MINUTES OF SIBLE HEDINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE VILLAGE HALL, PARKFIELDS, SIBLE HEDINGHAM ON MONDAY
13TH FEBRUARY 2006 AT 7.30 P.M.
In the chair: Dr. N. Edwards
Present: Councillors C. Cannell, P. Day, R. Green, J. Hatfield, D. Holmes, A. Law, G. Massey, M. Rudge, J. Skittrall, Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk),Mrs. J. Beavis, & Mrs. W. Scattergood (District Councillors), Mr. D. Finch (County Councillor), Together with 16 (sixteen) members of the public.
203. Apologies for absence
Cllrs. C. Chapman (personal reasons) and J. Ferrando (personal reasons)
Mr. S. Bolter (District Councillor) and Mr. J. Krischock (Parish Ranger)
204. Declarations of Interest
No interests were declared.
205. To confirm minutes of previous meeting held 9th January 2006
The minutes of the previous Parish Council meeting held on 9th January 2006, having been previously circulated, were taken as read, were confirmed and duly signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
206. Matters arising from the minutes of 9th January 2006
a) Litter
Mrs. W. Scattergood reported that she had discussed this matter with the BDC Street Scene Manager and that ‘partnership’ possibilities were being considered with the Fish and Chip Shop owner. Unfortunately offenders under 17 years of age cannot be fined on the spot but they can be prosecuted in Court. A meeting is being arranged with BDC legal team to give further consideration to litter issues. ‘No litter’ signs had been ordered for Sible Hedingham and discussions will take place with the Parish Council regarding suitable sites.
(Mrs. J. Beavis arrived at the meeting)
b) Criminal damage and convoys through village
Mr. D. Finch confirmed that he had raised criminal damage and other antisocial behaviour problems together with the convoys through the village with Essex Police. The response had been circulated to Councillors. The Clerk confirmed that he had since written to the MOD regarding the convoys.
c) Water Management
Mr. D. Finch reported that commencement of the work on the flood prevention lagoons in Wethersfield Road would be delayed until April 2006 because of change in contractors, land ownership issues and modification of drawings. It was hoped that contracts would be exchanged within 2 to 4 weeks and that the scheme will commence in April 2006. Mr. Finch kindly agreed to post information regarding this and other matters on the Parish Council web site.
d) Footpath from Spurgeon Close to Swan Street
Dr. N. Edwards reported that the Clerk had written to ECC, Tanner & Wicks, Shell UK Retail and to Shell’s agents regarding the footpath and that replies were awaited. It was hoped that the Parish Council could obtain ownership of that part of the footpath which appears to be ownerless with a view to a proper footpath being constructed from Spurgeon Close to Swan Street.
207. Public Comment
a) Various problems at Christmas Field
Sixteen members of the public who were all residents of Christmas Field attended the meeting and raised the following problems:
i) Litter and rubbish
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ii) Under age smoking and bad language by some pupils from Hedingham School (also bad language from some parents).
iii) Vandalism including regular damage to street lights.
iv) Vehicles belonging to both teachers and pupils parking on the Green in the centre of Christmas Field and vehicles blocking resident’s drives likening the area to a ‘Supermarket Car Park’. Residents do not want to see the centre Green turned into a car park.
v) Problems for emergency services because of the total congestion caused by car parking.
vi) Destruction of grass areas across the corners of the Green caused by vehicles cutting across the corners.
vii) Some inconsiderate bus drivers who block residents access and leave engines running for long periods of time whilst stationery.
viii) Mini motor bikes and children’s scramble bikes cutting up Green with children failing to wear crash helmets and not being insured.
ix) A petition signed by 22 other residents who were not able to attend the meeting was produced. It was considered that there was sufficient space within the School grounds for all parking and in particular teacher’s vehicles to be parked on school premises and not in Christmas Field. It was considered that these were long term problems and not really caused by temporary contractors at the school. Both schools in Sible Hedingham should provide more car parking spaces within school premises at least for all staff vehicles. (This applies to St. Peter’s Primary School as well as Hedingham School). It was confirmed that there was ample space for residents parking if teachers and pupils cars were not parked in Christmas Field.
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that he had attended a site meeting at Christmas Field with the Clerk and Mr. J. Krischock, Area Estates Manager and another officer from BDC on 9th February 2006. The Area Estates Manager had agreed to place concrete across the corners of the greensward and to erect bollards across the Green to prevent parking on it. With regard to the forecourt in front of the garages at Christmas Field, Mr. Skittrall is arranging for the lock to be welded onto the chain to prevent it going missing again.
Mr. D. Finch and Mrs. G. Massey as School Governors agreed to take up all the issues with the School and in particular with the Headmaster. Mr. Finch will also raise these matters with ECC Education Department.
Mr. D. Finch reported that he had already spoken to the Chief Executive of BDC and to ECC Highways who are all willing to help to work out a solution. Consideration will be given to extending the double yellow lines for enforcement purposes. With regard to inconsiderate bus companies and drivers Mr. Finch confirmed that their contracts will be reviewed if problems continue. It was confirmed that it was an offence in the Braintree District for buses to be left stationery with their engines running. The Police had already been notified of the mini motor bike problem in the Christmas Field and Oxford Meadow areas of the village (incident number 855). The Parish Ranger had also been instructed to deal with this problem.
(The sixteen members of the public then left the meeting).
208. Chairman and Vice Chairman’s reports
The Chairman had nothing to report. The Vice Chairman reported that on 18th February 2006 he would be conducting a thorough Health and Safety Inspection on the Recreation Ground including all equipment. He invited other Councillors to attend if they wished. Mr. Skittrall also reported that Mr. K. Metson was making very good progress with the clearance of the Churchyard. Minor additional works were required including alterations to the fencing, which may incur small additional costs. As this was essential work any extra cost was approved.
209. Youth Council Report
The Chairman reported that representatives of the newly formed Hedingham Youth Council will attend the next Parish Council Meeting and give a report.
210. Essex County Council Report
Mr. D. Finch urged the Parish Council to apply for grants from the ECC Community Initiatives Fund and explained the ECC Capital Allocation system. The Chairman confirmed that grants will be applied for and it was agreed to provide Mr. Finch with details. The County element of the council tax will increase by 4.6% having been capped at 5% by Government. Details were given of the proposed reorganization in
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local government which may include larger parish groupings. The Government proposed to dispense with County and District Councils. Notwithstanding proposed reorganization it was understood that the District Council Elections will still go ahead in 2007. Mr. Finch was thanked for his report.
(Mr. D. Finch left the meeting)
211. Braintree District Council Report
Mrs. W. Scattergood reported that BDC propose a 4.3% increase in the council tax. The BDC Rural Development Fund will continue this year and its guidelines have been broadened. BDC is arranging a special meeting to consider the proposed second runway at Stansted Airport. Numerous letters of complaint about aircraft going over this area had been received. BDC approved free travel for over 60’s and cross border (Essex/Suffolk) arrangements have been agreed. BDC are one of the first District Councils to sign up to protecting the Environment which also includes saving water.
Mrs. J. Beavis briefly mentioned the Youth Council, SARA and CAT all of which she is involved with. Housing options is the largest decision which BDC must face this year. It is proposed that BDC sell their housing stock to a Housing Association. The Authority cannot afford to retain the stock and it is therefore considered that it should be sold.
The Clerk read a written report submitted by Mr. S. Bolter who had sent his apologies. Mr. Bolter referred to the pressure on BDC to speed up the processing of planning applications and the proposal to allow officers to deal with minor applications under delegated powers even if Parish Councils have put in formal objections. This matter will be considered by the District Development Committee on 21st March and the views of the Parish Council were requested (see minute 231 below). Mr. Bolter also reported on the Sustainable Communities Bill and the Hedingham Youth Council. The Chairman thanked the District Councillors for their reports.
212. Planning
a) Planning applications
Miss. C. Cannell reported that the following applications had been considered by the Planning Advisory Group and recommended as follows:
05/01672/OUT – Coopers Yard, Swan Street –revised plans/additional information – no objection – on agenda for Halstead Area Committee Meeting on 14th February 2006.
05/02577/FUL - 17 Abbey Meadows – Erection of conservatory – no objection.
06/00037/FUL – Land adjacent to Raga, Hills Road – Addition of dormer windows and erection of single garage to dwelling approved under planning permission 04/0053/FUL – Following some discussion during which it was accepted that BDC will probably grant permission it was resolved by 5 votes to 2 with 1 abstention that PC objects on basis that new application is going against spirit of original permission and that dormers will overlook a neighbouring property.
06/00043/FUL – 2 Friars Close – Erection of conservatory – no objection.
06/00064/REM – Land to rear of 85 Swan Street – Erection of new detached 3 bedroom bungalow – no objection but an observation raised that there may be a problem with boundaries as site appears to be in two different ownerships.
06/00083/FUL – 46 Abbey Meadows – Retrospective application – erection of conservatory – no objection.
06/00088/FUL – 36 Friars Close – Retrospective application – erection of conservatory – no objection.
06/00113/FUL – Forest Home, 58 Swan Street – erection of single storey extension – no objection.
06/00146/FUL – 60 Hawkwood Road – Erection of two storey side extension – no objection.
06/00159/FUL – 39 Abbey Meadows – Erection of conservatory – no objection.
06/00162/FUL – 1 Blois Cottages, Blois Hall Road – proposed part demolition and erection of two storey side extension - no objection.
06/00177/FUL – 165/167 Swan Street – Erection of two blocks of terraced housing comprising a total of 9no. dwellings – no objection – considered that this was well designed and adequate parking provision.
06/00186/OUT – Chestnut House, High Street Green – Erection of one dwelling – no objection providing footpath no. 21 is preserved and properly diverted.
It was proposed, seconded and carried that the above recommendations of the Planning Advisory Group are approved. Mrs. G. Massey suggested that applicants of retrospective applications for conservatories should be written to but it was considered that any such letters should come from the Planning Officers at BDC.
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b) Premdor site – street naming
BDC had requested suggestions for one street name (as some dwellings will be numbered in Summerfields) and had indicated that the Developers had suggested Winter Gardens or Autumn Chase to be in keeping with Summerfields and Spring Way. Winter Gardens and Autumn Chase together with the name of Loxley Court, which had appeared in Wimpey’s literature, were all opposed. It was noted that the name of Loxley had absolutely no connection with Sible Hedingham whatsoever. It was generally considered that the new street name should be in keeping with the history and use of the site and the following suggestions were made:
Brook Farm Way, Brook Farm Close, Brook Farm Approach, Woodpecker Court, Herons Court, Riverside Way and appropriate names associated with the Ripper family including: Tucker, Charlton, Wood, Timber, Woodpecker, etc. Following careful consideration it was resolved to suggest either Riverside Way or Brook Farm Close.
c) Village Design Statement
Miss. C. Cannell gave a report of a recent meeting of the Village Design Statement Advisory Group with Jan Cole of BDC/RCCE. The Village Hall had been booked for an Open Day on 18th March 2006 and in the meantime posters and leaflets were being prepared. Councillors will assist Miss. Cannell with distribution of leaflets on 11th March and posters will be placed in village shops and notice boards. Photographs will need to be taken and maps provided of various areas of the village. There was an emphasis on public participation and that at least 50% support must come from the village. Mrs. W. Scattergood explained the importance of Village Design Statements in the planning process and assured the PC that it would be used as part of future District Plans. Mrs. G. Massey proposed that the PC proceed with the planned Open Day and thereafter review the project in light of public support. This proposal was seconded and carried. It was confirmed that an application had been made to RCCE for a grant towards expenses with the public consultation process.
(Mrs. J. Beavis and Mrs. W. Scattergood left the meeting)
213. Proposed dog bin in Station Road
The Clerk reported that he had received a request from Castle Hedingham PC for a dog bin on the Sible Hedingham side of the parish boundary in Station Road to replace a bin which was apparently vandalized about two years ago. It was proposed by Mr. J. Skittrall, seconded by Miss. C. Cannell and carried that the Clerk orders a new dog bin from Earth Anchors Limited.
214. SARA Report
Mr. J. Skittrall reported on the meeting which took place on 11th January 2006. The main items discussed were boy racers and vandalism. A Youth Shelter may be considered. The new litter bin for the ‘Chippy’ is in hand. Mr. Skittrall was thanked for his report.
215. Community Action Team Report
It was reported that CAT was now defunct and there will be no further reports.
216. Footpaths
The Chairman reported upon the following items:
a) Mr. Robert Fuller of Brickwall Farm had been provided with three self closing gates which should make the footpaths involved easier to walk.
b) The rolling programme of surveying and improving footpaths had commenced and by good fortune the footpaths in Sible Hedingham were the first in the area to be surveyed. Any necessary clearance work, new signposting and way marking was being carried out as the survey proceeds. The Parish Council was very pleased with the work carried out to date and it was agreed to write to Mr. Tony Ciaburro of ECC Highways to thank him and his department.
c) Mr. J. Ferrando had produced a draft leaflet of the Pauline Stevens walk copies of which were circulated. Subject to minor amendments the leaflet will be printed. It was also agreed to provide interpretation boards along the walk.
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217. Anti-social behaviour in precincts of Shell Garage, Swan Street
The Clerk reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Mr. M. Tame of 4 Spurgeon Close who was one of the residents most affected by continuous anti-social behaviour during the night at the Shell Garage. His correspondence with Essex Police, BDC and Mrs. J. Beavis was considered. The Clerk had already copied this correspondence to Mr. J. Krischock, the Parish Ranger to deal with. Mr. J. Skittrall will raise this matter at the next SARA meeting.
218. Criminal damage and nuisance caused by youngsters on 3rd February 2006.
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that on Friday, 3rd February 2006 some 60 youngsters were roaming around the village, banging on windows and had damaged property in Parkfields and the Station Road areas. The trouble had also escalated to High Street Green. Mr. P. Day also reported large numbers of children under 12, smoking in various parts of the village. Unfortunately there was no Police presence whatsoever in the village and absolutely no support from the Police. Mr. Skittrall had reported the incidents to the PCSO. Mrs. G. Massey stressed the importance of reporting all crimes including anti-social behaviour and criminal damage to the Police.
219. Presentation by Parish Ranger
In the absence of Mr. J. Krischock, Parish Ranger, this item was deferred to the next meeting.
220. To consider grass cutting for Essex County Council on an agency basis
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that his discussions were progressing but there was a difference in costings between what ECC describe as ‘urban’ grass and ‘rural’ grass. Apparently urban grass costs more to cut than rural grass. Mr. J. Skittrall will continue to pursue this matter.
221. Report of estates inspection with Area Estates Manager of BDC
Mr. J. Skittrall reported he had met Mr. J. Krischock, Area Estates Manager and another officer from BDC on 9th February 2006 with the Clerk. The meeting had been very successful and various areas of the village had been inspected and the following action agreed:
a) Oxford Lane – Mr. M. Chipperfield of BDC will be instructed to send his gardeners along Oxford Lane to clear all rubbish dumped behind the Council houses and bungalows and will recycle garden waste where possible. All residents will be written to by BDC to warn against any further dumping.
b) Oxford Meadow - The damaged concrete posts between BDC and PC property will be removed in the interests of safety and to facilitate grass cutting with the end posts being left in position to define the boundary.
c) Christmas Field – see minute 207 above.
d) Brook Meadow – grass corners to be concreted over.
e) Parkfields – Consideration to be given to extra parking area(s) and possible reinstatement of path.
f) Parkfields – rear of Alexandra Road – work order put through for repair to chain link fence.
g) Recreation Ground – a meeting to be arranged between Mr. N Day of BDC with Mr. Skittrall and the Clerk to discuss play ground and skate park equipment.
Mr. Skittrall was thanked for his report.
222. To consider future use of tennis courts
The Chairman felt it was necessary to ascertain the viability of refurbishing the tennis courts and whether there was sufficient local interest to make the expense involved worthwhile. If there is not sufficient interest the PC would have to consider other uses. It was agreed to assess public interest at the VDS ‘Open Day’ on 18th March 2006. In the meantime it was agreed to get the local newspapers involved to get feed back from the general public and to thereafter reconsider the future use of the tennis courts depending upon public demand.
223. Report of Grant Application Advisory Group
A report was given of the Grant Application Advisory Group meeting held on 23rd January 2006 which was attended by Dr. N. Edwards, Mr. J. Skittrall, Mrs. G. Massey, Miss. C. Cannell, Mr. A. Law and Mr. A.
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Corder-Birch. Since that meeting further quotations had been obtained and it was resolved that the following applications be made for grants:
a) ECC Community Initiatives Fund
i) Renovations to toilets on Recreation Ground £8,000.00
ii) Skate Park improvements on Recreation Ground £2,853.00
iii) Roundabout for children’s play area on Recreation Ground £7,137.31
iv) Provision of improved Parish Council Office (see minute 235 below) £4,500.00
(Mr. P. Day left and returned to the meeting during discussion of item 223 iv)
v) Lighting for existing shelter and storage container on Recreation Ground £
(Quotes for lighting to be obtained from electricians by Mr. J. Skittrall and Mrs. G. Massey).
b) BDC Rural Communities Development Fund - To be decided later.
c) Awards for All - To consider refurbishment of tennis courts or provision of football pitch for Hedingham Hawks.
It was noted that the results of the applications to ECC should be known at about the end of March or early April 2006.
224. Street light in car park at rear of Co-op
The Clerk reported upon the numerous communications and site meeting to establish the ownership of the street light at the rear of the Co-op. The Co-op, ECC and BDC had all denied ownership and responsibility. It was not owned by the PC but in order that the CCTV equipment could work effectively the PC had paid £94.00 to its own lighting contractors to repair the light at short notice. Following further extensive and time consuming investigations BDC had eventually admitted that they owned the street light in question and had sent the PC a letter of apology for the inconvenience caused. Apparently the light had not been added to the BDC database. BDC had since reimbursed the PC with £94.00 and reiterated their apologies. Unfortunately the light has since been damaged by vandals again. The Clerk suggested asking BDC to instruct their lighting contractors to significantly increase the height of the lamp to try and prevent further vandalism and to place a second lamp on the same pole so that both car parks are better lit to help car park users and to also try and deter vandals in the vicinity of the car parks. The PC agreed to the Clerks suggestion and he agreed to write to BDC accordingly.
225. Parking problems at Sible Hedingham Primary School and report of walking bus scheme
Mrs. G. Massey gave a report of the one off trial run of the walking bus scheme which she had received from a parent. There were fears that parents will not drop their children off at the Village Hall but take them to School Hill where they will not take advantage of the walking bus. It was generally considered that the walking bus scheme was a very good scheme which should be encouraged in order to try and prevent serious congestion at School Hill. Mrs. Massey was thanked for her report.
226. Bus shelter near Sugar Loaves
The Clerk reported that the Parish Councils claim against the driver of the car who demolished the bus shelter near the Sugar Loaves had been settled in full by her insurers. The payment included the cost of a replacement bus shelter and litter bin together with Mr. K. Metson’s time for removing the debris. It was agreed to order an identical replacement bus shelter with the ‘SIBLE HEDINGHAM’ name on the front.
227. Cluster Meeting
The minutes of the Gosfield, Sible Hedingham, Great and Little Yeldham Cluster Meeting held on 31st January 2006 at which Mr. P. Day and Mr. A. Corder-Birch had represented the Parish Council were circulated. There were no matters arising.
228. Proposal to make a donation to the Hedingham and Yeldham Ambulance First Responders
Following some discussion it was proposed by Mr. J. Hatfield, seconded by Mr. J. Skittrall and carried that the PC makes a nominal donation of £150.00.
229. To consider formation of Highway Advisory Group
In this absence of Mr. C. Chapman it was agreed to defer this item to the next meeting.
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230. Report of BDC inspection of the former sand pits at Sandy Lane
In the absence of Mrs. J. Beavis who is dealing with this matter it was deferred to the next meeting.
231. 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) BDC – Changes to Development Control Processes - The Clerk will arrange to let all Councillors have a copy of the letter from BDC relating to forthcoming changes in the planning system. It was agreed that the PC continue with the Clerk’s delegated authority (as detailed in minute 159 of 12th December 2005) unless a major application is made then a special meeting will be arranged.
b) ECC Highways – failure to grit School Hill – The PC were very disappointed with the reply from Highways and their refusal to grit School Hill in bad weather.
c) ECC Highways – traffic count at Summerfields/Swan Street junction – The Clerk had sent a good letter to Highways and the correspondence was passed to Mrs. G. Massey for further consideration.
d) NALC/SLCC – revised scales – (see minute 236 below)
e) Braintree District Voluntary Support Agency – event at Sible Hedingham on 8th May 2006. The Clerk reported that he had made enquiries and the event will take place at the Village Hall. The exact times, further details and invitations are to follow. The BDVSA require contact details of organizations/individuals likely to attend.
232. Accounts for payment
The accounts listed in appendix 2 were presented for payment together with the addition of a donation of £150.00 to the Hedingham and Great Yeldham Ambulance First Responders pursuant to the provisions of S137 of the Local Government Act 1972. It was proposed by Mrs. G. Massey, seconded by Miss. C. Cannell and carried that the accounts are paid.
233. Any other business/exchange of information/agenda for next meeting
a) Bus service 89 Haverhill to Braintree – The Clerk read a letter from ECC Highways to Mr. E. Snarey regarding the proposal of Hedingham Omnibuses to withdraw the early morning bus from Great Yeldham to Braintree with effect from 6th March 2006. It was understood that this bus picks up about 20 passengers in Great Yeldham and Sible Hedingham and connects with the London train at Braintree. Miss. C. Cannell confirmed that this bus was well used and was invaluable for commuters. It was agreed to object most strongly to the proposed withdrawal of this bus.
b) Dog bin at Cambridge Avenue entrance/exit to Recreation Ground – Miss. C. Cannell reported that Mrs. M. Judd had thanked the Parish Council for arranging to erect this new dog bin. It was agreed to write to Mrs. Judd to express the PC’s deep sorrow at her husband’s present condition and to wish them both well.
c) Brook adjacent to Rectory Road – Mr. M. Rudge reported that raw sewage had appeared in the brook adjacent to Rectory Road, opposite the Sugar Loaves. Anglian Water had pumped out and cleared the sewage. The cause was possibly a fracture in a pipe and a camera will be placed in the pipe to check its condition.
d) Rectory Road street name plate – Mr. M. Rudge reported that there was no Rectory Road street name plate on the railings opposite the Sugar Loaves but there was one opposite. It was agreed to ask BDC to provide another Rectory Road street name plate.
e) Land Rover permanently parked in front of Eden Cottage, 79/81 Swan Street – Mr. D. Holmes, Mr. P. Day and other Councillors expressed concern about a land rover permanently parked in Swan Street which is obstructing traffic causing queues to form as far back as the top of Spurgeon’s Hill. It causes delays for emergency services and could potentially cause an accident. The Clerk reported that he had already taken this matter up with Sgt. B. Tompsett of Essex Police and apparently there is a long history regarding this land rover. The Police were reluctant to take action and regard the land rover as a speed reduction measure. It was agreed to ask the Police to issue a Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme notice in view of the fact that the land rover is failing to display a front number plate and to try and persuade the Police to take action to get the land rover moved.
(Mr. M. Rudge left the meeting)
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f) De Vere exhibition – Dr. R. A. Green gave details of the exhibition about Edward De Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford to be held on 17th to 19th February 2006 at Earls Colne Village Hall. This is an excellent exhibition and well worthwhile attending. The Clerk confirmed that posters had been placed on all notice boards in the village.
(Mr. M. Rudge returned to the meeting)
234. CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS
It was resolved that in view of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted that the public and press be excluded from the remainder of the meeting pursuant to the provisions of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960. The Parish Council meeting continued in private session (see confidential minutes on separate page for Parish Councillors only).
