MINUTES OF SIBLE HEDINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE VILLAGE HALL, PARKFIELDS, SIBLE HEDINGHAM ON MONDAY 12TH DECEMBER 2005 AT 7.30P.M.

In the chair: Dr. N. Edwards

Present: Councillors C. Cannell, C. Chapman, P. Day, R. Green, D. Holmes, G. Massey, M. Rudge, J. Skittrall, E. Snarey

Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk)

Mr. D. Finch (County Councillor)

Mrs. J. Beavis, Mr. S. Bolter & Mrs. W. Scattergood (District Councillors)

Together with 1 (one) member of the public.

149. Apologies for absence

Cllrs. J. Hatfield (illness) and A. Law (holiday)

150. Absent

Mr. J. Ferrando

151. Declarations of Interest

The following interest was declared:

a) Mr. D. Holmes - planning application at 6 Station Road.

No other interests were declared.

152. To confirm minutes of previous meeting held 14 th November 2005

The minutes of the previous Parish Council meeting held on 14th November 2005, having been previously circulated, were taken as read and subject to amendments to minutes 126(b) to provide for a letter to be sent to BDC and 129(b) to add the name of Mr. P. Day, were confirmed and duly signed by the Chairman as a correct record.  

153. Matters arising from those minutes

a) Planning application on Premdor site

Dr. N. Edwards reported that revised plans had been received which provided for 17 affordable homes which had since been reduced to 16.   He also reported on his discussions with representatives of Premdor and Wimpey regarding confusion about ownership of land as some land included in the planning application and coloured green on the plans, was still owned by Premdor and not by Wimpey.   He gave details of the combination of houses and flats.    A site meeting with Highways had taken place on 8th December which had been 'unhelpful' as highways had refused to allow a roundabout or traffic lights at the Summerfields junction with Swan Street.   Highways will only allow double yellow lines to stop parking adjacent to the Co-op building in Summerfields but no other Highway improvements to either Summerfields or the Coopers Yard junction.   It was proposed by Mrs. G. Massey, seconded by Dr. R. A. Green and carried that Highways are asked to carry out a traffic survey at the Summerfields/Swan Street junction (as they had previously carried out at the Alderford Street junction with Swan Street).   The application would be considered by the Halstead Area Committee on 20 th December 2005 when Dr. Edwards offered to attend and represent the Parish Council which was accepted.   In the meantime Bidwells (agents) had arranged a site meeting on 17 th December to which District Councillors and Dr. Edwards had been invited to attend.

b) Highways

The Clerk reported that ECC Highways had confirmed that funding had been found to provide improvements along Swan Street for buggy users.    At the request of Mr. C. Chapman it was agreed that a proposed Highway Advisory Group should be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.

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c) Security at former Citroen Garage

Concern continued to be expressed about security at the former Citroen Garage where a door had been left open.   Dr. Edwards reported that the site was now up for sale with planning permission.    Mr. J. Skittrall stated that he had already reported the open door and would continue to pursue the question of security generally at the site.

d) Parish Ranger

The Clerk reported that our Parish Ranger, Mr. John Krischock, had been active in dealing with a number of matters in Sible Hedingham and had agreed to attend the Parish Council meeting on 13th February 2006 to give a report.

e) Litter

Mr. J. Skittrall reported upon discussions with the owner of the Fish Shop who had agreed to purchase a large square litter bin to place outside his shop which he will empty daily.   This will mean that the smaller circular litter bin owned by the PC can be relocated to School Hill.     This was approved by the PC and Mr. Skittrall will ask Mr. K. Metson to relocate the circular bin to School Hill when the new square bin arrives.

f) Criminal damage and litter

A number of Councillors had reported incidents of criminal damage to the Police recently including five incidents reported by Mrs. G. Massey in one week alone.   Councillors were very disillusioned with the Police and therefore Mr. D. Finch will raise concerns direct with the Chief Constable at a forthcoming meeting including a letter from the Clerk to the Police regarding the provision of essential information concerning the identity of the driver and insurers relating to the demolition of the bus shelter.    With regard to the litter problem it was confirmed that the Parish Ranger could impose penalties against persons dropping litter.   Mr. E. Snarey proposed that 'No litter - fines up to £1,000' signs are erected in the village.   Mrs. W. Scattergood agreed to make enquiries concerning such signs and report back.

154. Public comment

a) Traffic problems at School Hill

Mr. N. Lambert briefly mentioned the traffic problem at School Hill which he had spoken about at some length at the previous meeting.   He considered that the proposed two new houses at School Hill would increase traffic.   The Chairman reported that Mr. Mynott junior had agreed to cut the hedge opposite the school to improve safety and the school was investigating the possibility of increasing their parking area within the school grounds.  

b) Unauthorised use of former sand pits at Sandy Lane for landfill site.

Mr. Lambert also reported that the old sand pits in Sandy Lane were being used as a landfill site for which there had been no planning permission or licence.    He had already consulted Mrs. J. Beavis about this matter who was investigating it.   It was also agreed that the Clerk should place this item on the agenda for the next Parish Council Meeting.

155. Chairman and Vice Chairman's reports

The Chairman had nothing to report.   The Vice Chairman reported upon five fences and a brick wall which had been vandalized over the weekend.    Some wooden sections of fencing had been left in the road with nails sticking up.    A sign had also been removed from the Recreation Ground, which Mr. K. Metson will collect for safe keeping.   Mr. Finch will raise these matters with the Chief Constable and report back.

156. Essex County Council Report

Mr. D. Finch gave details of the medium term financial plan and of increased costs in various areas. Unfortunately there will be a reduction in the 'Supporting People' grant. The figures should be finalized in January 2006 with a view to the Council Tax for 2006-07 being fixed during February 2006. Details were given of Police restructuring and the proposed amalgamation of some County forces. It was confirmed that Essex as a 'stand alone' force was a viable option and it was therefore hoped to keep an Essex based force. Mr. E. Snarey and Mr. C. Chapman both expressed concern that if Essex becomes part of a regional

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force the service will not be enhanced.   It was agreed that the Parish Council wish to see more visible and effective policing.    Mr. Finch also reported that Essex Fire Brigade, Essex Ambulance Service and the Strategic Health Authority were also considering reorganization.   Mr. D. Finch was thanked for his report.    

157. Braintree District Council Report

Mrs. W. Scattergood reported that BDC were determined to set a lower Council Tax for 2006-07. From 1 st April 2006 BDC will have to give a free bus pass to all pensioners who apply. Although the Government will be giving a grant towards this the total cost is unknown. The Rural Development Fund should go ahead in 2006-07 when refurbishment as well as new projects will be considered. Applications to County should be submitted by the end of February 2006 and to BDC by end of June 2006.

Mr. S. Bolter reported that BDC had sent a letter of support for the proposition that Essex Police Force stands alone.    Mrs. Scattergood and Mr. Bolter were thanked for their reports.

158. Planning

a) Planning applications

05/01672/OUT - Coopers Yard, Swan Street - development of 22 dwellings and 2 shop units - Dr. N. Edwards reported upon the revised plans showing a meeting room and office for Parish Council use. There was still concern about the lack of car parking spaces. A copy of the Parish Councils letter of 29 th November 2005 to BDC was circulated to all Councillors. It was proposed by Mr. D. Holmes, seconded by Dr. R. A. Green and carried that the contents of this letter are approved.

Dr. R. A. Green reported that the following applications had been considered by the Planning Advisory Group and recommended as follows:

05/02214/FUL - 111-113 Swan Street - Removal of 6 no. existing fuelled tanks and replacement with 3 no. new tanks, new pump islands, offset fills, interceptor and associated forecourt surfacing - no comment - agreed.   Mr. S. Bolter reported that he had received one representation asking for gates when garage closed to stop vehicles using area as a skid pan at night.  

05/02247/OUT - Land rear of 13 Recreation Road - erection of three bedroom bungalow with garage - opposed as overdevelopment and entrance is opposite an entrance to Recreation Ground which is used extensively by children - agreed       .

05/02297/COU - 28 Rippers Court - Change of use from bakery to pizza take-away - opposed on grounds that previous use was for storage of vehicles, bakery not been there for some 20 years, existing take-aways in village are sufficient, site is an industrial estate and not a retail park. It was proposed by Dr. R. A. Green, seconded by Mrs. G. Massey and carried by 6 votes to 1 that the PC object to this application.

05/02314/OUT - 9 School Road - Erection of two detached houses - no objection from Advisory Group. This site had been identified for development, as in conservation area the applicant has been careful with design and it is understood that Planning Officers find design acceptable. Mr. E. Snarey was sympathetic with Mr. Lambert's view of increased traffic and opposed development. It was proposed, seconded and carried by 6 votes to 1, with 1 abstention, that the PC has no objection to the houses but are generally concerned about traffic on School Hill to Harrow Cross.  

05/02325/FUL - 16 Alexandra Road - Erection of two storey rear extension and loft conversion and demolition of existing single storey outbuilding - no objection - agreed.

05/02378/OUT - 6 Station Road - Provision of new dwelling on part garden - although concerned about the continual erosion of garden land it was proposed, seconded and carried by 5 votes to 1, with 2 abstentions and 1 interest declared that the PC do not object to this application so as to be consistent with the representations made in connection with the previous application concerning this site.

Some discussion took place on the merits or otherwise of back garden development. Dr. R. A. Green proposed that it should be Parish Council policy to oppose back garden development for two main reasons:

(i)   The infrastructure in the village does not exist for possible proliferation of houses.

(ii) Need green areas to help prevent possibilities of flash flooding.

Mr. C. Chapman was in favour of building up sites within village envelopes in order to save the countryside, which it was understood was BDC's policy. Mrs. G. Massey stressed that the PC needs to be consistent when considering these applications. Miss. C. Cannell proposed that each application is looked at separately on its own merits depending upon access and extent of area involved. It was resolved that the

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PC needs a policy which can be included in the Village Design Statement. It was agreed that the Village Design Statement Advisory Group should consider this issue.  

b) Village Design Statement

It was agreed that Mr. P. Day should be added to the Village Design Statement Advisory Group.    Miss. C. Cannell will arrange a meeting for the Group with Jan Cole of BDC/RCCE in the New Year.

159. Urgent Planning and other matters

The Chairman stated that on two occasions recently it had been necessary for the Clerk to send letters to BDC as a matter of urgency in connection with planning matters in order to comply with time limits. He proposed that the Clerk can act on the Councils behalf with regard to planning and other matters of an urgent nature. The Clerk confirmed that he would always liaise with the Chairman and/or Vice Chairman, as appropriate, in respect of any such matters. Although such authority had been given to previous Clerks it was considered prudent to update the authority.   It was proposed by Mr. P. Day, seconded by Mr. C. Chapman and unanimously agreed that the Clerk should be authorized to act on the PCs behalf in connection with urgent planning and other matters.

160. SARA Report

Mr. J. Skittrall stated that there was no report this month.

161. Community Action Team Report

Miss. C. Cannell reported that the CAT meeting which was to have taken place on 7 th December 2005 had been cancelled and therefore no report was possible.

162. Footpaths

The Chairman reported that the Clerk had written to the owner of Brickwall Farm regarding the damaged stile near Windmill Cottage. The owner had since been in communication with the Clerk, the problem was being sorted out amicably and kissing gates may be provided. The Chairman expressed concern about the delay with the brochure for the Pauline Stevens walk. Mrs. G. Massey kindly offered to complete this work in the New Year if Mr. J. Ferrando is unable to do so.

163. Transport Report

Mr. E. Snarey reported upon a recent meeting, which he had attended and produced a travel guide and public transport map. There was some confusion as to whether the new concessionary fare scheme will apply throughout Essex or restricted to the Braintree District. Mrs. W. Scattergood reported that cross border talks had taken place but the issue had not been resolved. Mr. Snarey was thanked for his report.

164. Water Management Report

Mr. E. Snarey reported that the Wethersfield Road scheme will commence in January 2006 as it had been passed by the Development and Regulation Committee of ECC.

165. Tree surgery, hedge cutting and clearance of land near Oxford Meadow

Mr. J. Skittrall reported that the land, path and hedge from Yeldham Road to Grays Hall Meadow is owned by the Parish Council. A quote from Mr. E. Mayes for £900.00 to cut the hedge and clear the area was received. It was proposed by Mr. E. Snarey, seconded by Dr. R. A. Green and carried that his quote for £900.00 is accepted. It was agreed that this work should be carried out by February 2006 before the birds nest and included in this year's budget. The Estates Manager of BDC had agreed to remove the dangerous concrete posts which will facilitate grass cutting.    Mr. M. Rudge enquired about the posts at right angles to those in question but the Clerk explained that the remaining posts were not adjacent to Parish Council owned property.    

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166. To consider problem of speeding traffic along Swan Street

Mr. C. Chapman reported upon extensive talks with the Police which had resulted in increased patrols. Mrs. J. Beavis confirmed that an additional Police presence in Swan Street had been noticed. Unfortunately youths were still leaving local garage forecourts and speeding along Swan Street up to 70mph although there had been a reduction in recent weeks with the increase in Police presence. It was emphasized that the work of SARA was very valuable and this matter would be raised at a future SARA meeting.

167. Report of CCTV trial

Mr. J. Skittrall reported that the recent CCTV trial had been successful although some of the quality at night had not been too good. As a result of the CCTV one youth should be prosecuted for theft of a sign. Some 400 hours of tapes still have to be watched. The CCTV trial was money well spent. The Village Hall Committee will now be looking at eliminating problems around the Hall.

168. Burial Ground

Mr. D. Holmes gave a report of a site meeting at the Churchyard with the Rector and members of the Burial Ground Advisory Group including Miss. C. Cannell and Mr. J. Skittrall. A large area of ground had been identified where about a further 150 burials can continue to take place over an estimated 15 years at an average of 10 burials a year. This area will need to be cleared and Mr. K. Metson had quoted for this work as follows:

To clear land £1250.00

To clear old compost heap and hire skip £475.00

To tidy up rough grass and remove heap £150.00

Total £1875.00

It was agreed to allow £2,000.00 for this work, which would result in a long term saving. It was suggested that the cost of this work should be paid for out of the Burial Ground Account because the money would be recouped over the ensuing years from interest earned. However it was resolved to delegate a final decision on this point to the Finance Advisory Group who were meeting on 15 th December 2005. Mr. J. Skittrall agreed to ask the Church to provide a rubbish container and to pay for the hire of any skips in future.

Mr. D. Holmes also reported that the Clerk had arranged for a Land Registry search to be carried out against Prayors Farm which had clearly identified the boundary between the Churchyard and Farm. It was agreed that the new fence erected at Prayors Farm was in the correct position on the boundary leaving a wide strip of land in the Churchyard for further burials. This search and an earlier search made by the Clerk against Grays Hall Meadow had revealed a small area of land adjoining Grays Hall Meadow, the Churchyard and Prayors Farm which was not registered and appeared to be ownerless. It was suggested that the Parish Council acquire and clear this land which will not only tidy up the area but also make a useful addition to the Amenity Land.

169. Youth Council

Mrs. J. Beavis reported that the Youth Council is progressing very well and a suitable young person had been appointed as leader who is pursuing its formation. The contents of a letter from Halstead Youth Initiative had been referred to the Youth Council so that they could make a bid for funds out of the £3,000 available. It was proposed by Mrs. G. Massey, seconded by Miss. C. Cannell and carried that if the Youth Council is not successful with their bid to the Halstead Youth Initiative then the Parish Council will match the contribution from Castle Hedingham Parish Council.

170. To consider replacing fence on Recreation Ground

Mr. J. Skittrall reported that a new fence was required on the Recreation Ground adjacent to and along the entire length of Recreation Ground. A quote had been obtained from Mr. K. Metson to replace chain link fence of £1,110.00. It was agreed to refer this item to the Finance Advisory Group meeting on 15 th December 2005 for consideration and to make a recommendation at the next Parish Council Meeting on 9th January 2006.

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171. To consider refurbishment of toilets on Recreation Ground

Mr. J. Skittrall was authorized to obtain three quotes for the total refurbishment of the toilets on the Recreation Ground. The cost was estimated at £8-10,000.00. It was agreed to apply for a grant towards the cost.

172. 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:

a) A letter from BDC relating to Rural Communities Development Fund was referred to the Recreation Ground Advisory Group to consider applications for funding for the toilets and tennis courts.

b) That Mrs. G. Massey will attend a meeting of the Police Community Safety Tasking Group in February 2006.

c) Funding for Neighbourhood Watch items to be referred to the Finance Advisory Group.

d) ECC Libraries - Future Direction of Library Services - Dr. N. Edwards reported that he is shortly attending a site meeting at the Library concerning development at the Beagrie and Library site.

173. Accounts for payment

The accounts listed in appendix 2 were presented for payment with the addition of an account from Darkins Supply Stores for goods supplied amounting to £81.42 It was proposed by Dr. R. A. Green, seconded by Miss. C. Cannell and carried that the accounts are paid.

174. Any other business/exchange of information/agenda for next meeting

a) Bus Shelters - In response to questions from Councillors, the Clerk confirmed that he was pursuing two claims against third party insurers of vehicles. The bus shelter at the junction of Alderford Street with Swan Street had been damaged and the claim was being progressed satisfactorily and very amicably. The bus shelter near the Sugar Loaves Public House had been completely demolished by a female driver from Haverhill who had completely lost control of her car at speed and had also damaged the litter bin. A new replacement bus shelter will cost over £3,000.00 and a claim will be made for this and other losses. Unfortunately the Accident Information Section of Essex Police had not provided essential details of the driver or her insurers and had indicated that there would be a 16 week delay which was not acceptable. The Clerk had therefore written to Essex Police, with a copy to Councillor D. Finch, a member of the Essex Police Authority, who will raise with the Chief Constable the question of the inordinate delay by the Police in providing the Parish Council with essential information.  

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10 p.m.