Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting

Minutes of Meeting held on Monday 14th February 2005

At 7.30pm at the Village Hall, Parkfields off Alexandra Road

Present

Councillor G. Massey, Chairman, Councillor J. Skittrall, Vice Chairman.

Councillors C. Cannell, C. Chapman, P. Day, N. Edwards, J. Ferrando, R. Green, A. Law, M. Rudge, E. Snarey,

Clerk I. Smith

District Cllrs. J. Beavis, S. Bolter, W. Scattergood.   County Cllr. D. Finch.

The chairman welcomed two members of the public.

Cllrs. N. Edwards, J. Hatfield, D. Holmes.

2. Declaration of Interest

Cllr. Day declared a personal interest in planning application 05/0028/OUT.    

3. Public Comment

The Chairman sought agreement to bring forward Item 17 on the Agenda, as the members of public who were present had attended to discuss this matter.

Cllr. Skittrall began by saying that the Recreation Ground had been used in the past for football matches.   He wondered if it was no longer used due to poor parking and a small changing room, which might prove a problem if league matches were being played.

A representative from HHYFC advised that it would help if a pitch could be provided for training purposes, as there were now nine teams, one of them a girls' team.   Changing rooms would not be required for training sessions, but metal goalposts and nets would be needed.   The chairman proposed that a costs and feasibility study be undertaken.   Seconded: Cllr. Chapman.   Agreed unanimously.

4. Minutes of the Last Meeting held on 10th January 2005

Item 7 - Should read "Robert Palmer" not "Robert Carter"

Item 7 - Full Council meetings will be held on Mondays, not Wednesdays, as from April 2005.

Subject to the above alterations, it was proposed the Minutes be accepted as a true record.

5. Chairman's Report

The Chairman advised of the death of Rodney Hatfield and said condolences would be sent, on behalf of the Parish, to Cllr. J. Hatfield and his sister.

A New Councillors Pack has been bought from EALC and the Chairman suggested a 'round robin' system to enable all Councillors to read the document.   The Chairman will read it first and pass it on to the next person on the list.

BDC have some spare money for siting a green waste amenity vehicle within the Parish.   After a meeting with the owners of the Citroen garage site on other matters, they offered their site for use.   The vehicle will be parked there for 4 hours on Sunday, 20 th March and will be attended by BDC staff, who will monitor the waste brought in by parishioners.   The Chairman asked Members to consider whether there were any other possible sites within the parish where this vehicle could be parked.

The Chairman reported that Cllr. Green had been very active in pursuing the issue of quiet lanes.   A file has been opened in the office for ongoing correspondence.

6. Vice-chairman's Report

Cllr. Skittrall advised of ongoing vandalism at Parkfields where youths had been throwing empty alcohol bottles over a garden fence onto a concrete path.   The glass had broken and the householder was anxious that his dogs may suffer injury.   Youths had also broken into the back of the casing on the transformer at Christmas Fields where they sat against the transformer for warmth. The police had been advised and a cover had been put over the hole and a hazard warning had been posted; however the youths are still gaining entrance.   Cllr. Skittrall emphasised that the police must be pushed to ensure a presence in the village.   Parishioners had been advised to call the police to report incidents and obtain an incident number.   It was suggested that perhaps a CCTV camera could be sited in the area; however it would need the permission of a householder.

County Cllr. Finch said that he would ensure that police are aware of the situation and as Braintree Police have ASBOs in place, this method might be used.

Cllr. Chapman wondered whether leafleting houses in the vicinity might help, as he had received a good response when he had tried it close to a building site that was being vandalised.   Cllr. Beavis advised that Pc Sara Pike had reported groups of children congregating in the village; however nothing was happening at the time.   If incidents are reported, then a SARA could be requested. It was proposed that the Parish Council discuss whether leafleting would work, as a marked police car visiting informants might deter them for fear of reprisal.   Proposed: Cllr. Chapman.   Seconded: Cllr. Cannell.   Agreed unanimously.

7. District / County Councillors' Reports

a. County Cllr. David Finch reported that the Council Tax rise for the coming financial year had been set at 2.9%; the lowest rate ever since the tax had been introduced.   This compared favourably with last year's increase of 4.7%.

b. For the second year running the council tax increase is the lowest ever since Council Tax was introduced in 1994. Last year was 4.7%

c. Services across the Council have improved in line with the Council's focus on frontline service delivery.

d. Major funding of Highways   - an extra £15 million to address road maintenance and traffic issues.

e. All services received an inflation busting increase in funding as the Council improved efficiency and reduced waste.

f. Capital Projects - schools - community facilities - at a record high investment of £190 million for 2005/06

Work continues with the flood alleviation project at Wethersfield Rd. Hedges are to be pruned and contracts continue to be discussed and worked on with the appropriate parties.(Restricted by virtue of the Local Government Act 1972 section   12   paras 1 and   9).

3 salt bins have been acquired for the Parish Council at no cost to the Council.

County Cllr. Finch left the meeting.

District Cllr. Jo Beavis advised that she would leave the room when Agenda item 14 was discussed, as she was a school governor.

Cllr. Beavis advised that a parishioner had written to First bus company complaining about the service, but mainly the fact that the bus stop outside the Co-op had never been replaced after a car had knocked it down.   As there is no sign, buses often drive past without stopping.   Clerk to pursue this matter.

The BDC road show 'Voices for Choices' has a change of venue when it will visit Sible Hedingham Village Hall on 14 th March from 6pm-10pm.  

The SARA put in place for the Co-op area has resulted in proposal to install 4 bright green bollards in order to stop vehicles from driving over the pavement.   The white lining at the bottom car park will be repainted in September 2005.

Inspector Tony Sale is holding a Police Community Consultative Group meeting at the Village Hall.  

Cllr. Beavis will book the hall and advise of date and time.

District Cllr. Steven Bolter advised that at the forthcoming Braintree District Council meeting it is expected that, following last year's airing of the issue, improved funding for Parish support and rural initiatives will be approved.

East of England Plan (Regional Spatial Strategy)

Consultation on the Plan closes on the 16 th of March. The plan contains a number of contradictions, making it possible to produce selective quotations supporting particular positions. For example it supports the expansion of air traffic at Stansted to the maximum capacity of the existing runway (estimated to be 35 Million Passengers per annum, but I think more likely to be nearer 50 Mp/a), but also supports minimising noise, reducing pollution and safeguarding amenity, character and appearance of the environment and communities around airports.

A120 improvement Braintree to Marks Tey

The Highways Agency have taken a blinkered view, looking only at provision for East Coast - Stansted traffic and ignoring local needs. The plan adds another one kilometre and two roundabouts on the route from Hedingham to Chelmsford and could extra congestion to the routes to Witham (or Freeport) station.

Consultation closes 20th May.

District Cllr. Wendy Scattergood reported that budget proposals had been finalised.   The Rural Agenda would be one of the main topics, and she would be pushing hard for rural affairs - so watch this space!

8. Matters Arising

Item 3 - Clerk to write to the householders at nos. 186 and 188 Swan Street to advise on tracing evidence of their right to park in Cygnet Court.   Cllr. Law to pursue the matter of lost planning applications for Cygnet Court with Adam Davies at BDC.

Recreation Ground - screening.   A mixed reaction had been received from householders over the proposal of planting hedges to screen a specific area and consultation is still ongoing.   However, it was proposed that shrubs may be used to soften the effect.

Hovis Mill Lane had been cleared, but more rubbish is accumulating.

The dog fouling bin is in the process of being installed on Oxford Meadow.

Item 12 - This has been purchased and is in the process of being installed.

Item 13 - This matter is in hand.

9. Correspondence - Appendix 1

The correspondence file is still not being read by some Members.   There are several items which need replies and comments; especially no. 39 Briefing Paper on East of England Plan.

10. Committee Reports

Planning:

There were NO OBJECTIONS to the following applications:

04/02565/FUL - 7 Hills Road. Erection of new porch.

04/02576/FUL - 5 Swan Street.

Alteration to proposed roof finishes and siting of proposed garage approved under       04/01933/FUL.   Resubmission.

05/00091/FUL - Acorn House, 9 Hills Road.

Proposed single storey side extension.

05/00123/FUL - Land at Aley's Yard and Swan Chase bungalow.   Land adjacent 45 to 49 Swan Street. Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of three single storey dwellings and associated garages.

05/00124/CON - Land at Aley's Yard and Swan Chase bungalow.   Land adjacent 45 to 49 Swan Street. Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of three single storey dwellings and associated garages. No objection, subject to suitable access and parking.   It was RESOLVED that the Clerk write to Graham Baster thanking him for the attractive entrance he has provided to this site.

05/0028/OUT - 171, 173 Swan Street. Proposed demolition of dwellings and garage and erection of six flats. Acceptable design, but access dangerous and unsuitable.   Would prefer a design incorporating the library site. An even greater step forward would be to involve the developers of the Citroën site in a comprehensive and attractive development of the whole area.

Members discussed the possibility of incorporating the Citroën, Library and 171,173 Swan Street sites in a Comprehensive development, with perhaps a mini roundabout at the junction of Rectory Road with Swan Street to help traffic flow.   District Cllr. Scattergood suggested getting Highways to meet Members on site to discuss the matter and see the problem for themselves.

Proposal to adopt the Planning Committees decisions: Cllr. Massey.   Seconded: Cllr. Snarey.   Agreed unanimously.   District Cllr. Scattergood left the meeting.

Footpaths - Footpath opposite Station Road, running to football field.   Needs resurfacing.   Clerk to ascertain who has responsibility for this footpath.

Water Management

Hedges are being removed for ease of access to holding pond area.   An environmental study is being undertaken at Alderford Street to ascertain any possible problems which might delay works there.

Recreation Ground

A RoSPA inspection has been made, resulting in a not too bad report.   The few points raised on the skate park area will be actioned and completed in 7/10 days, as will the installation of the litter bin and removal of graffiti.   Level achieved was 21, target level is 20 points; signage will bring the site below 20.   Fencing has again been mentioned and Cllr. Skittrall is investigating if this a requirement or a recommendation.

The Play area inspection resulted in nothing major to be done.   Several minor repairs and general wear and tear will be rectified and an estimate for work to be carried out will be available for the next meeting.   We were rated medium risk overall, but many items fell into the low risk category.

Burial Ground

Following a meeting of the committee, it was agreed not to pursue the installation of a roadway, but to have a suitable pathway leading from the existing path.   The smaller extension area should last the parish approximately 30-35 years.   Fencing will be erected on all sides to protect the area from dogs etc.   The purchase of a bier to be considered if required by undertakers.   A full plan will be available for perusal at the next meeting.

Acceptance of Burial Ground Committee's decision proposed by Chairman.   Seconded: Cllr. Green.  Agreed unanimously.

11. The proposed installation of double yellow lines will provide a complete sight line over the top of the hill as the brow is approached.   Double yellow lines were recommended for both sides of the road.   Proposed: Chairman.   Seconded: Cllr. Law.   Agreed unanimously.

12. John Faldo, church warden, advised that considerable works are to take place on the church and sought permission for vehicles to offload scaffolding at the back of the amenity land.   The contractors have undertaken not to use the land if it is wet, and they will make good any damage to the land.

Cllr. Skittrall to clarify how much use will be made of the access and will ask for assurances to be put in writing.   Members agreed to use of the amenity land in principle, subject to adequate safeguards.

Proposed: Cllr. Massey.   Seconded: Cllr. Snarey.   Agreed unanimously.

13. Since County Cllr. David Finch has managed to obtain three free salt bins for the parish, purchase of these items is no longer necessary.

14. District Cllr. Beavis left the room.   Cllr. Massey proposed that the Parish Council supports the scheme for a "walking bus". She will make contact with the Head of the school in order to foster better communication between the school and the P.C.   Clerk to write to Mr. Lambert advising that we will support the school in their endeavours in this matter.

15. Covered by Item 14 above.

16. It was agreed that Highways be approached to provide directional signage for Harrow Cross, and also a sign for Cut Maple.

17. Brought forward and discussed under Item 3.

18. BDC's proposal for a Village Warden, as opposed to a Park Warden, was seen to be a good option for the village, as the village certainly needs a 'presence'.   It was proposed to form a sub-committee which would define our needs and prepare a bid.   Helena Goodwin would be pleased to advise on the matter.   The Members serving on the Village Warden Scheme sub-committee are Cllr. Chapman, Cllr. Day, Cllr. Law, Cllr.   Massey and Cllr. Skittrall.

19. Village Plan

Cllr. Massey has made some changes to the first draft.   Cllrs. Cannell, Ferrando and Massey met with Jan Coles, who gave them some good advice.   A launch of the plan at the May Fayre was suggested. Members were asked for their comments, to be given to the Chairman by 5pm Friday, 18 th February 2005.

20. Annual Report

This was discussed and it was agreed to go ahead and produce an Annual Report.            

21. Riverside Walk update

The village hall is to be booked for an open public meeting on this issue; District Cllr. Jo Beavis will advise of date and time.   Simon Amstutz will give a presentation, and the Chairman will be Rob Worley.   Leaflets to be produced and delivered to parishioners in Alderford Street, Summerfields and Spring Way.   Councillors were invited to attend as individuals.

22. Website

Cllr. Ferrando reported that more people are visiting the Website.   Village events can now be placed on the site as a calendar is now available. A local businessman has enquired about advertising on the site.   Cllr. Ferrando suggested a small fee of £15 per annum for this service.   Flyers advertising this service will include the launch of the Village Plan and will be brought out that time.

23. Accounts for Payment - Appendix 2

The accounts were passed for payment.