East Suffolk planning committee
Councillor Malcolm Pitchers
LabourSeen at planning committee from September 2025 to September 2026
- 93%attendance
- 1recorded vote
- 15agreed, no vote against recorded
- 36decisions at their meetings
- 2motions proposed
As at 8 September 2026, according to Plota’s analysis of East Suffolk’s published minutes, Councillor Malcolm Pitchers attended 14 of the 15 planning committee meetings whose minutes list them, from September 2025 to September 2026. Each member's vote is recorded on 1 decision at those meetings: Pitchers voted for the resolution on it. On 1 of those votes the officers’ recommendation is known, and 1 went against it. On 15 other decisions the minutes record no vote against, so Pitchers is counted as agreeing; they are left out of the shares below. Pitchers proposed 2 motions the committee passed and seconded 4.
- Meetings attended
- 14 of 1593%
- Meetings whose minutes list them as present, sending apologies or absent. Minutes that list only those present cannot show an absence.
- Decisions at their meetings
- 36
- Applications decided at the meetings they sat on, as the minutes record them.
- Recorded votes
- 1
- Decisions where the minutes, the council's recorded vote or the meeting's recording give each member's vote: 1 for, 0 against, 0 abstained.
- Agreed, no vote against recorded
- 15
- Decisions the minutes record with no vote against and no count. Counted as agreeing, and left out of the shares.
- Proposed or seconded
- 2 / 4
- Motions the minutes say they proposed, then seconded, that the committee passed.
- Declared interests
- 0
- Decisions on which the minutes record them declaring an interest.
Voting record
Votes by quarter
Not drawn: 1 recorded vote in one quarter is too few to show a pattern over time.
Against officer advice
Not drawn: 1 recorded vote with a known officers’ recommendation is too few to compare.
Agreement with other members
Not drawn: the minutes record no divided vote of this councillor by name. On a unanimous vote every member agrees, so it says nothing about agreement.
Attendance
93%
14 of 15 meetings whose minutes list them; apologies for 1.
The typical member of this committee attended 92% (the median of 20 members listed at 5 or more meetings).
Every meeting
Each square is a meeting whose minutes list them, oldest first.
Planning Committee North: 9 meetings · Strategic Planning Committee: 5 meetings
Show as a table
| Date | Committee | Attendance |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Sep 2026 | Planning Committee North | Present |
| 11 Aug 2026 | Planning Committee North | Present |
| 6 Jul 2026 | Strategic Planning Committee | Present |
| 9 Jun 2026 | Planning Committee North | Present |
| 12 May 2026 | Planning Committee North | Present |
| 14 Apr 2026 | Planning Committee North | Present |
| 13 Apr 2026 | Strategic Planning Committee | Present |
| 10 Mar 2026 | Planning Committee North | Present |
| 20 Jan 2026 | Planning Committee North | Apologies |
| 12 Jan 2026 | Strategic Planning Committee | Present |
| 9 Dec 2025 | Planning Committee North | Present |
| 11 Nov 2025 | Planning Committee North | Present |
| 31 Oct 2025 | Strategic Planning Committee | Present |
| 6 Oct 2025 | Strategic Planning Committee | Present |
| 9 Sep 2025 | Planning Committee North | Present |
Decisions
Every application decided at a meeting they sat on, newest first, with their vote where the minutes give it.
- Land South Of Sole Bay Health Centre Teal Close Reydon Suffolk36 retirement apartments · DC/25/2677/FUL RefusedAgainst officer advice Not recordedThe minutes do not say how each member voted
- Birds Eye Ltd Whapload Road Lowestoft SuffolkSprinkler water tank · DC/26/2115/FUL Approved Not recordedThe minutes do not say how each member voted
- 42 Kirkley Park Road Lowestoft SuffolkReplacement windows · DC/26/1652/FUL Approved Not recordedThe minutes do not say how each member voted
- Corner Of Elim Terrace And Factory Street Lowestoft SuffolkSix affordable homes · DC/26/2260/FUL Approved Not recordedThe minutes do not say how each member voted
- Spring Park London Road Willingham St Mary SuffolkFour holiday mobile homes · DC/26/0999/FUL Approved Not recordedThe minutes do not say how each member voted
- Land South Of Sole Bay Health Centre Teal Close Reydon Suffolk36 retirement apartments · DC/25/2677/FULSeconded the motion Deferred Not recordedThe minutes do not say how each member voted
- Pakefield Holiday Village London Road Gisleham Lowestoft Suffolk340 touring caravan pitches · DC/25/3078/FUL Deferred Not recordedThe minutes do not say how each member voted
- Land To Rear Of 3 & 4 Hogg Lane Ilketshall St Lawrence SuffolkSmallholding with animal shelters · DC/25/4145/FUL Approved ForNo vote against recorded
- 7 Windsor Road Lowestoft SuffolkRaised rear decking · DC/26/1629/FUL Approved ForNo vote against recorded
- Beech Tree Farm East Green Kelsale Cum Carlton Saxmundham SuffolkListed building alterations · DC/26/1386/LBC Approved ForNo vote against recorded
- Beech Tree Farm East Green Kelsale Cum Carlton Saxmundham SuffolkListed building alterations · DC/26/1385/FUL Approved ForNo vote against recorded
- Pier Pavilion North Parade Southwold Suffolk11 holiday rooms · DC/25/4341/FUL Approved ForNo vote against recorded
- 8A Hartington Road Aldeburgh SuffolkRear first-floor extension · DC/25/3064/FUL RefusedAgainst officer advice For refusalAll members present in favour
- Verge At Fountain Way Reydon SuffolkMicro energy storage facility · DC/26/0924/FUL Approved Not recordedThe minutes do not say how each member voted
- St Michaels Church Tower The Walk Beccles SuffolkReplacement flagpole · DC/26/0913/RG3 Approved ForNo vote against recorded
- St Michaels Church Tower The Walk Beccles SuffolkFlagpole replacement · DC/26/0914/LBC Approved ForNo vote against recorded
- Pier Pavilion North Parade Southwold SuffolkTrampoline and paybooth · DC/26/0482/FUL Approved ForNo vote against recorded
- Land And Buildings At North Green Farm North Green Kelsale Cum Carlton SuffolkOne self-build dwelling · DC/26/0438/FUL Refused For refusalNo vote against recorded
- 1 North End St James Road South Elmham All Saints Halesworth SuffolkTwo-storey side extension · DC/26/0512/FUL Approved ForNo vote against recorded
- 18 June Avenue Lowestoft SuffolkStep lift and platform · DC/26/0110/FUL Approved Not recordedThe minutes do not say how each member voted
- Leiston Sports Centre Red House Lane Leiston SuffolkLeisure centre energy works · DC/25/4727/FUL Approved ForNo vote against recorded
- 1 St Andrews Road Beccles SuffolkGarden land and boundary wall · DC/25/4514/FULSeconded the motion Approved Not recordedThe minutes do not say how each member voted
- Land East Of Peach House Wentworth Road AldeburghSingle-storey self-build home · DC/25/4106/FULSeconded the motion Approved Not recordedThe minutes do not say how each member voted
- Woodleys The Common Southwold SuffolkReplacement home and pool · DC/25/1867/FULSeconded the motion Approved Not recordedThe minutes do not say how each member voted
- Cockfield Hall Estate Station Road Yoxford SuffolkNorth lake · DC/23/4866/FULProposed the motion Approved ForNo vote against recorded
- Cockfield Hall Estate Station Road Yoxford Saxmundham SuffolkWalled garden alterations · DC/23/4867/FUL Deferred Not recordedThe minutes do not say how each member voted
- Cockfield Hall Station Road Yoxford Saxmundham Suffolk37 tourism cottages · DC/23/4864/OUT Approved Not recordedThe minutes do not say how each member voted
- Cockfield Hall Station Road Yoxford Saxmundham SuffolkCockfield Hall hotel conversion · DC/24/2469/LBC Approved ForNo vote against recorded
- Cockfield Hall Station Road Yoxford Saxmundham Suffolk16-bedroom hotel · DC/24/2468/FUL Approved Not recordedThe minutes do not say how each member voted
- 17 Market Place Southwold SuffolkSmall dwelling conversion · DC/25/0567/LBC RefusedAgainst officer advice Not recordedThe minutes do not say how each member voted
- 17 Market Place Southwold SuffolkTwo-bedroom dwelling · DC/25/0179/FUL RefusedAgainst officer advice Not recordedThe minutes do not say how each member voted
- Land Adjoining 20 Manor Park Road Corton SuffolkSelf-build chalet dwelling · DC/25/3049/FUL Approved Not recordedThe minutes do not say how each member voted
- Former Jeld Wen Factory Waveney Drive Lowestoft Suffolk500 homes, employment and early years · DC/24/2381/OUTProposed the motion Approved Not recordedThe minutes do not say how each member voted
- St Margarets Church Hollingsworth Road Lowestoft SuffolkReplacement timber fence · DC/25/2810/FUL Approved ForUnanimous vote
- Oak Hill Halesworth Road Wenhaston With Mells Hamlet Halesworth SuffolkBungalow conversion · DC/25/1637/FUL Refused For refusalUnanimous vote
- Blyth Manor Blyth Estate Brick Kiln Lane Huntingfield SuffolkUnderground HVAC plant room · DC/25/1460/FUL Approved Not recordedThe minutes do not say how each member voted
No decision matches these filters.
In the minutes
What the minutes record Pitchers moving, seconding, asking or saying on each decision, in the minutes’ own words. Passages that name more than one councillor, or a member of the public, are left out.
Subjects in what the minutes record
- Trees and nature10 Mar 2026, 9 Sep 2025, 9 Jun 2026
- Parking and traffic8 Sep 2026, 11 Aug 2026
- Flooding and drainage31 Oct 2025
- Design, scale and character9 Sep 2025
- Neighbours and amenity11 Aug 2026
- Asked about the conditions
“Councillor Pitchers asked for a explanation of “unexpected contamination” under item 10 of conditions.”
Minutes, 8 Sep 2026, Spring Park London Road Willingham St Mary Suffolk - Asked a question
“Councillor Pitchers asked why the application had been submitted retrospectively.”
Minutes, 8 Sep 2026, Spring Park London Road Willingham St Mary Suffolk - Spoke
“Councillor Pitchers said as a Committee they get fed up with retrospective applications.”
Minutes, 8 Sep 2026, Spring Park London Road Willingham St Mary Suffolk - Spoke on highway safety
“Councillor Pitchers noted that the Highway Authority had not withdrawn its objection and asked why Members should depart from giving significant weight to such advice.”
Minutes, 8 Sep 2026, Spring Park London Road Willingham St Mary Suffolk - Asked a question
“Councillor Pitchers sought clarification on Councillor Hammond’s comments regarding dark skies and cycle provision.”
Minutes, 8 Sep 2026, Spring Park London Road Willingham St Mary Suffolk - Spoke in support
“Councillor Pitchers was in favour.”
Minutes, 11 Aug 2026, Pier Pavilion North Parade Southwold Suffolk - Asked a question
“Councillor Pitchers asked about the difference between small holding and agricultural.”
Minutes, 11 Aug 2026, Land To Rear Of 3 & 4 Hogg Lane Ilketshall St Lawrence Suffolk - Asked about neighbours' amenity
“Councillor Pitchers asked whether any concerns had been raised regarding noise.”
Minutes, 11 Aug 2026, Pakefield Holiday Village London Road Gisleham Lowestoft Suffolk - Asked a question
“Councillor Pitchers asked questions of the officers that he had for the applicant. He noted that the first phase would provide 140 caravans and questioned whether the proposed transport arrangements, based on 25 buses carrying 66 passengers each, would result in more buses being provided than required.”
Minutes, 11 Aug 2026, Pakefield Holiday Village London Road Gisleham Lowestoft Suffolk - Spoke
“Councillor Pitchers agreed but would prefer that they had a deferral until they they came before Committee.”
Minutes, 11 Aug 2026, Pakefield Holiday Village London Road Gisleham Lowestoft Suffolk - Asked about parking
“Councillor Pitchers queried whether the proposed provision of 28 parking spaces would be sufficient, noting that many retirees in the area liked to go out touring.”
Minutes, 11 Aug 2026, Land South Of Sole Bay Health Centre Teal Close Reydon Suffolk - Spoke
“Councillor Pitchers said he couldn’t see how it could be deferred but he wanted to refuse approval but could not think of any reasons to refuse. He was very stuck and would not recommend approval.”
Minutes, 11 Aug 2026, Land South Of Sole Bay Health Centre Teal Close Reydon Suffolk - Spoke on trees and wildlife
“Councillor Pitchers said it was a difficult decision but expressed concern that removal of the tree would worsen the impact, leaving only brick walls and fences and reducing light to the garden. He indicated he was inclined to refuse the application, as he did not support replacing the tree with brickwork.”
Minutes, 9 Jun 2026, 8A Hartington Road Aldeburgh Suffolk - Spoke
“Councillor Pitchers agreed with the officers and the speakers.”
Minutes, 12 May 2026, Land And Buildings At North Green Farm North Green Kelsale Cum Carlton Suffolk - Seconded
“Councillor Pitchers seconded the motion, seeing no planning reasons to refuse.”
Minutes, 12 May 2026, Pier Pavilion North Parade Southwold Suffolk - Spoke
“Councillor Pitchers said he was struggling to see the objections. He noted that it was considered an important green/tree space but there are no trees.”
Minutes, 10 Mar 2026, Land East Of Peach House Wentworth Road Aldeburgh - Spoke
“Councillor Pitchers said it looked like an off shoot and therefore a natural infill.”
Minutes, 10 Mar 2026, Land East Of Peach House Wentworth Road Aldeburgh - Asked a question
“Councillor Pitchers asked if there was any archaeological importance.”
Minutes, 10 Mar 2026, Land East Of Peach House Wentworth Road Aldeburgh - Seconded
“On the proposal of Councillor Ashdown, seconded by Councillor Pitchers”
Minutes, 10 Mar 2026, Land East Of Peach House Wentworth Road Aldeburgh - Spoke
“Councillor Pitchers said it was a no brainer.”
Minutes, 10 Mar 2026, 1 St Andrews Road Beccles Suffolk - Seconded
“On the proposal of Councillor Ashton, seconded by Councillor Pitchers”
Minutes, 10 Mar 2026, 1 St Andrews Road Beccles Suffolk - Asked a question
“Councillor Pitchers asked if the lake was graduated or a straight drop.”
Minutes, 9 Dec 2025, Cockfield Hall Estate Station Road Yoxford Suffolk - Moved the motion
“On the proposal of Councillor Pitchers, seconded by Councillor Ashdown”
Minutes, 9 Dec 2025, Cockfield Hall Estate Station Road Yoxford Suffolk - Seconded
“Councillor Pitchers seconded the proposal, it was not to his taste, it had been reduced and he could not see grounds to object it.”
Minutes, 9 Dec 2025, Woodleys The Common Southwold Suffolk - Seconded
“On the proposal of Councillor Ashton, seconded by Councillor Pitchers”
Minutes, 9 Dec 2025, Woodleys The Common Southwold Suffolk - Asked a question
“Councillor Pitchers asked if they could go back to the applicant, but that was not possible as not procedurally correct.”
Minutes, 11 Nov 2025, Land Adjoining 20 Manor Park Road Corton Suffolk - Spoke
“Councillor Pitchers also considered that paragraph 212 and 213 of the NPPF applied to their decision.”
Minutes, 11 Nov 2025, 17 Market Place Southwold Suffolk - Asked a question
“Councillor Pitchers asked if Section 72 .1 of The Act needed to be referenced.”
Minutes, 11 Nov 2025, 17 Market Place Southwold Suffolk - Asked a question
“Councillor Pitchers asked where the function spaces mentioned were located.”
Minutes, 11 Nov 2025, Cockfield Hall Station Road Yoxford Saxmundham Suffolk - Spoke
“Councillor Pitchers said he wasn’t sure which way to vote. He noted there wasn’t a really good restaurant locally and the opening of one would sway him.”
Minutes, 11 Nov 2025, Cockfield Hall Station Road Yoxford Saxmundham Suffolk
The 30 most recent of 39 are shown.
How this is worked out
Everything here is read from East Suffolk’s published planning committee minutes, 24 meetings from September 2025 to September 2026. A councillor is matched across meetings by the council’s own member number where it has one, otherwise by full name.
Each vote shows how it is known. Named in the minutes: the minutes, or the council’s own recorded vote, list each member with their vote. From the count and the names: the minutes give the numbers and name the members in the minority, and every member present is known. All members present in favour: the minutes say every member voted for it and the members present are known. No vote against recorded: the minutes record the decision with no vote against, no abstention and no count, at a council whose minutes print a divided vote when there is one, so each member present is counted for. Unanimous vote: the minutes call the decision unanimous, or give a count with no one against and no one abstaining, and each member present is counted for. From the meeting recording: the vote was heard on the council’s recording of the meeting and closes exactly with the members present. Where none of these holds, the vote is left as “Not recorded” and is not counted.
Votes are on the resolution the committee passed, so a vote for is a vote with the majority. A vote is a decision on the application in front of the committee, not a statement of the councillor’s views. A percentage is shown only with five or more votes, decisions or meetings behind it.
Source: Plota analysis of the council’s minutes. The party is the one they were elected for, from Democracy Club’s open election results.
Also on this committee
- Sarah PlummerGreen
- Paul Geoffrey AshdownConservative
- Lee ReevesLib Dem
- Colin Stanley HedgleyConservative
- Graham Reginald ParkerLabour
- Paul Richard AshtonLib Dem
- Seamus BennettLib Dem
- Andrée Marise Diana GeeConservative
- Mike NinnmeyLib Dem
- Tom DalyGreen
- David BeavanLib Dem
- Geoffrey Ian David WakelingGreen
- John FisherIndependent
- Rosie SmithsonLabour
- Toby HammondGreen
- Mike DeaconLabour