babergh.gov.uk

1st June 2004

 

Counterfeit Health & Safety Company in Operation

We’ve been informed that there is a phoney company operating in Suffolk who have been approaching residential homes demanding that they are ‘registered’ under the Health & Safety Act 1974.

Babergh DC has been told that the company is calling itself “Health and Safety Registration Enforcement Division” and is based in Rochdale, Lancashire.  It demands £199 for registration if the businesses are ‘compliant’ to the act and £249 if they are not.

“This is a scam and the division is completely bogus” said Mike Crisp, Babergh’s Environmental Health Manager. “Whilst registration and compliance is required by the legitimate Health & Safety Executive, no charges are levied on companies”.

Babergh is advising any residential home or indeed any other company that receives such a demand to both ignore the request for money and to contact Mike Crisp on (01473) 825764

Fireworks and Noise!

Today it was announced that Babergh DC would be launching a campaign to coincide with National Noise Awareness Day on 27th May, to reduce the problem caused by the improper use of fireworks.

“Fireworks are no longer restricted to November 5th and New Years Eve. Many people have fireworks throughout the year to celebrate birthdays, weddings and other special occasions. Yet fireworks can frighten both people, especially the elderly or young, and animals. In fact animals can be literally scared to death. Startled animals have been injured or killed whilst bolting to escape the noise. Equally, frightened domestic pets may become vicious and destructive” explained Heather Worton, Babergh’s Technical Officer (Residential).

To decrease the amount of distress and suffering caused by unexpected firework noises, Babergh has launched a seven-point plan to encourage us all to be ‘fair with fireworks’ by reducing their impact:

  • ·        Inform neighbours that you plan to have a firework display

  • ·        Avoid buying really noisy ones.

  • ·        Make sure pets and other animals are safely away from fireworks.

  • ·        Ensure the noise is over by 11pm at the latest.

  • ·        Let off fireworks in an open garden area in accordance with the manufacturers safety guidance- noise bounces off buildings and smoke and pollution builds up in enclosed spaces.

  • ·        If a neighbour complains that you are disturbing them, their pets or livestock be considerate

  • ·        After your display, and when safe to do so, clear up firework debris and dispose of safely.

Heather Worton went onto explain that ‘fireworks do not have to be ear splitting to be fun. It is possible to enjoy them safely and without causing annoyance to neighbours. The Fireworks Act 2003, which became law in September 2003, aims to reduce noise, nuisance and injuries caused by fireworks”.

“Furthermore, If Babergh believes that noise from a firework display is a statutory nuisance under the 1990 Environmental Protection Act 1990, it will consider issuing an abatement order"

22nd May 2004