MINUTES OF SIBLE HEDINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE VILLAGE HALL, PARKFIELDS, SIBLE HEDINGHAM ON MONDAY 9TH JANUARY 2006 AT 7.30P.M.

In the chair: Dr. N. Edwards

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

Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk)

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

Mr. Colin Johnson - Hedingham & Yeldham Ambulance First Responders                        

Together with 4 (four) members of the public.

175. Apologies for absence

Cllrs. J. Ferrando (personal reasons) and R. Green (holiday)

Mr. D. Finch and Mrs. W. Scattergood

176. Declarations of Interest

The following interests were declared:

a) Mr. C. Chapman - (i) car park at Rippers Court and (ii) footpath Spurgeon's Close to Swan Street.

No other interests were declared.

177. To confirm minutes of previous meeting held 12 th December 2005

The minutes of the previous Parish Council meeting held on 12 th December 2005, having been previously circulated, were taken as read. Amendments were requested to minutes 161 to read "Mrs. J. Beavis" instead of Miss. C. Cannell and an addition to minute 153(a) stating "Councillor Scattergood explained that the Area Committee were not allowed to use Highway objections to refuse this planning application". Mrs. G. Massey requested a further amendment to the minutes to read, "During the discussion of agenda item 19 (minute 168) refreshments were served and Councillors Massey, Holmes and the Clerk declined to partake in alcoholic beverage". Mrs. Massey also wished it to be recorded when Councillors entered and left the meeting as Mr. D. Holmes and herself had left the meeting before it ended. The Chairman explained that the eating of mince pies and having a small drink was a tradition going back many years and that it seemed irrelevant to minute the taking or the 'not taking' of such refreshments. After further discussion, Miss. C. Cannell suggested and it was agreed that the minutes should be amended to say that Mrs. Massey did not partake of any alcohol and that she left the meeting shortly after the refreshments were served.    Mr. D. Holmes also left the meeting early to attend to an urgent business call. It was agreed that Councillors entering and leaving the meeting should be recorded in future. Subject to the above amendments the minutes were confirmed and duly signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

178. Public Comment

a) Car park at Rippers Court

Mr. G. Bentley spoke in favour of his application for change of use of land for stationing of portacabin in car park at Rippers Court. He explained that the site will not take up any extra area. The opening hours were 7.30am to 2pm or thereabouts and a covered area would be provided so that customers did not have to stand outside. The Planning Advisory Group had no objections to this application.

(Mrs. J. Beavis arrived at the meeting)

179. Report of Halstead Area Planning Meeting 20 th December 2005 regarding 05/02059/FUL Premdor site, land at Summerfields and to consider future

Mrs. G. Massey expressed concern that at the Halstead Area Planning Meeting on 20th December 2005 that Mrs. W. Scattergood had proposed and Mrs. J. Beavis had seconded that permission is granted for development on the former Premdor site. Arising from this Mrs. Massey asked the following questions:

a. Why did Mrs. W. Scattergood do a complete volte-face after having previously expressed so many concerns?

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b. Why was the application not thrown out on the basis that the plans before the area committee were NOT the ones detailed on the agenda?

c. Why did Mrs. W. Scattergood not insist on adequate play areas in accordance with the concerns she expressed at our advisory group meeting?

d. Why was Mr. Martyn Bailey's submission not taken into consideration?

e. Why did the area committee spend so much time talking about Highways issues when they knew they could not refuse planning permission on Highway grounds?"

Mrs. J. Beavis reported that Mr. P. Crofts, Development Director of BDC was aware of these queries and is willing to answer them fully in writing. Mrs. Beavis stressed that highways was a major issue judging from the letters of representation which she had received from members of the public. Dr. N. Edwards had put the Parish Council's case as strongly as possible and thereafter a decision was made.

Mrs. G. Massey proposed that the Parish Council write to (1) Mrs. W. Scattergood and Mrs. J. Beavis with a request for a written response and (2) to BDC asking for their complaints procedure to be implemented regarding the conduct of these two Councillors. This proposal was not seconded and therefore no action will be taken by the Parish Council.   

Mrs. G. Massey then read out a statement/letter from Mr. M. Bailey a copy of which is attached to these minutes. Parish Councillors accepted that the Local Plan was adhered to and that this was a site which was always going to get permission. Councillors also considered that the statement/letter should have been sent to BDC and not to a Parish Councillor. If District Councillors had acted inappropriately their conduct was not a matter for the Parish Council. Mr. Bailey was advised to raise this matter direct with BDC.            

180. Matters arising from the minutes of 12 th December 2005

a) Planning application on Premdor site

At the request of Mrs. G. Massey, Dr. N. Edwards gave a report of the site meeting which he had attended with District Councillors on 17 th December 2005 at the invitation of Bidwells, the applicant's agents. It had been useful to see the extent of the site, the concrete and the wildlife areas. The proposed Section 106 agreement for a Riverside Walk was discussed. All sites along the river will be inspected with a view to constructing the Riverside Walk.    In answer to a question from Mrs. Massey, the Clerk confirmed that ECC Highways had been asked to carry out a traffic survey and count at the junction of Swan Street and Summerfields.        

b) Litter

A question was raised regarding 'no litter' signs. The Clerk reported that this item was included in Mrs. Scattergood's report which he would read later in the meeting.

c) Criminal damage

Mrs. G. Massey asked if Mr. D. Finch had provided a report of his meeting with the Chief Constable.   The Clerk confirmed that the meeting had taken place before Christmas 2005 and as a result he had received information to enable him to pursue the claim in respect of the bus shelter. However no report had been received regarding criminal damage, litter, or other anti-social behaviour matters. Mrs. G. Massey proposed that the Clerk ask Mr. Finch to provide a full report of his meeting with the Chief Constable at the next Parish Council meeting. This proposal was seconded and carried.

(Mrs. G. Massey left the meeting)

181. Chairman and Vice Chairman's reports

The Chairman had nothing to report. The Vice Chairman reported his concern that two out of three off licences in Sible Hedingham had been fined for selling alcohol to under age persons. Councillors agreed that for two establishments in the village to sell liquor to under age persons was very poor.   Mr. Skittrall will raise this matter at the next SARA meeting.

(Mrs. G. Massey returned to the meeting)

Mr. J. Skittrall reported upon his recent meeting with Mr. B. Coe regarding grass cutting. Mr. Coe had kindly offered to hold his current quoted prices for grass cutting for a period of two years. It was agreed that Mr. Coe had done a very good job this year and the village had very good value for money. It was proposed by Mr. J. Skittrall, seconded by Mr. D. Holmes and carried that the Parish Council's contract with Mr. Coe is renewed for a further two years at the same prices.

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182. Essex County Council Report

In the absence of Mr. D. Finch no report was given.    

183. Braintree District Council Report

The Clerk read a written report submitted by Mrs. W. Scattergood who had sent her apologies. Mrs. Scattergood had made enquiries with BDC regarding "No litter" signs with the appropriate penalty inserted on them. When signs are available the Street Scene Officer of BDC will contact the Clerk to discuss the most appropriate sites for the signs. In the meantime Mrs. Scattergood had asked the Parish Liaison Officer to ensure that the Parish Ranger is aware of the problem and patrols the area regularly.

Mrs. J. Beavis reported that she had arranged for Mr. B. Taplin, Enforcement Officer and Mr. C. Bachelor of Environmental Services to inspect the former sand pits at Sandy Lane following complaints of unauthorized dumping at the site.

With regard to the Premdor application Mr. S. Bolter reminded the meeting that when a planning application is passed by the Area Committee it does not take immediate effect and can be referred to or called in by the District Development Committee upon the request of a minimum number of Councillors within a specified time. He confirmed that Highways was not available as a ground for refusal on this occasion. He accepted that the junction was a problem but not sufficient to refuse permission. The application could not be refused completely as if it had there could be major costs implications in the event of an appeal. There was a lack of facilities for young persons. The density was 25% over that allowed in the Local Plan. The car parking needs to be of a high standard as public transport was poor.

Mr. S. Bolter also reported that the recycling bags which were previously collected in an open lorry were now being collected in a properly designed vehicle with compression so that collections may be a couple of hours earlier in future.

The Chairman thanked the District Councillors for their reports.    

(Mrs. J. Beavis left the meeting)

184. Hedingham and Yeldham Ambulance First Responders

Mr. Colin Johnson gave a presentation on behalf of the Hedingham and Yeldham Ambulance First Responders. He explained that the First Responders are local volunteers who are called out by the emergency services at the same time as the ambulance, but by being more local they arrive very quickly to stabilize the situation until the ambulance arrives. Their aim is to be on the scene within eight minutes of a call. The eight members provide 24 hour cover and two new members are being trained. He gave details of equipment required and that funding and sponsorship is being sought. It was agreed to liaise with the organizers of the Hedingham Fete so that the First Responders can have a pitch to collect donations from the public.

(Mr. C. Chapman left the meeting to make a telephone call).

It was proposed by Mr. J. Skittrall, seconded by Mr. D. Holmes and carried to include the following item on the agenda for the next meeting:

"Proposal to make a donation to the Hedingham and Yeldham Ambulance First Responders"

Mr. E. Snarey also suggested placing this item on the agenda for the next Cluster Meeting.

The Chairman thanked Mr. Johnson for attending the meeting and for his presentation.        

(Mr. C. Chapman returned to the meeting)

185. Planning

a) Planning applications

Miss. C. Cannell reported that the following applications had been considered by the Planning Advisory Group and recommended as follows:

05/02399/COU - Car park at Rippers Court - Change of use of land for the stationing of portacabin - no objection.

05/02412/OUT - 2 Station Road - opposed on the grounds of overdevelopment, lack of car parking, dangerous junction and loss of fine Edwardian house.

05/02422/FUL - Washlands, Prayors Hill - removal of agricultural occupancy condition on application no: 02/00451/FUL - PC strongly opposed to applicants obtaining planning permission for agricultural use and later getting condition removed and selling on open market.   It was agreed that the Village Design

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Statement Advisory Group should consider including this general principle in the Village Design Statement. It was proposed by Mr. J. Skittrall, seconded by Mrs. G. Massey and carried by 6 votes with 5 abstentions that PC object to agricultural condition being removed and that the existing use should be maintained.   

05/02459/FUL - 1 Blois Cottages, Blois Hall Road - proposed part demolition and erection of two storey side extension - no objection.

05/02483/FUL - Sugar Lane Farmhouse, Sugar Lane - demolition of existing garage and stables and erection of a new garage and granny annexe - no objection.

05/02497/LBC - 15 School Road - erection of kitchen extension and removal of modern door frame - no objection.

05/02499/LBC - Kentish Farm, Delvin End - replacement of remaining windows to match reinstated mullioned windows - no objection.

05/02511/OUT - Land rear of 4 Station Road - erection of detached bungalow and ancillary works - no objection but observation raised regarding lack of access through Bewick Close and alternative access between 8 Station Road and the former Hunwick's Garage.

05/02539/FUL - Wondrous Place Savilles Cottages 7 Cut Maple - erection of two storey side and single storey rear extension - no objection.

05/02547/FUL - 30 Alderford Street - erection of rear conservatory - no objection  

It was proposed, seconded and carried that the above recommendations of the Planning Advisory Group are approved.

b) Planning Appeal - Detached two bedroom bungalow land rear of 9 Recreation Ground

It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the Planning Inspectorate with the Parish Council's reasons for opposing the appeal on similar grounds to the representations previously made to BDC.

c) Village Design Statement

Miss. C. Cannell gave a report of her discussions with Jan Cole of BDC/RCCE. It was not necessary to attend the Village Design Statement course on 1 st February 2006. The cost of preparing a Village Design Statement depends upon the grant obtained. The estimated cost of preparing a Village Design Statement brochure is £3,000.00 of which the Parish Council's contribution will be about £300.00.    It was agreed that Miss. C. Cannell will arrange a meeting in the PC Office between Jan Cole and members of the Village Design Statement Advisory Group.

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

(Please see minute 183 above)

187. SARA Report

Mr. J. Skittrall stated that the next meeting will take place on 11 th January 2006.

188. Community Action Team Report

It was stated that no report was available.

189. Footpaths

The Chairman stated that there was nothing to report this month.

190. Transport Report            

Mr. E. Snarey stated that there was nothing further to report.

191. Water Management Report

Mr. E. Snarey reported that the Wethersfield Road scheme will commence in January 2006 but otherwise there was nothing to report.  

192. To consider new dog bin for the Cambridge Avenue entrance/exit on the Recreation Ground

The Clerk reported that he had placed this item on the agenda at the request of a resident who had observed that all the other entrances and exits to the Recreation Ground have dog bins except for the one at Cambridge Avenue. This had resulted in the litter bin near Cambridge Avenue being misused which was

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very unpleasant for Council workmen.   The Parish Council authorized the Clerk to order a dog bin from Earth Anchors Limited and to ask BDC to erect and thereafter empty it.

193. To consider grass cutting for Essex County Council on an agency basis

Mr. J. Skittrall reported that his discussions with Mr. B. Coe and Essex County Council were still ongoing. Some areas and costings still need to be clarified. It was agreed to defer this item to the February 2006 meeting.        

194. Proposal to add to budget to cover changes in Parish Council accommodation

The Chairman reported that the Finance Advisory Group had prepared the budget for 2006-07 but considered that a number of items were under-funded. In particular the funding for the Parish Council office was inadequate because if the Coopers Yard development proceeds it will necessitate two office moves with associated cost particularly moving computer, broadband, printer, telephone and fax. The Parish Council should be looking at an office which the residents of the village should be proud of and with its own facilities which are not shared as at present.   Two rooms are required for confidentiality, for the public to look at planning applications, large maps and a room for meetings of Advisory Groups, etc. As the size of the village was steadily increasing a suitable PC office is essential in the future.     Mr. J. Skittrall and Mrs. G. Massey both considered that the PC element of the council tax should not increase any further for 2006-2007. The Chairman explained that if the budget is not increased then the money will need to come out of reserves to cover the cost of two moves of office.   Mr. J. Skittrall agreed that the Parish Council should seek better office accommodation in the future to give a better service to the public but was opposed to an increase in council tax this year following a large increase last year.    It was indicated that other suitable office premises may be available. The Chairman and Vice Chairman know the property involved which is very suitable. Mr. Skittrall will support the proposed office if the council tax is not increased this year. The proposal will necessitate negotiations taking place with the existing landlord. The Chairman explained that if the budget is not increased then the money will need to come out of reserves to cover the cost of two moves of office and other items not budgeted for.          

(Mrs. G. Massey left the meeting)

Concern was expressed about the progress of the Coopers Yard planning application. It was understood that this may go to the Area Committee in February 2006. In light of the discussion the Chairman withdrew his proposal for an increase in the budget for office accommodation for 2006-07 and therefore the extra costs will need to be met out of reserves.

195. Footpath at Spurgeon's Close

(Mr. C. Chapman left the meeting for the discussion of this item as he had submitted a quotation for the construction of the footpath)

Mr. D. Holmes explained that the residents of Spurgeon's Close had been promised a properly surfaced footpath by previous PC Chairmen which had not materialized.   The safety barriers were in stock and were awaiting erection.  

(When it became apparent that the quotations would not be considered Mr. C. Chapman was invited to return to the meeting)

(Mrs. G. Massey also returned to the meeting)

A resident of Spurgeon's Close had lent his deeds to the Clerk who had copied them. The deeds provided documentary evidence of a footpath/right of way from Spurgeon's Close to Swan Street back to at least 1965 (although it was only necessary to prove the existence of a footpath/right of way for the last twenty years). It was also confirmed that the PC owned the street light along the footpath. It was noted that Shell had provided for an "access route" and proposed to construct a "new concrete path" on their latest planning application (05/02214/FUL). In the interests of safety and in accordance with the documentary evidence which had recently come to light it was considered that the footpath should be constructed to Swan Street and that it should be fenced in. It was agreed to write to Shell asking for their agreement that there is a right of way from Spurgeon's Close to Swan Street and to ask for it to be reinstated and dedicated as a footpath and to thereafter apply to ECC for creation of a footpath. The quotations were therefore deferred at present.

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196. Report of Finance Advisory Group

As Chairman of the Finance Advisory Group Mrs. G. Massey circulated to all Councillors the budget which had been prepared following two meetings of the Finance Advisory Group.   

(Mr. M. Rudge left the meeting)

Mrs. G. Massey went through all the figures in detail and gave explanations where necessary.

(Mr. M. Rudge returned to the meeting)

Following some discussion and careful consideration of the budget it was proposed, seconded and carried that the net precept (after taking into account the PSG of £9535.00) should be £55,108.00 for 2006-07. This is based on a Band D equivalent of 1404 and should represent a decrease of £0.64 per household on the PC element of the council tax.   

(Mr. P. Day left the meeting)

The precept form was then completed by the Clerk and signed by Dr. N. Edwards (Chairman), Mr. J. Skittrall (Vice Chairman), Mrs G. Massey (Chairman of the Finance Advisory Group) and countersigned by Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk).   

(Mr. P. Day returned to the meeting)

197. ECC Community Initiatives Fund and BDC Rural Communities Development Fund

It was agreed to form an Advisory Group to consider applications for grants to ECC Community Initiatives Fund and BDC Rural Communities Development Fund.    The Advisory Group is to consist of Dr. N. Edwards, Mr. J. Skittrall, Mrs. G. Massey, Miss. C. Cannell, Mr. A. Law, Mr. D. Holmes and Mr. A. Corder-Birch.   A meeting was arranged for Monday, 23 rd January 2006 at 5.45pm at Alderford Grange, Sible Hedingham (courtesy of Dr. Edwards).            

198. To consider formation of Highway Advisory Group

At the request of Mr. C. Chapman it was agreed to defer this item to the next meeting.

199. Lack of rubbish collection over Christmas period

The Chairman expressed concern about the lack of rubbish collection by BDC over the Christmas period, which was very poor and could have resulted in a serious health hazard. The possible lack of information regarding collection times also caused concern as some households had not received the relevant leaflets. It was understood that some households in the village had received leaflets of collection times and that these had been publicized in the Halstead Gazette and the Neighbourhood News. Mr. E. Snarey emphasized that some householders must bear some responsibility regarding the amount of rubbish they put out over the Christmas period.   

(Mrs. G. Massey left the meeting)

200. 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 - possible flu pandemic - At the request of the Chairman the Clerk agreed to photocopy and circulate this important communication to all Councillors.

b) Link Up - Voluntary Sector Training Programme - it was agreed that the Chairman should attend a course and that the PC pay the course fee of £25.00

(Mrs. G. Massey returned to the meeting)

c) EALC - Management of Cemeteries course - 7 th February 2006 - Mr. J. Skittrall reported that he hopes to attend this course.

d) ECC Highways - various matters - it was agreed that the Clerk should reply to Highways as appropriate.

e)Mrs. Helen Strudwick - it was agreed that the Clerk should write to Highways asking for School Hill to be gritted in bad weather and to send an acknowledgment to Mrs. Strudwick.

f) BDC - District Local Plan Review - the survey had been completed by the Chairman.

g) PC World - Support agreement expires 16 th January 2006 - agreed not to renew it as Which Solutions Limited of Sible Hedingham now carry out any major work required on computer.

h) The RCCE - Essex Oyster - winter 2005 edition was passed to Miss. C. Cannell.

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201. Accounts for payment

The accounts listed in appendix 2 were presented for payment with the addition of an account from Mr. B. Coe for grass cutting £412.50 and Mrs. V. Martin for electricity for PC Office £77.61. It was proposed by Mrs. G. Massey, seconded by Mr. C. Chapman and carried that the accounts are paid.

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

a) Sandbags

Mr. J. Skittrall reported that 400 sandbags towards flood prevention had been delivered to the village which had been stored in the PC storage container on the Recreation Ground.  

b) Premdor

Mr. C. Chapman expressed his concern about the "disjointed" meeting, the issue raised by Mrs. G. Massey regarding "the drink incident" and his "disgust" at the contents of the letter read out by Mrs. Massey regarding the Premdor application which he regarded as being a private and not a public matter. Other Councillors expressed similar concerns about this letter which had not been seen by the Chairman, Clerk or other Councillors. It was therefore resolved that in future all correspondence should go through the Clerk and the Parish Council Office in the usual way. Letters to individual Councillors should not be read out at a meeting unless they have passed through the Clerk and PC Office so that they can be dealt with appropriately.

c) Cluster Meeting

The Clerk reminded the PC that the next Gosfield, Sible Hedingham, Great and Little Yeldham Cluster Meeting would take place at Gosfield Village Hall on Tuesday, 31 st January 2006 at 7.30pm. It was agreed that Mrs. G. Massey, Miss. C. Cannell, Mr. P. Day and Mr. A. Corder-Birch represent SHPC at this meeting.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.20 p.m.

 

COPY OF STATEMENT TO THE PARISH COUNCIL

Statement to Parish Council 9/01/2006 including Cllr. Scattergood

            I wish to comment upon the performance of the Parish Council and the conduct of   certain Councillors in respect to the Premdor Planning application .          

           At the Planning Committee meeting Cllrs. Scattergood and Beavis both voted in favour of this planning application in spite of having in their possession compelling evidence of substantial non-conformity to the published planning policies, I use the word compelling advisably. The function of the Planning Committee Members is in part to provide checks and balances to the Planning Procedure, to ensure the advice given by Planning Officers is fair, accurate and complete, sadly this has not been done in respect to this application .

           It would be reasonable to expect that the Ward Councillors in particular to be diligent in their duties concerning such a large development in the heart of our village, again sadly not. Cllr. Scattergood concern herself to the matter of   the junction of Summerfields and Swan St. knowing this to be a lost cause and failed to mention issues of non-compliance which were proper reasons to refuse the application. Cllr. Beavis likewise mentioned the Swan St. junction and in addition gave a glowing report on what a fine development George Wimpy were proposing, how good were their external communications, this   not being extended to any objectors,   and what a good job and how hard the council's officers had worked in arriving at the proposed high quality development , I don't think a PR spokes person for George Wimpy's could have done a better job. I found in particular the conduct of Cllr. Beavis to be reprehensive as it didn't reflect the position of the Parish Council, ignored a large body of detailed evidence concerning non-compliance issues that was in her possession and was so contrary to public opinion as to beg the question who she was she representing.

         Cllrs. Scattergood and Beavis need to consider their positions on the Planning Committee in the light of their incompetent and ineffectual performance concerning this major planning application , the adverse effect it will have on their electorate and the lack of meaningful planning control that has now occurred. What a pity that this village is going to be dumped   with such inappropriate   development   in these circumstances, so much for local democracy and   the Braintree and District   Local Plan 2005!   Let it rest in peace.   If the two Councillors mentioned think I'm being unreasonable they are liberty to reply, , in fact I'm demanding a written explanation from the Councillors to as why they paid such little if any regard to my carefully written 5000 word submission that was widely distributed within the Parish Council and there subsequent actions of ignoring its content along with my verbal statement given at the Planning Committee meeting, I look forward with interest to their replies which I would prefer in an electronic form to aid distribution and ask that the minutes of this meeting record this demand and that the Committee forward it to the councillors in question.

                 Yours Sincerely              Martyn Bailey