MINUTES OF SIBLE HEDINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE VILLAGE HALL, PARKFIELDS, SIBLE HEDINGHAM ON MONDAY 14th JANUARY 2008 AT 7.30 P.M

In the chair: Mrs. J. Beavis (with the exception of part of item 281)
Miss. C. Cannell (for part of item 281)
Present: Councillors R. Falco, A. Law, G. Massey, V. Mullender, M. Rudge, J. Skittrall, E. Snarey, F. Swallow & A. Weatherley.
Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk).
Mrs. W. Scattergood (District Councillor)
Mr. J. Tame (Youth Councillor)
Together with 2 (two) members of the public.

272. Apologies for absence
Cllrs. S. Brown (illness), Dr. R. Green (recovering from operation) & Mr. D. Finch.

The Chairman opened the meeting and wished everyone a Happy New Year.

273. Declarations of Interest
The following interests were declared:
Mrs. J. Beavis declared a prejudicial interest in connection with the planning application relating to 140-142 Swan Street as her own business premises are being extended.
Mr. J. Skittrall declared a personal interest in connection with the planning application relating to 140-142 Swan Street as he is a customer of the applicant.
No other interests were declared.

274. To confirm minutes of previous meeting held 10th December 2007
The minutes of the previous Parish Council meeting held on 10th December 2007, having been previously circulated, were taken as read, were confirmed and duly signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

275. Matters arising from the minutes
a) Meeting with ECC Highways
The Clerk reported that the site meetings with ECC Highways and Mr. D. Finch regarding (a) Alderford Street and (b) School Road & Alexandra Road junction had been arranged for Friday, 29th February 2008 at 2pm commencing at the Parish Council Office.
b) Alderford Mill
The Clerk reported that he had heard from Mr. D. Finch that ECC intend to apply for planning permission for 20 car parking spaces and 3 coach parking spaces on land opposite Alderford Mill. A map showing the extent of land in ECC ownership is awaited.

276. Public Comment
Mr. & Mrs. G. Bentley attended the meeting and spoke in support of their application for change of use of land for stationing of burger van in Car Park at Rippers Court. Whilst they accepted that the Parish Council had no objection to the application they were concerned about the conditions requested concerning litter, ASB and youth activity. Two Councillors had asked for conditions to be imposed regarding litter issues but a majority was required. It was understood that the applicant works closely with the Police and they had no objection to the application. Following some discussion it was resolved that a further letter is sent to BDC explaining that the Parish Council is satisfied that the applicant does all he can to keep the site tidy. It was confirmed that the PC are in communication with other fast food outlets regarding litter issues.

277. Chairman and Vice Chairman’s reports
Mrs. J. Beavis congratulated Mr. J. Tame upon winning the Peter Garlick Award. The entire length of the Riverside Walk had been inspected by Mr. R. Parmee, Miss. H. Crow, Mr. A. Corder-Birch and Mrs. J. Beavis including the proposed section though Premdor land. A meeting had been held with Mr. P. Partridge of BDC, Mr. J. Skittrall, Mr. A. Corder-Birch and Mrs. J. Beavis of SHPC which had been very useful. An action plan had been prepared, which will be considered at the next Street Scene Advisory Group Meeting.
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that he had carried out an inspection of the village on 12th January 2008 and made the following observations:
Crosspath – needs cleaning again – agreed to write to SH Billiards & Social Club asking them to sweep up large heap of cigarette butts near their entrance.
Jubilee Court – use of car parking area by young persons increased – Mr. K. Metson will be asked to collect rubbish when he attends the Recreation Ground.
Yeldham Road – metal object in pavement is part of old road sign and ECC Highways will be asked to remove within fourteen days.
Christmas Field – wooden surround to Electric Sub Station damaged – EDF Energy to be asked to repair.
Oxford Lane - tree down and blocking access – Mr. P. Robinson, owner, will remove and he has kindly offered to donate trees to the village.
Wethersfield Road – sandbags delivered to vulnerable households on 11th January 2008.
Rectory Road – grille cleared twice recently by Mr. K. Metson and Mr. J. Skittrall – agreed to ask Environment Agency to reimburse SHPC with cost of keeping clear on regular basis.
Bewick Court – bicycles chained to electricity pole and being sold – agreed to report to BDC.
Arising from the above report Mr. E. Snarey reported that there is still a watercourse under No. 11 Wethersfield Road and that the residents were concerned as to whether the new flood lagoons will work or not. It was agreed to ask Mr. D. Finch to arrange a meeting with the engineer and residents to explain how the lagoons are going to work, such meeting to take place before the official opening.

278. Youth Council and THF 08 Reports
Mr. J. Tame thanked SHPC for nominating him for the Peter Garlick Award. A THF08 meeting had been held on 14th January and arrangements were being made for the event in July 2008. Ideas included an all weather ice skating rink and a battle of the bands competition. Funding is required and the Youth Council will seek a grant from ECC Youth Opportunities Fund. SHPC had included £500 in its budget and Mrs. J. Beavis offered to apply to the Halstead Local Committee for further funding. Mr. Tame was thanked for his report.

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

280. Braintree District Council Report
Mrs. J. Beavis and Mr. F. Swallow had nothing to report. Mrs. W. Scattergood reported that Mrs. T. Lambert had recently been appointed as Head of Planning Control at BDC. A debate had taken place about the future of the Braintree District when Mrs. Scattergood had emphasized that more employment land and jobs were needed in the District. Mrs. Scattergood was thanked for her report.

281. Planning
Miss. C. Cannell reported that the following applications had been received and recommended as follows:
07/02541/FUL – Car Park, Rippers Court – Renewal of temporary condition from planning approval no: 05/02399/COU – Change of use of land for stationing of burger van – no objection.
07/02522/FUL – Forest Homecare, 61 Alderford Street – Erection of one and a half storey extension to office building and additional parking schemes – opposed on similar grounds to previous application which was refused permission on 7th November 2007. Mrs. J. Beavis reported that following the previous refusal, Mr. F. Ladkin had visited the PC Office and expressed to the Chairman and Clerk his concern that SHPC had opposed previous application. He had claimed that none of the vehicles parked in Alderford Street belonged to his employees or visitors. SHPC resolved that if the applicant wishes to expand he should consider alternative premises.
07/02610/FUL – 1 Blois Cottages, Blois Hall Road – Erection of two storey /single storey extension – no objection.
07.02631/FUL – 10 Sparrow Close – Erection of side extension – revised application following approval – no objection.
Mrs. J. Beavis and Mr. J. Skittrall left the meeting during the discussion of the following item and the Chair was taken by Miss. C. Cannell.
07/02606/FUL – Shiam Service Station – 140-142 Swan Street – Proposed second floor above an existing convenience store and fuel sales – letter of objection from public taken into consideration – following some discussion it was carried by 5 votes to 4 that the PC oppose the application upon the same grounds as the previous similar application was opposed as there was no material change between the two applications.
It was proposed by Mrs. G. Massey, seconded by Mr. M. Rudge and carried that the above recommendations are approved.
Mrs. J. Beavis and Mr. J. Skittrall returned to the meeting and Mrs. J. Beavis resumed the chair.
With regard to Village Development, the Chairman stated that there was nothing to report regarding either the Premdor or Tanners sites save that the Clerk will shortly meet a representative of Premdor to assist with information concerning the history of their site.

282. Footpaths and Riverside Walk
On behalf of Dr. R. A. Green, the Clerk reported upon the following footpath issues:
Footpath 48 – Swan Chase to Cobbs Fenn – barbed wire on fences adjacent to footpath potentially dangerous and to be removed by owner.
Footpath 49 – Cobbs Fenn to Harrow Cross – blocked at Harrow Cross where owner of a scrap yard has apparently refused to clear blockage and has been obstructive to walkers.
Footpaths in vicinity of Baykers Farm, off Lamb Lane (possibly footpaths 63, 74 & 75?) have had wire placed over stiles so dogs cannot get through and dog owners have to lift dogs over stiles.
The Clerk reported upon the following progress with the Riverside Walk:
A public meeting arranged for Wednesday, 30th January 2008 at 7.30pm at SH Village Hall to be chaired by Mrs. J. Beavis to which occupiers of properties adjoining the Riverside Walk in Spring Way, Summerfields and Riverside Way will be invited to attend and ask questions. The meeting will be attended by Mr. Richard Parmee of the River Colne Countryside Project and also the Community Warden. The Police have been invited to attend. A written report concerning security issues will be prepared by Braintree District Community Safety Partnership.
A BTCV Team will start work on Wednesday, 6th February to check trees for safety and fell any dangerous trees such work to be completed by 15th February 2008.
Litter and rubbish clearance arranged for Saturday, 16th February 2008 meeting at PC Office at 10am to collect high vis. jackets, litter pickers, etc. BDC arranged lorry and driver to collect rubbish. Posters and newspaper publicity arranged by Mrs. A. Weatherley.

283. Recreation Ground update
Renovation to tennis courts – Mr. J. Skittrall reported that the project will cost about £36,000 and it is intended to commence work during February or March 2008 subject to funding. Mr. J. Skittrall and Mrs. A. Weatherley will be meeting on 17th January 2008 to consider funding streams. Mrs. W. Scattergood suggested an application to the Lawn Tennis Association.
Renovation to toilets – The renovation work has been completed and arrangements made for the official opening to take place on Friday, 8th February 2008 at 4pm. Thereafter Mr. K. Metson, will open, close and clean toilets until further arrangements made. A sign is to be re-erected at Capes Chase.

284. To consider ‘Dogs must be kept on a lead’ signs at Grays Hall Meadow
Mr. E. Snarey asked for consideration to be given to similar signs for Grays Hall Meadow as to those recently erected at entrances to the Recreation Ground. Following some discussion it was resolved that signs were not required for Grays Hall Meadow.

285. Report of Finance and Funding Advisory Group meetings and Precept for 2008-2009
Mrs. G. Massey, as spokesperson of the Finance and Funding Advisory Group, circulated the proposed budget, which had been prepared following two meetings of the Finance and Funding Advisory Group. A figure of £16,000 had been allowed for a Village Employee. The proposed Precept amount was £83,475. The Band D equivalent is 1478.48 and the rate for Band D properties will be 56.46. It was proposed by Mrs. G. Massey, seconded by Mr. J. Skittrall and carried that the net Precept (after taking into account the PSG of £10,116) should be £83,475 for 2008-2009. The Precept form was then completed by the Clerk and signed by Mrs. J. Beavis (as Presiding Chairman), Mr. J. Skittrall and Mrs. G. Massey (Councillors) and countersigned by Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk).

286. The ‘green’ woodland burial site at Great Yeldham
The Clerk reported that an offer had been received from Great Yeldham Parish Council to include Sible Hedingham in the catchment area of their new ‘green’ woodland burial site adjacent to Great Yeldham Cemetery. He referred Councillors to the detailed report which had appeared in the August 2007 edition of ‘Parish Update’ published by BDC. It was resolved to accept the offer of Great Yeldham Parish Council with gratitude.

287. Traffic sight lines at Sugar Loaves Corner
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that following the erection of new railings at the Beagrie development there was a blind spot, as drivers cannot see through the railings and there had been three near misses. It was confirmed that when the planning application had been made that ECC Highways had been consulted but curiously they had no objection. Mr. Skittrall also reported upon problems when turning right into Station Road and then into Charlton Close. Mrs. G. Massey agreed to raise both matters at the forthcoming Halstead Traffic Management Liaison Meeting.

288. Report on parking enforcement in Sible Hedingham
At the last meeting Mr. E. Snarey had expressed concern about the lack of parking enforcement in the village. Councillors reported that they had not seen a parking attendant in the village. The Clerk had written to BDC asking for parking attendants to visit the village and the issue had also been raised by Mr. Swallow who reported that visits by parking attendants was proportionate to the amount of yellow lines. There were yellow lines at Christmas Field, Brook Hill and in the vicinity of the Co-op. Extension of yellow lines was awaited at Brook Hill and the Swan Street/Spring Way junction. It was noted that the Co-op had blocked off their front car park with additional bollards and a new street light with two lights had been erected in the BDC car park at the rear of the Co-op.

289. Community Speed Watch
Mr. F. Swallow reported that there was a shortage of volunteers and that a minimum of eight is required to run the scheme. It was resolved to defer the scheme for six months and in the meantime to try and recruit more volunteers.

290. To consider application to BDC Halstead Local Committee for funding
At the request of Mrs. J. Beavis it as agreed that an application is made to the BDC Halstead Local Committee for funding towards plant containers to improve the appearance of the village. Mrs. G. Massey agreed to attend the next meeting to apply for funding.

291. Neighbourhood Watch report
In the absence of Mr. C. Stewart this item was deferred to a future meeting.

292. Update on Rippers Court issues
Mr. F. Swallow reported upon complaints from a resident of Station Road that an unroadworthy vehicle had been using Station Road and Rippers Court in the early hours of the morning. The Police had been notified and apparently two cars had been removed. It was reported that the Police and Councillors regularly visit Rippers Court. The gates are urgently required and it was understood that the necessary three quotes had been obtained but an engineers report was awaited. Councillors will continue pushing for the gates and the vehicle issues will be raised at the SARA meeting on 16th January 2008.

293. 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) Mrs. J. Beavis and Mr. J. Skittrall will both represent SHPC at the BALC Open Meeting on 24th January 2008.
b) A circular from The Big Lottery relating to funding to create breathing spaces will be referred to Mr. R. Parmee of River Colne Countryside Project with a view to applying for a grant towards the cost of the Riverside Walk.
c) The fourth identical letter from ECC Highways regarding a speed and volume survey at Queen Street was deplored as only one letter was necessary.
d) The contents of two letters from Mrs. B. Robinson relating to litter and other issues was noted.

294. Accounts for payment
The accounts listed in appendix 2 were presented for payment. It was proposed by Miss. C. Cannell, seconded by Mrs. A. Weatherley and carried that the accounts are paid. Arising from the account from E-On Energy for electricity supplied to the toilet block it was agreed that the PC handyman should take the meter reading every three months.

295. Any other business/exchange of information/agenda for next meeting
a) Mr. M. Rudge enquired the position regarding the safety equipment, harness and fixture to the wall near the grille at Rectory Road. Mr. J. Skittrall confirmed that he would arrange this.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.50pm.