MINUTES OF SIBLE HEDINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE VILLAGE HALL, PARKFIELDS, SIBLE HEDINGHAM ON MONDAY 8TH JANUARY 2007 AT 7.30 P.M.

In the chair: Dr. N. Edwards
Present: Councillors C. Cannell, P. Day, R. Falco, R. Green, J. Hatfield, A. Law, G. Massey, M. Rudge, J. Skittrall, E. Snarey & A. Weatherley. Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk) Mrs. J. Beavis & Mr. S. Bolter (District Councillors) Together with 1 (one) member of the public.

243. Apologies for absence                       
Mr. D. Holmes (illness)
Mrs. W. Scattergood (District Councillor).
Mr. R. Carter & Mr. J. Tame (Youth Councillors)

244. Declarations of Interest
No interests were declared.

245. To confirm minutes of previous meeting held 11th December 2006
The minutes of the previous Parish Council meeting held on 11th December 2006, having been previously circulated, were taken as read, were confirmed and duly signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

246. Matters arising from the minutes

a) Land Registration
The Chairman and Clerk reported upon enquiries made in an endeavour to trace the old minute books from 1894 to 1988, which had not been deposited with the Essex Record Office.  Enquiries will be made with Mr. David Moore, a former Clerk.    

b) Hearing facilities at Village Hall
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that hearing equipment had been considered by the Village Hall Committee and will probably be similar to that previously loaned by Mr. P. Day, which had been suitable.

c) Proposed speed reduction measures at High Street Green
The Clerk read an email from Highways stating that the site will be inspected and the findings reported back to the Parish Council very early in the New Year.

d) Quiet Lanes
The Clerk reported that Quiet Lanes are now dealt with by Cassandra Robinson of County Hall who should respond to the Parish Council by the second week in January.

e) Other Highway matters
The Chairman reported that the meeting, including site visits, which was to have taken place with Mr. D. Finch and Mr. R. Wiltshire on 21st December, had been cancelled by Mr. Finch.  Another meeting is to be arranged and the Chairman and Clerk are waiting to hear from Mr. Finch in this respect.

f) River Colne Countryside Project
Dr. R. A. Green had provided the PC Office with four copies of ‘The Colne Valley Path’ publication at £3.50 each on a sale or return basis.

g) Station Road development
Communications with BDC were reported upon and the latest name suggested was ‘CHARLTON CLOSE’, which was approved by the Parish Council.   BDC were consulting the developers upon this name and a further response from BDC was awaited.

h) Community Wardens
A meeting in the PC Office with Mr. David Walls (Community Warden) and Mr. Trevor Lawrence (Head Warden) with Dr. N. Edwards, Mr. J. Skittrall, Mrs. G. Massey, Miss. C. Cannell, Mr. R. Falco and Mr. A. Corder-Birch had been arranged for 19th January at 4pm.  A further meeting with the whole Parish Council may take place at a later date.

105

247. Public Comment
Mr. J. Nicholson raised the following issues in connection with the Recreation Ground:

a) Misunderstanding by some residents concerning plans for Recreation Ground.           

b) Traffic chaos when Hedingham Hawks arrive especially if parents stay to watch football practice.  In this respect it was noted that the majority of roads around the Recreation Ground are private roads and the only public road is Recreation Road and Hawkwood Road.           

c) Glare from floodlights which extend beyond pitches.  A full report was requested to determine how lights will impinge upon houses around the tennis court area.

d) Proposed Youth Shelter not required as the original brick and wooden shelter built during the 1930’s still exists and should be used.  Concern was also expressed about possible anti social behaviour during hours of darkness.

e) The Recreation Ground should be for use by everyone and not just specific groups.

f) The recent BDC planning definition for the Recreation Ground is ‘Informal Recreation’ whereas when it was conveyed to the PC in 1928 it was “…a Public Pleasure Ground and Playing Field ….”.   and should therefore be for enjoyment by everyone.   The football pitch in Oxford Meadow is designated for ‘Formal Recreation’.

g) The access at Colne Road is acceptable but disabled access at other entrances is difficult.  The number of disabled persons in Sible Hedingham is unknown.

h) Communication was difficult for a large PC to get information into the public domain.

i) Problems of security and youths consuming alcohol on the Recreation Ground.

j) The skate board park is hardly used and only by cyclists contrary to ‘no cycling’ signs.  

k) Any further intrusion onto the grass areas is not acceptable to residents.

The Chairman explained that the PC is trying to achieve the use of the Recreation Ground for all age groups and uses. The lighting will be strictly monitored by BDC which has a strict criteria and a planning application would be required.  The issues of parking and communications will be considered by the PC. 
The Vice Chairman reported that various types of disabled gates are being considered.  This may result in disabled gates at each end of the Recreation Ground, with other gates being closed.  The path to the toilet block will be widened and a ramp provided to comply with DDA requirements.   The Recreational Areas and Horticulture Advisory Group had met the Youth Council, Hedingham Hawks and Anne Thrussell of the Youth Service during December when it was considered that more suitable use could be made of the former tennis courts if a tarmac surface is provided and it is marked out for multi sports.   Quotes are being obtained from Wiles and others for resurfacing the former tennis courts area, improvements to the path and provision of ramp.  Consideration will be given to the provision of the Village Hall Car Park for sporting events on the Recreation Ground.   The lighting of the multi sports area will be restricted to certain hours.    
Mr. E. Snarey outlined the history of the use of the tennis courts over the years and the reaction from residents. 

248. Chairman and Vice Chairman’s reports
The Chairman had nothing to report outside the agenda.  
The Vice Chairman reported that a retired officer from the Environment Agency had advised that a tree in the bank of the stream at the ‘Beagrie’ site should be removed.  It was agreed that the tree should be removed and Mr. J. Skittrall agreed to speak to Mr. Beagrie.   Mr. Skittrall also reported that on 13th January 2007 he will be carrying out a review of work undertaken by Mr. K. Metson, including street cleansing. 

249. Youth Council Report
The Clerk read a written report prepared by Mr. Jack Tame.   A particular design of Youth Shelter was proposed, which was circulated to Councillors.   It was chosen from four designs previously considered and had a roof to protect youths from rain.  It was particularly strong and should withhold vandalism.  Councillors expressed reservations about the design chosen when numerous other designs were available.    It was understood that under permissive powers planning permission is not required by a local authority, including a Parish Council, for a public shelter not exceeding 4 metres in height.  There is an adequate existing shelter, which is abused and the need for another shelter had not been proved.   Mrs. G. Massey

106

proposed a joint meeting of the Recreational Areas and Horticulture Advisory Group with the Youth Council to consider the merits or otherwise of a Youth Shelter and if desirable to select a suitable design.   

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

251. Braintree District Council Reports

a) Mrs. J. Beavis reported that 62.3% of tenants had voted in favour of Housing Transfer to the Greenfield Community Housing Association and 37.7% voted to stay with BDC.   The transfer will therefore proceed and Mrs. Beavis had been appointed as a member of the Shadow Board, which will also include some tenants.   Consequent upon the vote there had been a massive change at Causeway House, with half the building now devoted to Greenfield Housing with its own separate entrance.   The financial implications of the transfer were explained.    The recent BDC Road Show in Sible Hedingham was very successful and well attended.  The main issues raised were recycling, litter and the anti social behaviour of youths in the village on a Friday night.   Under the Communities Agenda currently being considered more power will be devolved to local level.  Mrs. Beavis was thanked for her report.

b) Mrs. W. Scattergood sent a written report which was read by the Clerk.  The legal action against Mr. Ladkin for not complying with the conditions of planning permission 04/02134/FUL will be very time consuming and lengthy.   When the S106 agreement is signed a meeting will be held in PC Office with Mr. M. Crow who should thereafter design a plan for the riverside walk. 

c) Mr. S. Bolter reported on the guide for Sustainable Design and Construction for those applying for permission for developments of over 1000m2 or of 10 or more dwellings.   The guide has been published and will apply to all subsequent applications.  Applicants must address the guide and BDC are waiting to see how developers react.   At the request of Mr. Bolter, BDC had successfully persuaded the Department of Transport to take the A131 junction with the A120 into account with the new arrangements.  Mr. Bolter was thanked for his report.       

252. Planning

a) Planning applications
Miss. C. Cannell reported that the following applications had been considered by the Planning Committee and recommended as follows:
06/02405/FUL – Co-operative Foodstore, 116 Swan Street – Erection of palisade fencing and gates to south elevation to form compound for waste bins – no objection.
06/02395/FUL – Fantasy, 15 Rectory Road – Formation of vehicular additional access to existing bungalow – opposed on grounds that an additional access onto the bend in the road is too dangerous and there is ample turning area within the property.
06/02486/FUL – Shiam Service Station, 142 Swan Street – Minor amendments to previously approved drive-in car wash and new ancillary building to car wash – no objection.
06/02500/FUL – 11 Cambridge Avenue – Erection of detached single garage – no objection.
06/02530/FUL – 20 Grays Mead – Erection of two storey side extension and demolition of existing garage – no objection.
 It was proposed by Miss. C. Cannell, seconded by Mr. A. Law and carried that the above recommendations of the Planning Committee are approved.

b) Planning decisions
Miss. C. Cannell reported upon the following planning decisions:
06/01783/FUL – 2 – 4 Station Road – Demolition of existing dwellings and construction of 3 x 2 bed apartments and 10 x 2 bed houses with access road and parking – granted with S106 Agreement – Mrs. J. Beavis reported that a mistake had been made with the plans, a site meeting had been held with Mr. M. Crow, Mrs. Beavis and others and trees must be replaced at the end of the development.
06/02014/FUL – Studio Cottage, 43 Alderford Street – Erection of two storey side extension comprising new living room with bedroom above – granted.
06/02075/FUL – The Workshop, Cobbs Fenn – Conversion of existing joinery workshop to single dwelling with associated workshop – granted subject to conditions including that workshop and house are not

107

separately occupied and the application site is kept within the same ownership.  It was understood that Cobbs Fenn will not be designated as a hamlet despite this permission. 
06/02106/FUL – Highfields, Halstead Road – Erection of two storey side extension - granted
06/02168/FUL – Uplands Prayors Hill – Erection of two storey and single storey extension and conservatory – application withdrawn.

c) Appeal decision
Miss. C. Cannell reported that the appeal against the decision of BDC (05/02378/OUT) against a refusal to grant planning permission for “single storey dwelling on part of garden” at 6 Station Road, had been dismissed. 

253. Village Design Statement
Miss. C. Cannell reported that the VDS Advisory Group would be meeting on 10th January 2007.

254. Footpaths and rolling programme
The Chairman reported that the survey for the footpaths rolling programme in Sible Hedingham had been completed and the survey received.   A number of waymarker signs are to be erected.   Mr. G. Wilkinson and Mr. D. Finch had both promised that the work will be completed by 1st April 2007.              

255. Riverside Walk
(Please see minute 251b above).  It was noted that BDC are pursuing the S106 Agreement and when signed a meeting with BDC and PC representatives will take place in the PC Office.  Thereafter Mr. M. Crow will design the walk.

256. Water Management

a) Alderford Street brook
An update from Mr. S. Tullett of BDC regarding the quotes to clear out the remainder of the brook adjacent to Alderford Street was awaited.   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.  Dr. R. A. Green reported that the Environment Agency had recently opened gates at both Alderford and Hulls Mill although Hulls Mill was not affected by the scheme.   As the risk of flooding was reduced it was resolved to take no further action and to wait and see what happens.

b) Holding Reservoirs at Wethersfield Road and Cobbs Fenn

The Chairman reported no progress had been made with regard to the holding reservoirs.

257. Future of Recreation Ground including renovation to toilets
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that the Recreational Areas and Horticulture Advisory Group had met on 4th January 2007 with Mr. D. Gilbrook when his final design had been considered.  He will now prepare a specification for builders which should be available for the PC to consider on 12th February.  Thereafter quotes from builders will be obtained. 
With regard to the former tennis courts area, quotes are being obtained for tarmac and fences and Hedingham Hawks are applying for grants. 
It was proposed by Mrs. G. Massey, seconded by Mr. J. Skittrall and carried that the PC consents to the proposed multi use area subject to satisfactory funding.
It was also agreed to apply to the third round of the ECC Community Initiatives Fund for a grant towards disabled access gates, path and ramps to toilets to comply with DDA requirements.  Mr. Skittrall will obtain the necessary quotes to enable the Clerk to make the application.  
                                                                 
258. Proposed Youth Shelter on Recreation Ground
(Please see minute 249 above)

259. To consider replacing litter bins on Recreation Ground
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that three litter bins on the Recreation Ground had been damaged by fire of which one was completely destroyed and needs replacing.  It was proposed by Mrs. G. Massey, seconded by Mr. A. Law and carried that the PC orders one new replacement litter bin.

108

260. Report of Finance and Funding Advisory Group meetings and Precept for 2007-2008
The Chairman, as spokesperson of the Finance and Funding Advisory Group, had previously circulated to all Councillors, the proposed budget, which had been prepared following two meetings of the Finance and Funding Advisory Group.   He explained that the current financial year had been an unusual one with moving office and land registration but nevertheless the expenditure was very close to last years budget.  It was accepted that some of the expenditure was “one off” and would not be repeated.   Mr. J. Skittrall added that £5,000 had also been incurred on essential repairs to equipment on the Recreation Ground which should now last for ten years.   The figures in the draft budget for 2007-2008 were carefully considered and accepted.   The Band D equivalent is 1417.67 and the rate for Band D properties will be 44.79 on the PC element of the Council Tax.  It was proposed by Mr. E. Snarey, seconded by Mr. J. Skittrall and carried that the net Precept (after taking into account the PSG of £9840) should be £63502 for 2007-2008.   The Precept form was then completed by the Clerk and signed by Dr. N. Edwards (as Presiding Chairman), Mr. E. Snarey and Miss. C. Cannell (Councillors) and countersigned by Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk).   It was agreed to prepare a continuing finance spread sheet to circulate to members of the Finance and Funding Advisory Group on a regular basis.
           
261. Report of Youth Party and to consider donation to Rising Sun
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that the Youth Christmas Party in the Village Hall on 29th December 2006 had not been very successful.  The landlord from the Rising Sun Public House had been particularly helpful in providing a non-alcoholic bar.  It was proposed by Mr. R. Falco, seconded by Mrs. A. Weatherley and carried that a payment of £50 be made to the Rising Sun to reflect their good service.

262. To approve Petty Cash statement
The Clerk circulated a copy of the Petty Cash statement to all Councillors.  It was proposed by Mr. M. Rudge, seconded by Mrs. G. Massey and carried that the statement is approved.

263. Report of Affordable Housing Seminar
Mr. E. Snarey gave a report of the Affordable Housing Seminar which he had recently attended at Great Dunmow.  Unfortunately it had not been well attended so had been condensed down from one day to half a day.  He gave full details of shared ownership and shared equity schemes and explained that rural tied houses had now gone out of the system.   Housing Associations can buy houses and bring them up to standard.  Any surplus is ploughed back into housing improvements.  Mr. Snarey was thanked for attending the seminar and for his report.

264. To consider the early closure of Total Garage due to anti social behaviour
Mr. J. Skittrall stated that is was unacceptable that a village business was forced to close early because of youths misbehaving on the garage forecourt.  Quite apart from anti social behaviour the interference with petrol pumps was also a health and safety issue.   It was noted that Sible Hedingham does not have the same Police cover as when the Dispersal Order was in force.  According to a recent newspaper report a Police Officer had claimed that there were no problems in Sible Hedingham, which was completely incorrect and indicated that the Police are out of touch with what is going on.  It was agreed to write to the Chief Constable, with a copy to Mr. D. Finch, as a member of the Essex Police Authority, expressing concern that a village garage, which is providing a valuable service to the community is forced to close by reason of anti social behaviour by young persons and to ask the Police to increase their patrols in Sible Hedingham particularly late on a Friday evening when the situation is particularly bad.       

265. 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) Letters from Uttlesford District Council and Stop Stansted Expansion relating to the appeal by BAA and Stansted Airport Limited were considered.  It was resolved to write to The Planning Inspectorate opposing the appeal. 

b) A letter from ECC enquiring about interest for holding adult education classes in the Village Hall was discussed.  It was resolved to ask for details of the proposed classes, if they will

109

reinstate previous classes and to point out the previous lack of publicity.  If classes are to take place ECC need to improve marketing.

c) It was noted that BDC had been awarded funding to appoint two part time community sports coaches to work in the District.   In view of the multi sports area being set up on the Recreation Ground the letter was passed to Mr. J. Skittrall to express an interest in the coaches.

d) Leaflets from Glasdon relating to notice boards, salt and litter bins, shelters and seats were passed to Mr. J. Skittrall.

e) The exchange of correspondence with BDC relating to the description of a horse riding arena was discussed and it was noted that BDC had failed to grasp the point and correct their error.  The Chairman, Mrs. G. Massey and other Councillors were concerned about the level of grammar and spelling in various letters from BDC.   The Chairman will respond to BDC.

266. Accounts for payment
The accounts listed in appendix 2 were presented for payment.  It was proposed by Mr. P. Day, seconded by Mr. M. Rudge and carried that the accounts are paid and that the payments of £50.00 to the Rising Sun and £55.15 to Dr. N. Edwards are made pursuant to the provisions of S137 of the Local Government Act 1972.

267. Any other business/exchange of information/agenda for next meeting
a) Mr. J. Skittrall referred to a recent email from the Clerk and confirmed that the Police Mobile Unit in the village was not being used enough and could therefore be lost.   Therefore a notion that the Police use the meeting room in the Parish Council Office was rejected for this and other reasons.   It was agreed to encourage more people to use the Police Mobile Unit. 

b) It was noted that Wimpeys had abused working hours on their construction site and had failed to keep BDC and the PC informed on a monthly basis of their construction plans for the following month.  It was agreed to report these breaches to Mr. B. Taplin, Planning Enforcement Officer of BDC and ask him to take action.

c) Mr. E. Snarey expressed concern about the state of the former Cinema site and in particular that the contractors had erected fencing on the pavement which was causing an obstruction to pedestrians.  Mr. Skittrall reported that at his request the contractors had placed florescent paint on the base of the fence to improve safety.  Mr. E. Snarey reiterated that the fence should be moved onto the bank to be within the bounds of the development site and it was agreed that the Clerk and Mr. Snarey should investigate this and they were authorized to consult Mr. Taplin of BDC if necessary.