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 |
Location: |
Applicant: |
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 |
Location: |
Applicant: |
.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 |
Location: |
Applicant: |
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 |
Location: |
Applicant: |
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 |
Location: |
Applicant: |
The Parish Council commented that
this is considerably larger than the existing property in the green belt. |
|
|
|
Application No |
Location: |
Applicant: |
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 |
Location: |
Applicant: |
Refused |
|
|
|
Application No |
Location: |
Applicant: |
Refused |
|
|
|
Application No |
Location: |
Applicant: |
Approved |
|
|
|
Application No |
Location: |
Applicant: |
Approved |
|
|
|
Application No |
Location: |
Applicant: |
Withdrawn |
|
Application No |
Location: |
Applicant: |
Approved |
|
Application No |
Location: |
Applicant: |
Approved |
|
Application No |
Location: |
Applicant: |
Withdrawn |
|
Application No |
Location: |
Applicant: |
Approved |
|
Application No |
Location: |
Applicant: |
Refused |
|
Application No |
Location: |
Applicant: |
Refused |
|
Application No |
Location: |
Applicant: |
Approved |
|
Application No |
Location: |
Applicant: |
Refused |
|
Application No |
Location: |
Applicant: |
Refused |
|
Application No |
Location: |
Applicant: |
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. |