Toft Monks Parish Council

07/10/2026

TOFT MONKS PARISH COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETING FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS

MONDAY 12th OCTOBER – 6:00 PM

TOFT MONKS CHURCH

Regarding the ongoing situation at Maypole Green

Toft Monks Parish Council will be holding a meeting with parishioners to discuss the ongoing situation concerning Mr Borrett and the encampment at Maypole Green.

The situation began on 18th August and the purpose of this meeting is to bring residents and the relevant parties together to discuss the current position and, importantly, find a constructive way forward.

Sir Nicholas Bacon of the Raveningham Estate will be attending, and representatives from the local Police have also been invited.

The Parish Council is mindful of Mr Borrett’s welfare and the need for appropriate support. At the same time, we have a responsibility to listen to and represent local residents, some of whom have expressed concerns and have told us that they no longer feel safe in their own homes.

This meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to hear an update, raise their concerns and discuss what can reasonably be done to bring the situation to a safe and appropriate conclusion.

ALL TOFT MONKS RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME

Monday 12th October 2026
6:00 PM
Toft Monks Church

TOFT MONKS PARISH COUNCIL

11/09/2026

05/08/2026

Toft Monks Parish Council


Parish Meeting

The Ordinary Meeting of the Toft Monks Parish Council, which will be held on Wednesday 5th August 2026 at Clinks Care Farm at 8.00pm


Agenda


Present:

Apologies:​

Minutes of the Last Meeting:​held on 27th May 2026
​
Planning:​
​Enforcement: 7 Benedicts Close – Alleged Unauthorised Extension to Residential Curtilage
​Ref: 2026/0344 The Hamlet, Burnthouse Lane – Change of use from agricultural to residential land with retrospective permission for pond – Pending
​Ref: 2026/0113 - Elms Farm, Elms Rd – Reservoir in Aldeby – pending
​Ref: 2026/1933 – 1 Church Farm Cottages, Pound Lane – Cart Lodge with bar & balcony & new entrance gates – Pending
​Ref: 2026/1483 – 11 Hall Estate, Hall Road – Convert building to holiday accommodation - pending

Village Greens:​​Mardle Green -​​Maypole Green – ​​​Bulls Green –
​Footpaths –

Highways:​​Update on SAM2 and PPS.
​Haddiscoe Traffic Problems
​

Finance & Administration:​Chq.541 - £75.00 – Norfolk Citizens Advice – Donation
​Chq.542 - £175.00 – TMPCC – Donation
​Chq.543 - £50.00 – NORLSAR (Seach & Rescue) – Donation
​Chq.544 - £25.00 – British Legion – Donation
​Chq.545 - £25.00 – EACH – Donation
​Chq.546 - £25.00 – MAGPAS (Air Ambulance) - Donation
Current Bank Balance £3375.69

Church Business:


A.O.B​Essex & Suffolk Water Project
Next Meeting – Wednesday 7th October 2026 – Change to 21st October 2026

05/07/2026

05/07/2026

Important village notice

Village Emergency Equipment Update

Firstly, I’d like to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone in our village who donated and supported us. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve been able to get our emergency equipment back up and running, as well as purchase additional lifesaving equipment for the village.

I’d also like to say a big thank you to Chris and Jim for installing the equipment, and to Jo for all of the behind-the-scenes administrative support. It really has been a team effort.

We now have:

* ❤️ 3 Defibrillators
* 🩸 3 Bleed Control Kits

A map is attached to this post showing the location of each device, along with its What3Words location, so please take a few moments to familiarise yourself with where they are.

You can also find maps displayed around the village:

* The White Lion Public House
* Notice board at Mardle Pond
* Life ring post at Maypole Green
* Notice board on Pound Lane

More maps will be installed shortly.

We’re also arranging a demonstration with Heart 2 Heart for anyone who would like to learn how to use the equipment. As soon as we have a confirmed date, we’ll let everyone know.

Finally, I’m pleased to say that all of the defibrillators and bleed control kits are now registered on the appropriate emergency response circuits, so they can be located quickly if they’re ever needed.

Thank you again to everyone who has helped make this possible. Hopefully the equipment will never be needed, but it’s reassuring to know our village is now even better prepared in an emergency.

Bel Capps-Jenner
Toft Monks

31/05/2026

Public Notice – Maypole Green

Please be aware that there are several broken branches in one of the trees at Maypole Green.

As a precautionary measure, the Parish Council has placed temporary cordoning around the affected tree. Please do not walk, stand, or gather beneath the tree until further notice.

Our Local council have been informed and will be carrying out an inspection and survey, with a view to removing the damaged upper branches as soon as possible.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

21/04/2026

We are pleased to share the launch of the new Toft Monks Parish Council website.

This is your one-stop hub for everything in the village, bringing together key information and useful links in one place. From reporting potholes and accessing local services, to keeping up to date with the latest news and community updates, the website is designed to make it easier for residents to stay informed and connected.

We encourage all residents to take a look and make full use of the resources available.

Toft Monks Parish Council, serving our local community

13/04/2026

Minutes of the combined ANNUAL PUBLIC ASSEMBLY & ORDINARY MEETING of Toft Monks Parish Council held on Wednesday 8th April 2026 at Clinks Care Farm – 7.00pm
Present: Mrs S.Daines (Clerk), Mr M.Matthews, Mr C.Capps-Jenner, Mr M.Hurrell (Chair), Ms F.Miles,
Mrs M.Shipp, Mrs J.Worsley, Mr J.Bodmer, Mr A.Evans, 8 x Parishioners
Apologies: Mr B.Stone

Minutes of the Last Meeting: Minutes of the APA Meeting held on 2nd April 2025 & Ordinary Meeting held on 28th January 2026 were read through and agreed by all present.
Matters Arising from the Minutes: None
Planning:
Ref: 2025/0821 – Willow Haven Care Farm, Bulls Green Road – Change of Use & temporary buildings –
SNDC Approved with Conditions.
Enforcement Notice: 7 St.Benedicts Close – Alleged unauthorised extension of residential curtilage. The Hamlet, Burnthouse Lane – Building of an outdoor pond on agricultural land – SNDC Pending. Ref: 2026/0113 – Construction of Reservoir & Removal of Excavated Materials off-site – Land east of Elms Road (in Aldeby). This application was received by the clerk today via email. The application was actually submitted to SNC on 14th January and validated on 24th March. We have until the 29th April to send in our responses. We had three Aldeby parishioners attend this meeting and their concerns have not changed since the last application – being noise, traffic & dust. Although the reservoir has been reduced in size and the working schedule reduced from 30 months to 18 months, this does not change anyone’s views. It was mentioned that by reducing the working time to 18 months (classed as temporary works) it actually means that the contractors can make more noise & dust than before!
There will be 42 lorry movements a day on roads that are not designed for such heavy loads and they will still be using the junction of Elms Road onto Hollow Way Hill which is a dangerous junction.
It was also clarified that the Extraction Licence actually expired over 40 years ago. Where they are wanting to extract water to fill the reservoir it’s classed as a SSSI site and the water there is officially contaminated. Should contaminated water be used for irrigation?
The clerk was asked to notify Aldeby Parish Council and point out to SNC that they must contact Aldeby for their comments.
Finance & Administration: The clerk has applied for £332.18 to be reclaimed for VAT Year End 31.03.26
The Clerk has submitted the CIL Return for Year End 31.03.26. There is a balance of £241.65 as at 01.04.26
The Clerk confirmed that the Internal Audit was carried out on 2nd April 2026 for Accounts Year End 31.03.26. One recommendation is that the Clerk should ask the Chairman to check and initial the accounts at each meeting.
The Accounts were then agreed by all present and the Audit Return was completed.

Village Greens & Footpaths:
Footpaths –
Maypole Green – Jason Daines will cut the grass this year but cannot commit to 2027 at present.
Mardle Green – The rose bush called ‘Linda’ has now been planted next to the Noticeboard on Mardle Green in memory of Linda Holland. A simple small plaque will be placed on the noticeboard in recognition of her parish work spanning four decades.
Jason Daines will cut the green until The Moorings is sold.
Bulls Green – It is unclear if Bulls Green will continue to be cut now that Eric Patrick has sadly died.
Mike Matthews will enquire.

Highways:
Gary Overland (Highways) has been in touch to explain that the flashing school sign that was removed in 2021 because it was faulty, has now been mislaid! They have not been able to locate it.
The Clerk advised all present that part of Bulls Green Lane will be closed shortly for water main works.
The new Bus Stop site still hasn’t been decided. The Highways Boundary Team have been brought in to investigate the ownership of the verges before a decision can be made.
Mr Hurrell informed us that the VAS Speed Monitoring Units have been ordered and the full cost has been covered by the Parish Partnership Scheme, District Councillors contribution and funds which were
fundraised by parishioners over the previous couple of years. On the Yarmouth side, the unit will be
close to the garage and on the Beccles side it will be placed after the 1st bend. These units will have solar panels.

Church:
There is funding for upto £15,000 available from SNC for the Community hub and also Aviva
have a scheme ongoing whereas they donate money to community schemes. All looking very positive!
A.O.B – The clerk confirmed that we are covered for Tug ‘O’ War at the May Day festivities on Maypole
Green. Participants will need to sign a disclaimer confirming that no alcohol has been consumed prior
to them participating. A drinks licence has been obtained. The clerk will ask Jason Daines to cut the grass one week before the event.
The Litterpick along Church Lane which was carried out last week with the school children was a great success. Another is going to be organised for adults only to do the main drag on the A143.

Next Meeting: 27th May 2026. 7.30pm Clinks Care Farm Offices.
Meeting closed at 8:50pm

07/04/2026

Please see below last year’s minutes from the annual public assembly and attached the agenda for this years Annual public assembly 2026 

Minutes of the combined ANNUAL PUBLIC ASSEMBLY & ORDINARY MEETING of Toft Monks Parish Council held on Wednesday 2nd April 2025 at Toft Monks Parish Church, Toft Monks at 7.00pm

Present: Mrs L.Holland, Mrs S.Daines (Clerk), Mr M.Matthews, Mr C.Capps-Jenner,
Mr M.Hurrell (Chair), Mr A.Evans, Mr B.Stone, Ms F.Miles & 7 x Parishioners

Apologies: Mrs J.Worsley, Mrs M.Shipp.

Minutes of the Last Meeting: Minutes for Ordinary Meeting held on 29th January 2024 were read through and agreed by all present.

Matters Arising from the Minutes: None

District & County Councillors Report: Mr Stone explained that we are going through a period of uncertainty but the proposed Devolution will bring more money into the area for services and reduce current expenses.
The new food waste bins (& caddies) are going ahead for each household which will require the purchase of six new refuse carts. The timescale of this new system is currently unsure.
Thanks was given to Mr Evans for his kind donation to pay for our lifebuoy on Maypole Green, which has now been sited.

Planning: Ref: 2024/0689 – Field View Barn, Pound Lane – Er****on of detached storage building with shipping container and associated hardstanding (retrospective) & Er****on of 2 x shower/toilet blocks adjacent to main building, 10 x tent pitches – New Application (still under consideration by SNDC).
Ref: 2023/3557 – Reservoir East of Elms Road (Aldeby) – Amended application – Decision by SNDC - Refused.
Ref: 2025/0246 The Elms Elms Road - Engineered repair to existing moat wall and reinstatement of existing brick wall – PC Approval – SNDC Pending
Ref: 2025/0849 – The Hamlet, Burnthouse Lane – Garage Extension – PC Approved/SNDC Pending

Finance & Administration:
Chq.No: 207 - £268.19 – Lifebuoys Direct (via SJD) – Lifebuoy for Maypole Green
Chq.No: 208 - £100.00 – Woodmen Tree Services – Fell dangerous tree in Bulls Green
Chq.No: 209 - £157.95 – NALC – Annual Subscription
Chq.No: 210 - £74.38 – LCN (via SJD) – Annual Website fee
The clerk advised that the accounts for Year End 31.03.25 had today been internally audited and signed off. The Auditor recommended that the Financial Ledger is initialled by the Chairman as checked at each meeting as part of the clerks due diligence. The accounts were distributed and these were agreed by all present and the Chairman signed these off.

Village Greens & Footpaths:
Mardle Green – Mr Hurrell is going to position some slabs underneath the noticeboard. The posts around the green are starting to sink and rot so will need replacing. The clerk was asked to look into composite posts rather than wood. It was suggested that we could seek funding towards these from Mr Evans (DC) slush fund. We would need to obtain two quotes for the work. The posts immediately around the pond used as markers for the grass cutting will also need replacing with something more permanent.
Bulls Green – A dangerous tree has been safely felled in the woods.
Maypole Green – The clerk was asked to contact Mel Sparkes to request that he continues with the grass cutting on the green again this year.
Footpaths – A few footpaths remain unclear (usual ones) but the majority of users have an idea where they should run.







Page…./2


Highways:
Gary Overland had agreed two sites for the SAMS2/SIDS monitor with Mr Hurrell but then they were refused. A knock-on effect of this was that our application for funding from the Parish Partnership Fund (PPF) was also refused.
A survey to see if we can reduce the speed limit on the A143 going through the village from 40mph to 30mph would cost iro £4000 with no guarantee that we would get the result we want. A significant cost for a small village such as Toft Monks BUT Mr Stone (CC) has very kindly donated the full amount out of his slush fund (a third of his funds available) to cover this on our behalf. Our thanks go out to him, very generous. If the results come back that it is viable to have the speed limit reduced there will be additional costs but we will worry about that later. Another positive is that if the limit is reduced to 30mph, we will then be able to apply (and be awarded) 50% of the cost of a SIDS unit from the Parish Partnership Scheme.

The FLAP committee have been carrying out speed monitoring and has been submitting their findings as evidence of speeding/dangerous driving. We have the support of the Police & Crimes Commissioner who would like to see the limit reduced to 30mph.

Mr Matthews reported that the repeater speed limit signs (small round ones) were facing the wrong way along the A143 through the village.

It was suggested that a formal litterpick could be organised within the village. The clerk advised that East Suffolk Council run a scheme where they will supply the equipment and cover the pick under their insurance. The clerk suggested that SNDC may run a similar scheme. Mr Hurrell is going to investigate further.

Parish Church: Mrs Smith reported that our Parish church is one of only two churches that are never locked. Mrs Smith has taken on some of David’s pastoral work as he is unwell. Mrs Smith is also unwell and recovering from surgery – we wish her a speedy recovery. There will be no Easter Service this year and monthly services will be limited to one or two per month.
The funeral of Jonathan Denny (husband of Fiona nee Glover) is taking place at the church on 26th April and the family extends their welcome to anyone who wishes to attend.
The Maypole for Maypole Green has arrived and will be erected in the forthcoming weeks. The clerk will need to add this to the insurance and Asset Register – will await paperwork.


A.O.B – It was pointed out to members of the public attending that the lefthand side of the noticeboard is there for all to use and is permanently left open. A5 size notices maximum. Parish information will be soon available on a designated page which is currently under construction.

Next Meeting: 28th May 2025 – AGM Meeting at 7.30pm to be held at The Moorings, Bulls Green Lane.

Meeting closed at 8.55pm

06/04/2026

Timings for upcoming meetings –

Wednesday 8th April 2026 at Clinks Care Farm.

7.00pm – Annual Public Assembly
8.00pm – Ordinary Meeting

Agenda: