Helen Davies Monthly Report Sep’26 - Sproughton & Pinewood Ward
GENERAL UPDATES
Devolution & Local Government Reorganisation: We are now waiting to see what will happen next. So the decision to ‘withdraw’ Suffolk (Priority 1) from LGR seems to be a legal move in response to the Judicial Review whereas the Priority 2 areas are simply on hold. Rumour has it that devolution is the main focus so our Norfolk/Suffolk mayoralty will continue to develop. There seems to be a general feeling that LGR will come back. We just need to know when as this potentially impacts election timetables.
September Cabinet Meeting: Councillors agreed the next steps towards creating a new planning tool that could make it easier to deliver nature-based projects such as habitat creation, flood management schemes and other environmental improvements. A draft Local Development Order will now be prepared and consulted on before coming back to Council for approval.
Cabinet also reviewed performance during the first quarter of 2026/27, including council housing services. The report showed continued improvements in repair response times, high levels of safety compliance across council homes and strong rent collection performance. Resident satisfaction with housing services has generally improved, although work continues to address concerns around complaints handling, anti-social behaviour cases and the time taken to re-let some empty properties.
The Council is continuing its programme of investment in council housing, including upgrades to kitchens, bathrooms, roofing, insulation, windows and doors, with the aim of improving the condition and energy efficiency of homes. Overall, the focus remains on improving housing services, increasing tenant engagement and supporting environmental projects across the district.
September Council Meeting: The Council approved changes to its Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) scheme, creating more opportunities for funding environmental projects (good!), community facilities, active travel initiatives and nature recovery schemes (yeah!). We received the annual update on CIFCO (the Council's commercial property company), treasury management, audit and scrutiny activities. Overall, finances & governance remain stable but money is still tight.
Of particular Parish Council interest - the revised CIL framework may provide new funding opportunities for community, environmental and biodiversity projects within our parishes.
PORTFOLIO
There has been plenty of activity across Babergh's climate, nature and sustainable travel work over the past month. Work continues to improve walking and cycling infrastructure across the district, including support for better cycling links around East Bergholt and improvements to Sudbury Bus Station. The Council is also working with Suffolk County Council to expand electric vehicle charging facilities and promote community car clubs.
Biodiversity: Sproughton's Local Nature Reserve designation has now been completed in that we have had confirmation back from Natural England which was the final step. Work is continuing on tree planting, verge management and projects to enhance wildlife habitats. Local Development Order: Planning officers and our Climate Change officers have begun work on a proposed Local Development Order, designed to make it easier to deliver biodiversity and water management projects such as swales, ponds, flood protection measures, small reservoirs for farmers. This is a first I understand!
Habitat Brokerage: Work is continuing on Babergh and Mid Suffolk's proposed Habitat Brokerage Scheme, which aims to connect landowners with developers who need to deliver biodiversity improvements under the Government's Biodiversity Net Gain rules. If successful, the scheme could help attract investment into new wildlife habitats, woodland, wetlands and other nature recovery projects across the district, ensuring environmental benefits are delivered locally and supporting Suffolk's wider nature recovery ambitions. I am in contact with people who are interested in providing such habitats in Babergh.
Climate Change: Preparations are underway for the third annual Schools Green Skills Summit in November, which will bring together local secondary school pupils to discuss climate issues, green careers and local environmental action. Several Babergh schools have already signed up to take part. I’m on the panel this time round – being in front of several hundred children asking questions that you have no upfront knowledge about will be interesting.
Community energy projects are also moving forward, including opportunities for solar installations on schools, former landfill sites and potentially council-owned buildings. The popular Switch Together scheme continues to help residents install solar panels, batteries, heat pumps and EV charging points, with strong levels of participation across the district.
More broadly, the Council is updating its Climate Action Plan, strengthening its approach to climate resilience and adaptation, and continuing work to embed climate and nature considerations into council decision-making and services.
The Ipswich Flood Barrier: analysis continues. We are due a document at the end of October that defines the scope of what needs doing and who needs to be involved. Suffolk County Council have agreed to pay for this. This will be followed by the feasibility study which will tell us how difficult its going to be to take it out and the cost. Cost will be significant but there are funding sources available. So far this seems a lot easier than getting funding for any Highways work!!
Eezybike Award: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils' partnership with Eezybike has been shortlisted for two national Modeshift Travel Awards: Partnership of the Year and Excellence in Active Travel. We introduced e-bike hire hubs in Needham Market, Sudbury, Lavenham and Stowmarket, providing an affordable and environmentally friendly travel option for residents and visitors. The project is particularly innovative in supporting rural communities, with three hubs using solar-powered charging pods that can be relocated as needed. The national recognition reflects the success of the scheme in encouraging healthier and more sustainable local travel. Winners will be announced in November. I might be going to the awards event……
The Ward Itself
Parking at Suffolk One: The plan is still the two step process: -
1) Extend existing double yellow lines at particular junctions. This needs a legal agreement called a TRO to be put in place – this process requires a period of public consultation. Ballpark cost at around £15,000 most of which goes on legal & admin fees. Our county councillor has agreed to fund half the cost. Highways Suffolk have said they do not have the money to fund the remainder. Which means money needs to come from elsewhere – I continue looking for funding sources.
2) Implement single yellow lines with a parking restriction period. Similar to 1) in terms of process as a TRO is needed & public consultation. Funding is still a tbd . I am focussing more on (1) at the moment – once that is being designed I can work on (2). However I am working on doing the public consultation that Highways need to ensure support for a solution as they have insufficient bandwidth for this.
Traffic Solutions 4 Sproughton: There are two parts to this 1) High Street & Lower Street and 2) Hadleigh Road
1) High/Lower Street: Cllr Barber and myself met with Melanie Hall from Highways Suffolk and spent some time on Lower Street and the High Street looking at the traffic issues. The conclusion was that we needed to consult on the proposed changes and to get agreements from impacted residents – probably around 60-70% of residents need to agree to go onto the next step. Based on the results of the survey we are looking at parking & passing spaces on Lower Street and a combination of parking/passing places on the High Street coupled with a priority traffic scheme i.e. one direction has priority over the other. The second option for traffic lights was thought to be very expensive – £250-500k. If support is forthcoming we would then proceed to feasibility. Again I would be looking to gather evidence on behalf of Highways that the final choice is supported by residents.
2) Hadleigh Road: Again I am working with Highways to gather evidence on their behalf as to changes to the existing Traffic Regulatory Order to either reduce the hours of HGV travel or eliminate it. This is complicated by needing to involve Ipswich councillors.
River Gipping: Recent monitoring by the River Gipping Trust (including by our two citizen scientists – Sproughton PC’s own Peter Powell & Rhona Jermyn) has shown that while some stretches of the river have fair to good water quality, there continue to be concerns about pollution at a number of locations. During 2026, volunteers have recorded high levels of phosphates, nitrates and E. coli bacteria at several points along the river, particularly around Needham Market, Badley and parts of the lower Gipping, with some results referred to the Environment Agency for investigation.
If you ever have an issue to raise with me please use the contact details below. I look forward to hearing from you.
Helen Davies
Councillor Helen Davies: District Councillor for Sproughton & Pinewood
Mobile: 07514 951190
E-mail: Helen.Davies@ babergh.gov.uk
Facebook: Cllr Helen Davies
X: @HelenDSproughtn Helen Davie