MINUTES OF SIBLE HEDINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE VILLAGE HALL, PARKFIELDS, SIBLE HEDINGHAM ON MONDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2006 AT 7.30 P.M.

In the chair: Dr. N. Edwards
Present: Councillors C. Cannell, P. Day, R. Falco, R. Green, J. Hatfield, D. Holmes, G. Massey, M. Rudge, J. Skittrall, E. Snarey & A. Weatherley. Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk) Mr. J. Tame (Youth Council) Together with 3 (three) members of the public.

218. Apologies for absence                       
Mr. D. Finch (County Councillor)
Mrs. J. Beavis, Mr. S. Bolter & Mrs. W. Scattergood (District Councillors).

219. Absent
Mr. A. Law 

220. Declarations of Interest
No interests were declared.

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

222. Matters arising from the minutes

a) Land Registration
The Clerk reported that the footpath between Hawkwood Road and Hills Road had been registered in the name of the Parish Council with a possessory title.   In view of the considerable encroachment by adjacent landowners at Morris Green the records relating to the Commons Registration circa 1966 to 1970 are required together with the old Parish Council minute books.  The Clerk reported that the old minute books from 1894 to 1988 cannot be traced.  He had made enquiries with the Essex Record Office, which is not holding them and further enquiries will be made with former Clerks.    

b) Additional cutting of grass areas
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that additional grass cutting was not necessary this year.

c) Hearing facilities at Village Hall
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that hearing equipment will be considered at the next Village Hall meeting.

d) Planning
It was understood that Mr. D. Gardner is about to retire from BDC and it was therefore agreed to invite his successor to meet the Planning Advisory Group.

e) The Peter Garlick Award
The Chairman reported with regret that Mr. J. Skittrall had not been awarded The Peter Garlick Award by the Halstead Area Crime Prevention Panel, which had been won by PCSO Deb Green.

223. Public Comment
There was no public comment save that Mr. D. Thompson again raised the issue of the poor acoustics in the Village Hall.

224. Chairman and Vice Chairman’s reports
The Chairman had nothing to report outside the agenda.  
The Vice Chairman reported upon the recent fire damage to the shelter and litter bins on the Recreation Ground, which had been reported to the Police.  The PC will need to consider replacing the litter bins.
Plans for the refurbishment of the toilet block were progressing thanks to the assistance of Mrs. A. Weatherley who had supplied a roofing material sample, which was approved.  Draft plans from Mr. D. Gilbrook should be received shortly.    Mr. Skittrall had attended a recent Youth Council meeting when

96

arrangements had been made for a youth party at the Village Hall on 29th December 2006.  The Village Hall Committee had given the hall free of charge and it was agreed to consider a contribution from the Parish Council at the next meeting.   The Youth Council had chosen a particular design of Youth Shelter, which will be produced at their party for other youths to consider.

225. Youth Council Report
Mr. Jack Tame reported upon a visit to Dunmow Youth Club, which had helped with funding future events.  Youth Shelter designs had been produced, which will be circulated at Hedingham School and around the village.  An application for a grant will be made to the Youth Opportunities Fund for up to £20,000 by the deadline on 15th January 2007.  Mrs. G. Massey proposed a joint meeting of the Recreational Areas and Horticulture Advisory Group with the Youth Council and Hedingham Hawks to consider applying for funding.  Mr. E. Snarey proposed that a report of this meeting should be given to the next PC meeting and that the future of the Recreation Ground should be placed on the agenda for future PC meetings.  Both proposals were seconded and carried.  Dr. R. A. Green stated that the needs of pensioners and not just the children should be taken into account in connection with the Recreation Ground.         
Mr. Tame was thanked for his report.
(Mr. Tame then left the meeting).

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

227. Braintree District Council Reports
In the absence of Mrs. J. Beavis, Mrs. W. Scattergood and Mr. S. Bolter, written reports prepared by them were read by the Clerk.

a) Mrs. J. Beavis reported upon the recent SARA meeting and that the continuation of these meetings was essential.    The Community Policing Team was dealing with the number of youths in Swan Street.   The Communities Agenda is currently being debated by BDC and it is hoped that BDC will take a lead in promoting stronger local communities. 

b) Mrs. W. Scattergood reported that she had investigated the possibility of enforcement action against Mr. Ladkin for not complying with the conditions of planning permission 04/02134/FUL, which was conditional upon him signing a S106 agreement relating to the dedication of a strip of land beside the River Colne as a riverside walk.   BDC Officers have advised that without the S106 agreement signed the development had effectively been carried out without planning permission but there is no justification in issuing an enforcement notice as the development itself is considered acceptable.  The matter can only be dealt with as a breach of contract through the County Court.  The Head of Development Control has been asked to contact BDC’s Solicitor with a view to commencing proceedings.   Mr. M. Crowe has suggested that when the S106 agreement is signed that a meeting is held in PC Office to discuss the plan for the riverside walk. 

c) Mr. S. Bolter reported upon the Council Housing Transfer, the pre-ballot costs including consultants and PR advice and that the ballot is now under way.   Officers have produced a guide on Sustainable Design and Construction for those applying for permission for developments of over 1000m2 or of 10 or more dwellings.   It is expected that the guide will be published in the New Year and that it will apply to all subsequent applications.  BDC are debating ‘District of Tomorrow - 2025 Vision’.   The Cobbs Fenn application will be considered by Halstead Area Committee on 19th December 2006.       

228. Planning
a) Planning applications
Miss. C. Cannell reported that the following applications had been considered by the Planning Advisory Group and recommended as follows:
06/02102/FUL – Fire Station, Rectory Road – Enclosure of existing open entrance porch to provide breathing apparatus maintenance room and entrance canopy – no objection.
06/02257/FUL & 06/02258/LBC – Searles, 34-36 Alderford Street – Installation of solar panels on rear elevation – no objection.

97

06/02276/FUL – Hobarts, High Street Green – Proposed alterations to planning and listed building consent approvals 05/01735/FUL & 05/01788/LBC for barn conversion and alterations to form single dwelling – no objection.
06/02248/FUL & 06/02249/LBC – Forest Home, 58 Swan Street – Erection of single storey extension and seven car parking spaces – no objection.
06/02302/FUL – Land r/o 13 Church Street – Erection of cart lodge – no objection but location plan is incorrect and proposed building appears to be too large for purpose intended.
06/02345/FUL – Oaklands View, 35 Spring Way – Erection of two storey side extension and formation of new bedroom within new and existing roof space – no objection.
06/02389/FUL – Uplands, Prayors Hill – Erection of two storey and single storey extension and conservatory – no objection.
It was proposed by Miss. C. Cannell, seconded by Mr. J. Skittrall and carried that the above recommendations of the Planning Advisory Group are approved.

b) Planning decisions
Miss. C. Cannell reported upon the following planning decisions:
06/01166/FUL – Land adjacent to 9 School Road – Erection of two detached houses – granted.
06/01788/FUL and 06/01789/LBC – The Gardeners Cottage, Rookwoods, Yeldham Road – Alterations and refurbishments – granted.
06/01791/FUL – 55 Alexandra Road – Erection of extensions to dwellinghouse – granted.
06/01802/FUL – Whitlock Drive, Great Yeldham – Erection of GP Practice, multi purpose clinical room with associated parking – granted.
06/01845/FUL – Sun View, Lamb Lane – Erection of single storey rear extension – granted.
06/01893/COU – Pevors Farm, Southey Green Road – Conversion of a farm building to a holiday cottage – granted.
06/01942/FUL – 26 Alexandra Road – Proposed loft conversion with dormer windows to rear elevation – granted.

c) Appeal decision
Miss. C. Cannell reported that the appeal against the decision of BDC (05/02483/FUL) against a refusal to grant planning permission for “proposed demolition of existing garage and stables and erection of new garage with associated annexe facilities – revision to approved scheme” at Sugar Lane Farm, Sugar Lane has been upheld. 

229. Village Design Statement
Miss. C. Cannell reported that the VDS Advisory Group had opened a Bank Account, grants were being applied for and an exhibition will be arranged.  Miss. Cannell was thanked for her report.

230. Footpaths and rolling programme
The Chairman reported that the survey for the footpaths rolling programme in Sible Hedingham should be completed by Christmas.  A report from ECC had been received showing the work completed so far and Lisa Cross, from ECC, should complete the outstanding work later this week.  The survey has revealed numerous problems and the Chairman hopes that the necessary work will be completed as soon as possible.  It had been promised that all work will be completed by 1st April 2007. 
Dr. R. A. Green reported that a latch on the upper gate on Mr. Gagen’s land was not working properly and Councillors will deal with this.            

231. Riverside Walk
(Please see minute 227b above).  The Chairman reported that boundary and riparian ownership issues, which had caused unnecessary delays, had hopefully been resolved.  Mr. M. Crow is designing a scheme for the Riverside Walk, which is awaited.   When the S106 Agreement is signed, it was agreed to hold meetings with Mrs. W. Scatttergood, Mr. M. Crow and other BDC representatives in the PC Office.

98

232. Water Management

a) Alderford Street brook
Mr. S. Tullett of BDC had requested quotes to clear out the remainder of the brook adjacent to Alderford Street on a one off basis following which the various riparian owners must take responsibility.  The Clerk reported that a full reply had been received from the Environment Agency regarding their decision to leave various manually operated mill gates open along the River Colne and the River Stour including the gates at Alderford Mill.  He suggested that Councillors should read this letter before the next meeting to consider whether or not a letter be sent to Sir Alan Haselhurst MP.   It was understood that Simon Amstutz of the River Colne Countryside Project had left.  Dr. R. A. Green reported that the Environment Agency had been opening gates again recently. 

b) Holding Reservoirs at Wethersfield Road and Cobbs Fenn
The Chairman reported that the Clerk and himself had discussed the holding reservoirs with Mr. D. Finch at some length.  The land involved is expected to be transferred to its new owner in the New Year and ECC will then need to start negotiations with the new owner.  With regard to the Cobbs Fenn holding reservoir ECC are proceeding with CPO’s but this was a slow process.   Mr. E. Snarey reported that the flooding problem in Wethersfield Road had improved recently and although the stream behind the houses is very high it is not dangerously high and water has got through the culvert.

233. Parking issues at Christmas Field
It was considered that the plans produced by Hedingham School should resolve the parking issues in Christmas Field, providing planning permission is granted and the development completed.

234. Area Estates Inspection
The Clerk had circulated a written report to Councillors of his meeting with the Area Estates Officer of BDC held on 16th November 2006.  There were no questions arising from this report.

235. To consider Hedingham School plans for extra car parking spaces
The Clerk produced two plans on loan from Hedingham School giving details of their proposals for additional car parking spaces within School grounds.  These plans were carefully considered by Councillors.  It was proposed by Mrs. G. Massey, seconded by Mr. D. Holmes and carried that the PC is pleased that the School is addressing the problem of the parking issues in Christmas Field and will consider the planning application when it is made. 

236. Recommendations from PAG of review of process for considering planning applications
Miss. C. Cannell and Mrs. G. Massey proposed that the PAG will probably have to meet on two Saturday mornings between Parish Council meetings to consider planning applications so that responses could be sent to BDC within the required time limits.   An agenda, with three clear working days notice will need to be published, with agenda items to include (a) declarations of interest and (b) a list of the planning applications to be considered.   The meetings, which will be minuted, will continue to be held in the meeting room at the PC office but as space is limited members of the public are to let the Clerk know in advance if they wish to attend a particular meeting.  The Chairman advised that a proper Planning Committee will need to be formed and a Chairman elected.    All members of the PAG found these proposals acceptable and agreed that the position should be formalized.    It was therefore proposed, seconded and carried that the former PAG is now known as The Planning Committee, its membership is to remain the same and Miss. C. Cannell was unanimously elected as Chairman.       

237. Proposed speed limit or speed reduction measures at High Street Green
Mr. R. Falco reported that Mrs. Goodchild of High Street Green had visited the PC Office and had asked the Clerk if the PC would consider requesting ECC Highways to provide a speed limit or speed reduction measures at High Street Green.  Mr. R. Falco had liaised with Mrs. Goodchild and other residents who all wished the speed limit to be reduced from the national 60mph limit down to 40mph.  It was considered that High Street Green, comprising of 46 houses, poor road, no pavements, poor lighting and children, prams and disabled persons should meet the criteria for a 40mph (but not a 30mph) limit.  It was agreed to ask ECC Highways for a 40 mph limit or other speed reduction measures in High Street Green.

99

Arising from this item Councillors mentioned that ECC Highways had been asked to designate ‘Quiet Lanes’ in the village some years ago which had not materialized.  It was understood that ‘Quiet Lanes’ will automatically have a 30mph limit and it was agreed to remind Highways.       

238. Report of second meeting with Mr. D. Finch regarding Highway issues
The Chairman reported that a second meeting had taken place with Mr. D. Finch regarding Highway issues when over twenty outstanding highway matters had been raised concerning the village.   The Chairman had given Mr. Finch an earlier list in 2002 with six items of which Highways had only completed two of them.   A further meeting with Mr. Finch and Mr. R. Wiltshire of Highways will take place on 21st December to include site visits to Cut Maple and School Road.   At least eight different blocked drains in various highways in the village had been reported to Highways during the last month.   These drains were blocked with silt and leaves.  It was agreed to ask Highways to specify the dates when the drains in the village are cleared which should be twice a year.   Three Councillors reported a blocked drain at the Sugar Loaves, which the Clerk advised was the responsibility of Anglian Water and not Highways.  Anglian Water had been informed and given a reference number. 

239. Report of SARA meeting held 6th December 2006.
Mr. J. Skittrall reported upon the SARA meeting held on 6th December 2006 at Great Yeldham Police Station which Miss. C. Cannnell, Mrs. G. Massey and Mr. R. Falco had also attended.  It was emphasized that SARA meetings should continue.  Unfortunately the village had recently suffered the two worst Friday nights on record when cars had been damaged, eggs thrown at houses and fires lit on the Recreation Ground.  Criminal activities at Rippers Court had been so bad recently, that private security arrangements had been made and dog handlers employed.   Mrs. G. Massey added that a press release is being issued by the Police.  The Chairman referred to the Community Wardens and their increased powers which should help deal with numerous types of anti social behaviour. 

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

a) The River Colne Project, which had requested a donation towards the project to help facilitate access and wildlife schemes.  It was resolved not to make a donation. 

b) A letter from BDC relating to The Rural Communities Development Fund, The Youth Opportunities Fund and other available funding was passed to Mr. J. Skittrall to enable him to liaise with Hedingham Hawks and The Youth Council.  The deadline of 15th January 2007 was noted.

c) Letters from BDC and ECC relating to Passenger Transport were noted.  Mr. E. Snarey reported that route 341 was still not fully used.

d) Documentation from Football Foundation relating to football funding had already been passed to Hedingham Hawks.

e) The BDC Landscape newsletter was noted.  Arising from this Dr. R. A. Green will deliver some Colne Valley Path guides to the PC Office on a sale or return basis. 

f) The availability of grants from ECC for bus shelters was noted but it was resolved that no further bus shelters were required in the village.

g) A letter and catalogue from REKK relating to Youth Shelters was passed to Mr. J. Skittrall.

h) A letter from BDC asking for suggestions for a new name for the development at 2 & 4 Station Road was considered.  Two names were proposed namely ‘Willowbrook Way’ and ‘Charlton Ripper Way’, which were both relevant to the history of the site.   Concern was expressed that the former name may be confused with Willow Dene and/or Willow Meadows, which already exist in the village.

i) The Chairman read a letter from BDC regarding Community Wardens.  It was agreed to arrange a meeting with the new Community Warden (David Walls) in the Parish Council office to enable him to meet the Chairman, Clerk and PC representatives on SARA and to thereafter invite him to a full Parish Council Meeting.

(Mrs. G. Massey left the meeting).

100

241. Accounts for payment
The accounts listed in appendix 2 were presented for payment.  It was proposed by Miss. C. Cannell, seconded by Mr. J. Skittrall and carried that the accounts are paid.

242. Any other business/exchange of information/agenda for next meeting
a) The Chairman wished everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year and thanked all Councillors and Clerk for their support during the year.