In the chair: Dr. N. Edwards

Present: Councillors C. Cannell, P. Day, R. Falco, R. Green, D. Holmes, A. Law, G. Massey, M. Rudge, J. Skittrall, E. Snarey.
Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk)
Mr. R. Carter (Youth Council representative)
Together with 8 (eight) members of the public.

1. Apologies for absence                       
Mr. J. Hatfield (working), Mrs. J. Beavis, Mr. S. Bolter and Mrs. W. Scattergood (District Councillors).Mr. D. Finch (County Councillor)           

2. To co-opt new Councillor to fill casual vacancy
As no election was requested and the relevant time limit had expired the Parish Council exercised their powers of co-option to fill the casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. J. Ferrando. It was proposed, seconded and carried that Mr. E. W. Snarey be co-opted onto the Parish Council.

3. Declaration of Acceptance of Office of New Councillor
Mr. E. Snarey then signed his Declaration of Acceptance of Office and undertaking to abide by the code of conduct in the presence of the Clerk.  

4. Declarations of Interest
Mrs. G. Massey declared an interest in connection with a planning application relating to 55 Alexandra Road as she has an interest in the neighbouring property.
Mr. D. Holmes declared an interest in connection with a planning application relating to Alderford Farm as he knows the applicant.    
No other interests were declared.

5. To confirm minutes of previous meeting held 13th March 2006
The minutes of the previous Parish Council meeting held on 13th March 2006, having been previously circulated, were taken as read, were confirmed and duly signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

6. Matters arising from the minutes of 13th March 2006
a) Convoys through village
The MOD had sent a detailed reply but had omitted to specify what the convoys were carrying.  The Clerk had therefore specifically requested this information from MOD from whom a further reply was awaited.
b) Footpath from Spurgeon Close to Swan Street
The Clerk reported that he had chased Shell’s agents again regarding the footpath across Shell property and a reply was awaited.  The agents had confirmed that they had received the Parish Council’s letters and claimed that they were waiting for instructions from their clients (Shell) and were sending them a reminder. 
c) Bus Shelter at Sugar Loaves
The Clerk reported that the replacement bus shelter had been erected near the Sugar Loaves on 4th April.
d) Dog bins
The Clerk reported that the BDC Dog Warden had erected the new dog bins near Brook House, Swan Street and at Station Road.
e) Street light at Swan Chase
The Chairman reported that EDF Energy had removed the original post and lamp and therefore the PC were trying to get EDF Energy to pay for the cost of the replacement.
f) Hearing facilities at Village Hall
Mr. P. Day reported that on behalf of Sible Hedingham Village Hall Committee he had investigated various types and the costs of a hearing loop for the Village Hall.   The Committee will give further consideration to hearing facilities at their next meeting.
 
7. Public Comment
Mr. N. Lambert of Harrow Cross raised the continuing problem of parking in School Road during school hours.  He had observed that the new Nursery School does not have any parking spaces within school grounds and therefore the Nursery School as well as the Primary School should be consulted upon the parking issues.   The Chairman reported that Mr. D. Finch (County Councillor) and Mr. R. Bass (County Councillor responsible for Highways) would be visiting both Schools in the village this month to consider parking problems and it was anticipated that Mr. Finch would be reporting on the visit and proposals to  resolve the problems at the next Parish Council meeting. 

8. Chairman and Vice Chairman’s reports
The Chairman had nothing to report.  The Vice Chairman reported that both the shelter and the shed on the Recreation Ground had been damaged by vandals and would need repairing.  It was now essential that the Police, the PCSO and the Parish Ranger visit the Recreation Ground regularly on Friday evenings.  Mr. E. Mayes had inspected the tree on the Recreation Ground near 20 Cambridge Avenue and had advised that it should be felled in the interests of safety.  The cost would be in the region of £200.00, which was approved.   Mr. J. Skittrall reported that he would be attending the Hedingham Hawks AGM on 18th April as representative of the Parish Council.  Mrs. G. Massey reported some broken glass on the Recreation Ground which Mr. Skittrall will ask Mr. K. Metson to clear.     
                       
9. Youth Council Report
Mr. Robert Carter as representative of Hedingham Youth Council gave a report.   Hedingham School will host the forthcoming launch of the Youth Council on 28th April.   The Youth Council was trying to improve contacts with other Youth organizations in the village.  A bi-monthly newsletter was proposed to increase the profile of the Youth Council, the first issue of which will be released after the launch meeting.    The Chairman thanked Mr. Carter for attending the meeting and for his report.

10. Essex County Council Report
In the absence of Mr. D. Finch no report was given.

11. Braintree District Council Report
The Clerk reported that Mrs. W. Scattergood had sent a message stating that she would chase the ‘no litter’ signs for Sible Hedingham and let the Parish Council have a progress report.   On behalf of the Parish Council the Clerk had sent Mrs. Scattergood good wishes for a speedy recovery following her recent RTA. 
Mr. S. Bolter had sent a written report which was read by the Clerk.   BDC had voted (with one abstention) to oppose the construction of a second runway at Stansted and to co-operate with other councils in opposing BAA’s application.     The proposal that BDC Officers should be allowed to approve planning applications contrary to representations made by Parish Councils without referring them to the Area Committee had been rescinded.   If an application is opposed by a Parish Council or by five members of the public it will go to the Area Committee.   Mr. Bolter also reported upon individual planning applications and consultations on the 331 bus to Sudbury.      

12. Planning
a) Planning applications
Miss. C. Cannell reported that the following applications had been considered by the Planning Advisory Group and recommended as follows:
06/00454/FUL – 25 Friars Close – retrospective application for sun room at rear of dwelling – no objection.
06/00485/FUL and 06/00490/LBC – 31 Potter Street – erection of single storey extension – no objection.
06/00503/FUL and revised plans – Melbourne House, Halstead Road – erection of two storey and single storey side extension, single storey rear extension and erection of detached garage – no objection.
06/00530/FUL – 24 Abbey Meadows – retention of porch to rear – no objection.
                                                                                                                                    3

06/00547/OUT – Rear of 55 Alexandra Road – erection of two bedroom bungalow on part of existing rear garden – opposed on grounds of overdevelopment and overcrowding.
06/00667/FUL – Alderford Farm, Alderford Street – erection of first floor extension – no objection.
It was proposed, seconded and carried that the above recommendations of the Planning Advisory Group are approved.     

Miss. C. Cannell gave a report of the Village Design Statement Open Day on 18th March 2006, which had been very successful.   Councillors, Clerk, Jan Cole of RCCE and the Youth Council had been in attendance on 18th March.   The views of the public had been collated and were circulated to members of the Village Design Statement Advisory Group for consideration.   As there was an emphasis on public participation it was reported that there were enough volunteers to progress the work forward.  It was understood that future work should be grant aided by RCCE.  Miss. C. Cannell agreed to consult Jan Cole about the future and in particular about grants towards further expenses.    The Chairman thanked Miss. Cannell and Mrs. G. Massey for all their hard work in connection with the Open Day.                    

13. To consider purchase of two trees for Recreation Ground
Mr. J. Skittrall proposed that the PC purchase two trees to replace those lost on the Recreation Ground.  It was agreed that Mr. Skittrall should consult Mr. E. Mayes to advise on the types of trees, their exact locations, protection against vandalism and to provide prices.   Mr. Skittrall and Mrs. G. Massey will carry out a survey of all existing trees on the Recreation Ground and list and photograph those worthy of preservation with a view to asking Mr. Crow of BDC to make tree preservation orders. 

14. Report on joint villages transport committee
Mr. E. Snarey reported that the 332 bus had been withdrawn as it was too costly.  The 331 bus was marginally more economical and there were positive signs that it may continue.   Mr. Snarey will be attending a meeting with representatives of Castle Hedingham and Great Yeldham in the hope that this bus will be kept running with funding from ECC.  It is hoped that the route will be changed to include Hawkwood Road.   De Vere travel had put forward proposals for a Sible Hedingham to Sudbury and return bus on a Saturday.   Mr. Snarey was thanked for his report. 

15. Feasibility study on BMX track
Mr. J. Skittrall introduced three boys who had requested a BMX track and had produced a plan, similar to a track near Towerlands.   He proposed that the PC support a proposed BMX track.  Mrs. G. Massey reminded the PC that Mr. J. Krischock as BDC Estates Manager had offered to build a BMX track but the PC need to find a suitable site.   Two possible sites were suggested namely the former brickworks site at the top of Brick Kiln Hill, Castle Hedingham and the former sand pit site at Southey Green.   The Chairman will discuss the possible use of the Brick Kiln Hill site with Mr. J. M. Crowther and liaise with Castle Hedingham Parish Council as the site is within their parish boundary.   Insurance implications will also need to be considered.   An Advisory Group consisting of the Chairman and Vice Chairman, Mr. P. Day, Mr. D. Holmes, Mr. A. Law and Mr. Robert Carter (Youth Council) was formed to give further consideration to the feasibility of a BMX track.      Arising from this matter it was agreed that the Parish Council should consider acquiring ownership of Southey Green and all other Greens in the village. 

16. Footpaths and update on Pauline Stevens Walk
The Chairman reported that the Clerk had written to ECC Highways who had responded to confirm that the rolling program of surveying and improving footpaths will continue under the new contractors.    With regard to the Pauline Stevens walk, the Chairman had discussed prices of notice boards with Mr. J. Hatfield.  It was proposed by Mr. E. Snarey, seconded by Mr. P. Day and carried that a notice board should be ordered for up to £150.00.   It was agreed to thereafter ask P3 to help with the cost. 
                                               
17. To consider Parish Council Waste Bin Contract
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that the Clerk and himself, had met Mr. D. Mackay of BDC on 7th April when a new 770 waste bin had been discussed to store rubbish sacks in at the Village Hall.  The cost would be

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£338.63 net per annum, with the Village Hall making a contribution towards the cost.  The bin will be used by Mr. K. Metson on behalf of the PC and by the Village Hall.  The bin will be emptied weekly by BDC who will have a key to the ‘cage’ at the Village Hall.  It was proposed by Mr. J. Skittrall, seconded by Mr. D. Holmes and carried that the PC finance the cost of the bin for street cleansing and recreation ground purposes in the sum of £338.63 net per annum less the contribution from the Village Hall.       

18. To consider quotation to remove dangerous concrete base at Recreation Ground            
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that an old concrete base, with a metal centre, on the Recreation Ground was breaking up and becoming dangerous.   It needs to be removed for safety purposes as it is becoming a hazard.   Mr. C. Chapman had quoted £860.00 for the work sometime ago and Mr. K. Metson had recently quoted £750.00.  It was resolved to accept Mr. Metson’s quote for £750 to include turfing the area. 
With regard to a quote from Mr. Metson for £110.00 for repairing and re-felting shed roof on Recreation Ground it was resolved that the Vice Chairman should authorize repairs under the emergency powers delegated to him.   A further quote from Mr. Metson for £60 for fixing new seat on Recreation Ground was deferred to the next meeting.           

19. To approve draft Annual Report, cost of printing and donation for distribution
The Chairman had previously circulated the draft Annual Report for 2005-2006 to all Councillors for approval.   The report was approved subject to the inclusion of availability of sand bags and a revision concerning landowners in connection with footpaths.   The Chairman reported that it could be printed for under £300.00 if photos on cover only as against over £700.00 last year.  Mrs. G. Massey suggested that illustrations should be included with the text to encourage people to read the report.   The Chairman advised that this would cost about £700.00.  Following a lengthy discussion it was proposed by Mr. J. Skittrall, seconded by Dr. R. Green and carried that the PC supports the Chairman and allows him to proceed with the printing at his discretion in the best interests of the PC.
As distribution by a commercial company last year was unsatisfactory, Mr. R. Carter suggested that the Scouts distribute the Annual Report to every household in the village for a suitable donation.   He confirmed that they would cover the entire village including all outlying areas.   After a lengthy discussion it was proposed by Mr. J. Skittrall, seconded by Mr. R. Falco and carried that the PC pays a donation of £250.00 to the Scouts on the understanding that they will deliver a copy of the report to all the 1660 households in the parish.

20. To review devolution of decision making from full Council to Planning Advisory Group
The Clerk read an email from Mr. A. Southerby of BDC Planning Department regarding the new procedure.  BDC accepted that SHPC has a significant number of applications on which to comment.  Applications are sent out weekly following completion of the weekly list and the consultation expiry date takes this into account by giving a date that ensures that the PC has a full three weeks to comment.   BDC will now email a copy of the weekly list (produced on a Wednesday afternoon) which the PC will receive in advance of the actual applications.   It was agreed to consult other PCs in the Cluster to ascertain how they are coping with the revised time limits and to review this matter again after the next Cluster Meeting.

21. To consider grass cutting for Essex County Council on an agency basis
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that he had received a written quotation from Mr. B. Coe for £185.00 per cut.    Maps of the areas to be cut will be delivered by Mr. Skittrall to all Parish Councillors for consideration.  Thereafter the Vice Chairman and Clerk were authorized to communicate with ECC regarding this matter.  Mr. Skittrall confirmed that ECC will reimburse the PC with the cost of grass cutting.  

22. Alderford Street petition regarding road conditions
Mr. A. Law reported that residents of Alderford Street had prepared a petition to ECC Highways regarding traffic conditions in Alderford Street.   He will deliver a copy of the Petition to the PC Office and will advise the PC when a response is received from ECC Highways.   Arising from this item is was reported that the Police, PCSOs, BDC Parking Attendants and Parish Ranger are having a purge on untaxed cars which are regularly parked in Alderford Street, Spring Way and in the car parks off Summerfields resulting

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from the unauthorized activities of a second hand car dealer in Spring Way and his mechanic in Alderford Street.

23. To consider possible unauthorized advertisement boards in Swan Street
Mrs. G. M. Massey reported that a permanent advertisement board had appeared at Kimberley Bungalow and a portable advertisement board had regularly been placed on the pavement outside The Bays (now Hedingham House), both in Swan Street.   It was emphasized that the latter had been left on the pavement (not in the garden) and had been there 24 hours a day, seven days a week including all weekend.   Other issues included running a business from a private residence without planning permission, council tax implications, hours of operation and obstructing a public pavement with a sign.   An email from Mr. J. M. Kenton, an Osteopath, was circulated to Councillors and considered.  The Chairman reported upon his consultations with BDC and produced a booklet titled, ‘Outdoor advertisements and signs – a guide for advertisers’ from which he read relevant extracts and in particular the sizes of permitted signs.   After some discussion it was resolved to seek advice from BDC Planning Department.     

24. Correspondence
The correspondence received and listed in appendix 1 was referred to the relevant Councillors for information and action.   Arising from the correspondence the following items were agreed:

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Mr. D. Holmes expressed concern about the length of time it had taken to go through the correspondence at the meeting and urged all Councillors to read the correspondence in the PC Office before future meetings to reduce time at meetings.   
 
25. Accounts for payment
The accounts listed in appendix 2 were presented for payment together with the following additional accounts:
Darkin’s Supply Stores – goods supplied                                                   £62.76
Powergen – Electricity for toilets on Recreation Ground                              £15.21
Autocross Plastics – Replacement bus shelter near Sugar Loaves                £3,577.88
Mrs. V. E. Martin – Electricity for PC Office                                                 £121.95
Mr. D. Moores – Two new benches for Recreation Ground                           £380.00
It was proposed by Mrs. G. Massey, seconded by Mr. D. Holmes and carried that the accounts are paid.

26. Any other business/exchange of information/agenda for next meeting
a)            Mr. E. Snarey reported that he had received new bus timetables which he will distribute at the Thursday Club and at the Co-op bus stop.
b)            Mr. M. Rudge reported that some bolts on gate near Grays Hall Meadow had been left in an unsafe condition and required improving in the interests of safety.  Mr. Skittrall will arrange to have nylon covers placed on them.
c)            It was reported that a dog bin near the Garages at Oxford Meadow had been damaged.  Mr. Skittrall agreed to inspect it and take appropriate action.
d)            Arrangements were made for the next VDS meeting on 27th April with Jan Cole of RCCE.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.55pm.