STOCK PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes Of The Meeting Held
On Monday 5th September
At Stock Village Hall At 7.30pm.

Present: Cllrs. Johnson, Williams, Elliott, Easton, Otter & Watling
In The Chair Cllr. Peacock
Minute Secretary Lorraine Green
Also Present: 15 Members of the Public and Chelmsford Borough Councillor Ian Grundy

1300 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
Cllr. Tully sent her apologies.
1301. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 25TH JULY 2005.
The Minutes of the Meeting, having been previously circulated, were then duly signed as a true record of events. All agreed.
1302. VACANCY FOR A COUNCILLOR DECLARED ON 2ND AUGUST 2005 FOLLOWING RESIGNATION OF CLLR. LUSTY.
The Chairman reported that Cllr. Lusty had handed in his resignation as Councillor and that a notice had been put on the noticeboard advertising that a vacancy had arisen. The Chairman had notified Chelmsford Borough Council of the vacancy and the Parish Council were now following the legal procedure. The Chairman advised that the relevant notice had been put on the noticeboard and that Chelmsford Borough Council had confirmed that nobody had requested an Election. The Parish Council are therefore now able to proceed to fill the vacancy themselves by Co-option. The Chairman advised that he would put an advertisement on the noticeboard for the vacancy and that the deadline for applications would be the 16th September 2005. The Clerk would then send out a copy of the application letters to each Councillor which, once read, should be returned to the Clerk for shredding. The Chairman advised that the co-option would take place at the next meeting on the 26th September 2005.
1303. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.
Tree Warden Scheme - The Chairman advised that the Tree Warden was putting some planting schemes together with Lynn Cameron of Chelmsford Borough Council in order that some grants and funding could be obtained. The Chairman had asked the Tree Warden to look at implementing a planting scheme around the new noticeboard, which was being placed at the top of Swan Lane. The Chairman advised that he had discussed with the Tree Warden potentially what tree planting could be done at the new Doctors' Surgery.
The Larches - The Chairman advised that he had chased the Woodland Trust and that he had been unable to speak to the Planning lady at Chelmsford Borough Council as she had been on holiday.
Blackboard Advertisement Boards - The Chairman read out a letter that had been received from Paul Bohannan, Planning Enforcement Officer, at Chelmsford Borough Council. The display boards that are located within the confines of the Cock Car Park have been determined to be covered by Class 6 and providing that they do not exceed in aggregate 4.5 square metres then no breach exists. The greensward between the footpath and the car park would be considered as forecourt as would any fence or wall enclosing this area.
Noticeboards - The Chairman advised that he had a quotation for the noticeboard in Back Lane and that he had been in touch with the Planning Department who said they would get back to the Chairman shortly. The Chairman said that he would speak to the Tree Warden about getting a planting scheme in place for this area.
Ditch around the Common - It was agreed that this item would be discussed under Closed Meeting for Opening Tenders.
Churchyard - The Chairman advised that he had spoken to the Churchwarden again about having the churchyard cut. The Churchwarden had agreed that if more than 4 cuts were needed a year then he would come back to the Parish Council and ask for further cuts to be made. It was reported that the churchyard had been cleared.
Cleaning Road Signs - The Chairman advised that Norman Robinson of Essex County Council had assured him that the road signs and posts are in hand.
Grass Verges - The Chairman advised that the grass verges will be done in due course.
Bottom of Well Lane - The Chairman advised that Norman Robinson had the matter in hand.
Black and White Posts in Smallgains Lane - The Chairman advised that Norman Robinson had the matter in hand.
Level of Traffic at the High Street End of Common Road - The Chairman advised that he had not chased this matter with Norman Robinson but he would do so now. Cllr. Otter stated that parking is the problem not the level of traffic.
Grant from Essex County Council - Cllr. Watling advised that he had looked at the options available and that a projector would cost about £1,300.00 and a Dell Lap Top Computer about £1,200.00. He advised that some routers would need to be put in the Clerk's house and in the office. Cllr. Watling advised that a screen would cost about £104.00 but it was agreed that permission would be needed from the Village Hall Management Committee to put in a LAN connection and to put up a screen. The Chairman agreed to speak to Geoff Tully and ask him to take the matter to the Village Hall meeting next week. It was agreed that Cllr. Watling was authorised to purchase the relevant equipment.
Roadside Obstructions in the Village - The Chairman advised that Norman Robinson had the matter in hand.
Re-tarring and Stoning Common Lane, Common Road, The Square and Birch Lane - The Chairman read out a letter that had been received from Julie Martyn, Highways Manager, at Essex County Council. She advised that The Square and Common Road are on the list of schemes for consideration for resurfacing in the next financial year. She advised that tarring and stoning would not be suitable as both of these roads need reshaping with a thicker asphalt layer. Mrs Martyn was also arranging for Common Lane and Birch Lane to be inspected with a view to including them in a future programme of works. In the meantime all of these roads will continue to be regularly inspected for dangerous defects and remedial works will be carried out as necessary. After discussion, it was agreed that the Councillors would organise a list of potholes in the village.
Missing Posts outside The Hoop - It was agreed that this item would be discussed under Closed Meeting for Opening Tenders. It was reported that the posts had been damaged during the building work. The Chairman agreed to speak to Mr Fenwick to see if he wanted to contribute towards the cost of repairing the posts. It was agreed that the work should be carried out after the building work had been completed.
Rights of Access across and parking along the High Street between The Paddocks and Compass Green - The Chairman advised that the Clerk had written to all residents at that edge of the High Street and the residents of The Paddocks attaching a copy of Lord Petre's letter. The Chairman said that he would now distribute the letters.
Streetlight No. 813154 opposite The Old Rectory - Cllr. Elliott said that she would check the current situation and let the Clerk know so that she can chase the matter up.
Village Policeman - The Chairman read out a letter that had been received from Neil Murray, Community Safety and Section Inspector, at Essex Police. He advised that PC Elmer has moved away from the Stock area but is still working as an investigate officer within the Division. The area of Stock is still receiving cover from the Community Policing Team and, whilst there is no immediate replacement for Adrian, the post will be filled as soon as practicable. Inspector Murray said that he is keen to ensure that they maintain and build upon the good work already done by Adrian with the local community. Cllr. Easton suggested diarising the matter for every six months to see where the Parish Council are going with getting a replacement policeman. Cllr. Grundy advised that the Neighbourhood Watch AGM would be held on 7th October 2005 and that they were also keeping onto the situation regarding getting a replacement policeman. It was reported that Sgt Cronin would be attending the AGM and that he should be chased up on the matter.
Doggy Bins - The Clerk advised that Cllr. Elliott had ordered the doggy bins. Tree outside the Almshouses - Nothing to report.
Tree at the zebra crossing - The Clerk advised that Mr Fox had contacted her today to say that the work was due to be carried out shortly. At the same time work would be carried out around The Square.
30mph sign as you enter village from A12 and the warning markers that indicate you are entering a 30mph zone which are completely obliterated and overgrown - The Clerk advised that Mr Fox from Essex County Council had contacted her today to say that the work had been carried out.
Speed reduction sign from Well Lane to Smallgains Lane which is covered up by a hedge - The Clerk advised that Mr Fox had contacted her today to say that the work had been carried out. The Chairman said that he would check to see if the work had been done.
Essex Minerals Development Framework (MDF) & Minerals Development Document (MDDs) - Cllrs Easton and Otter had looked at the document and had reported back to the Chairman with their comments.
Chelmsford Borough's Submission Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) - Cllrs Easton and Otter had looked at the document and had reported back to the Chairman with their comments.
Church Car Park - The Chairman advised that he had spoken to the Churchwarden and that they were not sure what to do about the car park, as they cannot come up with a material other than gravel. The Chairman advised that he had not spoken to S.D. Landscapes about the matter. Cllr. Johnson suggested tarmac then gravel rolled. Cllr. Otter said that the Parish Council needed to get some professional advice as it is in the conservation area. It was agreed that the Chairman would speak to building control and Chelmsford Borough Council.
Drain outside the Almshouses - The Chairman advised that the drain had broken and that he was waiting to hear from Willben's about the situation.
1304. GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE.
a) The Chairman read out a letter that had been received from David Jackson regarding the pavements and road surfaces in Falkner Close. The Chairman advised that he was going to write a letter to Norman Robinson about the fact that there is no footpath between Mackay House and the Doctors' Surgery and that he would include this matter in the same letter.
b) The Chairman read out a note of thanks from Anne Ellis of Well Lane for the new play equipment. It was reported that the play equipment was being well used.
c) The Chairman read out a letter that had been received from CPRE regarding Planning for Housing Provision - 5 Reasons The Government Has Got It Wrong. CPRE were asking the Parish Council to write a response to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Cllr. Otter declared an interest, which was not prejudicial. It was agreed that the Chairman would copy CPRE's comments and send it on Parish Council letterhead to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. The deadline was the 9th September 2005
d) The Chairman read out a letter that had been received from Lynn Constable at Chelmsford Borough Council advising that the new house at the Bakers Arms would be known as 3 High Street.
e) The Chairman read out a letter that had been received from Dennis Lusty regarding him telling Chelmsford Borough Council that at the 1986 public enquiry into the A12 southern bye-pass a representative of the Essex County Council said that it was the intention of the ECC to apply for a weight restriction on the B1007 as soon as the final link-up of the M25 was complete and that, in reliance on that assurance, our representative withdrew Stock's objection to the proposed two way link up of the B1007 to the new road. Mr Lusty has been trying to inspect the transcript of the evidence at the enquiry. Mr Lusty was finally put onto the Highways Agency who advised that the information required does not appear to be held by the Agency and that they have probably been destroyed.
f) The Chairman advised that the EALC AGM would be held on 28th September 2005. It was agreed that Cllrs. Otter and Johnson would let the Clerk know if they could attend.
1305. PLANNING MATTERS.
The Chairman read out a letter that had been received from Joy Thomas, Team Leader for Trees and Procedures, at Chelmsford Borough Council. She advised that with effect from 1st September 2005 consultation letters would be sent out to Parish Councils in respect of applications for works to trees located within Conservation Areas and trees which are subject to a Tree Preservation Order. Mrs Thomas asked for the Tree Warden to be consulted on these applications where appropriate. There will be a 14 day response period for trees in Conservation Areas and a 21 day response period for trees subject to a TPO. The Chairman asked the Clerk to forward a copy of this letter to Keith Blackburn and ask him how he wanted to proceed.
The process of how the Parish Council look at Planning Applications was discussed. It was agreed that any plans on the Agenda would be discussed at the meeting and any plans received after the Agenda had been produced would be deferred until the next meeting. This would be trialled until the end of the year.
Anonymous letters - The Chairman read out a letter that had been received from Elaine Peck, Customer Services Development Officer, at Chelmsford Borough Council Planning Department with regard to anonymous letters. The Chairman suggested following the line of Chelmsford Borough Council. It was agreed that any anonymous letter regarding a planning application should be ignored and if an anonymous letter was received regarding enforcement then this should be passed onto the Enforcement Officers for them to deal with.
The Chairman read out a letter that had been received from Joy Thomas, Team Leader for Trees and Procedures, of Chelmsford Borough Council regarding a Tree Preservation Order No. TPO 2005/40 at 11 Back Lane. The Order was made on the 10th August 2005. The reasons for the Order were that the trees protected by this Order are important to the street scene in this locality and are a haven to wildlife. They add shade and a softening effect to the adjacent buildings and enhance the Conservation Area. It is for these reasons that it is considered expedient to serve a Tree Preservation Order. Mrs Thomas said she would let the Parish Council know in due course whether or not the Order has been confirmed.
Applications:
Application No 05/01308/FUL
Creation of a coarse fishing lake, raising of the polo pitch surface and the removal of part of a hedge.
Location: Brock Farm, Ingatestone Road, Stock
Applicant: R.J. Napp
Cllr. Otter reported that she had spoken to the Case Officer who said they would go back to the applicant to get further plans as they were incorrect and then come back to the Parish Council. The Clerk was asked to chase the Case Officer.
Application No 05/01168/LBC
Alteration of external finish from render to original feather edged boarding
Location: 51 High Street, Stock
Applicant: R .& J. Fenwick
.Comments due by 19th August 2005. Under the Clerk's delegated power, and after consultation with Cllrs. Johnson, Elliott and Williams, the Parish Council had no objections.
Application No 05/01504/OUT
Erection of a dwelling.
Location: Land Adjacent 5 Dakyn Drive, Stock.
Applicant: Mr & Mrs M. Campion
The Parish Council commented that the planners need to ensure that it is not too prominent relative to the existing frontage of Brookmans Road. They also commented that the planners need to ensure the maintenance of the TPO and relative location to the property.
Application No 05/01491/FUL
Incorporate agricultural land into the domestic curtilage.
Location: Land Rear of 41 to 49 Birch Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Owners of 41, 43, 45, 47 & 49 Birch Lane
Cllr. Williams declared a prejudicial interest and left the room. The Chairman advised that he had received a letter from Cllr. Williams regarding the application. The Parish Council commented that the land is outside the defined settlement area of the village. It is designated green belt and a special landscape area in a very attractive area of countryside. It is highly visible from the B1007 and the footpath from Birch Lane to Holes Place Farm. It is encroachment into the countryside. It detracts from the rural amenity of the area. It is visually intrusive. This is on a sloping edge of the village so makes it more visible from the surrounding area. The Parish Council request for an Article Four Direction on the agricultural land.
Application No 05/01527/FUL
Replacement dwelling.
Location: Honeysuckle Cottage, Downham Road, Stock
Applicant: G. & M.K. Diffley.
The Parish Council commented that this is considerably larger than the existing property in the green belt.
Application No 05/01572/FUL
Part two storey and part single storey rear extension and single storey side addition.
Location: 2 Austen Drive, Stock.
Applicant: Mr & Mrs C. Taylor.
The Parish Council commented that it is over development of the site. The Parish Council do not believe the side extensions and roof complies with the published guidelines for side extensions and roofs. The side elevation to the footpath presents an overbearing and unattractive appearance.
Results:
Application No 05/01127/FUL
Two storey side and single storey rear extensions and loft conversion with front and rear dormers.
Location: 90 Mill Road, Stock
Applicant: Mr and Mrs Ringer.
Refused
Application No 05/01027/FUL
First floor side extension.
Location: Plantation Cottage East, Mill Road, Stock
Applicant: Mr S. Welch.
Refused
Application No 05/01152/FUL
Demolish existing garage and construct a single storey side and rear extension, incorporating a replacement garage at the side
Location: 49 Well Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr and Mrs J. Collins
Approved
Application No . 05/01183/FUL
Two storey side/rear extension and alterations
Location: 2 Steels Cottages, Seamans Lane, Stock
Applicant: C. Shepherd
Approved
Application No 05/01167/FUL
Conversion of single dwelling to form 2 cottages together with demolition of existing side and rear extensions, erection of replacement part two storey/part single storey rear extensions.
Location: 51 High Street, Stock
Applicant: R & J Fenwick.
Withdrawn
Application No 05/00919/FUL
2 no. first floor side extensions, conversion of garage to living accommodation
Location: 4 Myln Meadow, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs D. Massey.
Approved
Application No 05/00890/LBC.
Replacement fireplace, back door and staircase.
Location: 22 High Street, Stock
Applicant: Paul Mellor
Approved
Application No 05/01005/FUL
Three storey front extension, replacement kitchen, utility room and conservatory, two storey rear extension, additional storey at side and rooms in the roof with rear dormer.
Location: 6 The Lindens, Stock
Applicant: Mr and Mrs P. Williams
Withdrawn
Application No 05/01055/FUL
Erection of a detached garage
Location: Sunnybrook Farm, Well Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr Reid-Brown
Approved
Application No 05/01129/LBC
Single storey side extension.
Location: 24 Mill Road, Stock
Applicant: Mr and Mrs Spotswood.
Refused
Application No 05/01128/FUL
Single storey side extension.
Location: 24 Mill Road, Stock
Applicant: Mr and Mrs Spotswood
Refused
Application No 05/01245/FUL
Construction of pitched roof over garage and front entrance porch
Location: 1 Common Lane, Stock
Applicant:
Approved
Application No 05/01215/FUL
Change of use of land designated for agriculture to residential use (amenity/garden space) and erect 20 metre of 2 metre high close boarded fence to western boundary
Location: Land Adjacent 59 Birch Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs B. Radley
Refused
Application No 05/01232/FUL
Change of use of part garden from agricultural to residential.
Location: 57 Birch Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs A.R. Webb
Refused
Application No 05/01354/FUL
Demolition of existing garage/outbuilding and erection of a detached dwelling with parking to the rear.
Location: Land Adjacent 11 Back Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Escott.
Withdrawn
1306 FINANCE.
Cllr. Easton proposed that the Business Reserve account was closed and that the Parish Council just have a Current Account and Base Rate Tracker Account. All agreed.
Village Hall Car Park - The Chairman advised that the work had not yet been done. The Chairman advised that Peter Bentley had been away so he had been unable to get his advice on the VAT issue.
Cheques to be Signed - The following cheques were approved for payment and signed:
101072 £613.54 Mrs L.J.Green Salary 1.8.05 - 31.8.05
101073 £104.81 Inland Revenue Only PAYE and N.I.
101074 £ 72.13 Mrs L.J. Green Expenses
101075 £ 55.11 British Telecommunications Plc Office Telephone
101076 £645.00 Mr P. Williams Grass Cutting July and August
101077 £ 85.00 Mr P. Williams Fell Hawthorn Tree on Common
Transfer of Funds - On the 26th August notice was given to transfer £2,000.00 from the Business Reserve Account to the Current Account. Transfer took place on 2nd September 2005.
Audit of Accounts for 2004/05 - The Clerk advised that Lubbock Fine had requested one piece of information which she had supplied to them.
SmithKline Beecham/S106 Play Equipment Sum - The Clerk advised that the money had been received and that she had written to Mrs McLay Kidd acknowledging receipt and sending a copy of the invoice for the play equipment as evidence that the money had been spent.
1307 BEST VALUE GROUP REPORT.
Traffic Management - The Chairman reported that the gates were now in place. He advised that Essex County Council had refused to let the Parish Council have their unique sign erected. The Chairman said he would go back to them and see whether the Parish Council could have the new shaped sign with a white background but said that he would have to go through the whole process again. The Chairman advised that the speed loops would be put in shortly to see if there is any change since the gates have gone in. The Chairman advised that the cats eyes would not be replaced but that the signage was still to be done. The Chairman said he would chase Sgt Cronin regarding bringing the Speed Indicator Device to the village.
Playground - The Chairman advised that he had asked for a quote for maintenance from Wicksteed. It was agreed that this item could now be removed from the Agenda.
1308 GRASS CUTTING
Nothing to report.
1309 BUS SHELTERS.
Nothing to report.
1310 MAINTENANCE
Cllr. Elliott reported that a post is missing on the Common and that three are loose where people park their cars. Cllr. Elliott also reported that the old railway seat on the Common needs new planks and painting. It was agreed that the Chairman would ask Bob Hale for a quotation.
1311 OPEN SPACES.
Cllr. Williams advised that she was disappointed to see that the Hawthorn tree had been removed on the Common. It was agreed that the Clerk should ask the Tree Warden to arrange for a replacement tree to be planted.
Cllr. Easton reported that additional paving slabs had been put to the side of the green corrugated shed behind the Cricket Pavilion. Cllr. Grundy advised that this was for the BBQ to stand on and for rubbish. The Chairman advised that in the Cricket Club newsletter it had stated that the Cricket Club were going to do a plan for the Pavilion etc and were going to show the Parish Council and Lord Petre their plans.
Cllr. Grundy reported that the pond at Thornton Place was worse now than when Cllrs. Easton, Johnson and himself had cleaned it recently. It was agreed that Cllr. Johnson would contact S.D. Landscapes for a quotation to dig the pond out to the gravel bed.
1312 ROAD SIGNS AND FOOTPATHS
Cllr. Otter advised that it had been reported to her that big shards of glass have been put on top of Greenwoods' wall in Crondon Park Lane, which is very dangerous. Cllr. Otter stated that there are now regulations about this type of thing. She advised that it is a listed wall in the curtilage of a listed building. The Chairman stated that there was already glass on the top of the rest of the wall but that he would E-Mail James West about the matter.
1313 VILLAGE HALL REPORT.
Cllr. Elliott advised that a meeting would be held next week
1314 REPORT BY CHELMSFORD BOROUGH COUNCILLOR IAN GRUNDY
Cllr. Grundy reported that the Neighbourhood Watch AGM would be held on 7th October at 8pm in the British Legion Hall
Cllr. Grundy advised that it had not been the most productive month for Chelmsford Borough Council. He advised that the Eurojam weekend at Hylands Park had gone well but that the residents in Writtle had suffered due to late discos. Cllr. Grundy advised that the V-Festival went very well. Cllr Grundy advised that Chelmsford Borough Council were busy with the licensing. Cllr. Grundy advised that Hylands House was being officially opened and that on the 11th and 12th September admission would be free. The house would be open from 11am until 6pm. Cllr. Grundy advised that planning permissions were changing from 5 years to 3 years
1315 ESSEX RURAL HOUSING TRUST
Nothing to report
1316 STOCK VILLAGE ACTION PLAN.
Cllr. Easton advised that there had been two meetings. The first had been with Michelle Gardiner who had gone through the results from the first meeting in May and who had consolidated the flip charts. Cllr. Easton advised that the Sub Committee had each taken a section in order to edit and get action points. Once the Action Plan was ready a meeting would be held in order for the village to comment. The Chairman advised that he had E-mailed Michelle Gardiner with possible dates, which were the evening of Wednesday 5th October in the small hall at the Village Hall or the morning of Saturday 8th October in the big hall in the Village Hall. To-date the Chairman had not received a reply. Cllr. Easton said that she would arrange to run the grids past the Parish Council at the next meeting before the village meeting is held.
1317 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING.
The next Meeting of the Parish Council is on Monday 26th September 2005 at 7.30pm.
1318 CLOSED MEETING FOR OPENING TENDERS.
Posts Outside the Hoop - It was agreed that the work would be left until the building work had finished.
Ditch Around Common - The quotations were discussed and it was agreed that the work would be given to Bob Hale.
Noticeboard in Back Lane - The Chairman read out the quotation received from Bob Hale and it was agreed that he should supply and fit the noticeboard.
The Chairman thanked everyone for coming; the meeting closed at 10.20pm.
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