MINUTES OF SIBLE HEDINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE VILLAGE HALL, PARKFIELDS, SIBLE HEDINGHAM ON MONDAY 10TH JULY 2006 AT 7.30 P.M.

In the chair: Dr. N. Edwards
Present: Councillors C. Cannell, P. Day,  J. Hatfield, D. Holmes, A. Law, M. Rudge, J. Skittrall, E. Snarey & A Weatherley. Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk) Mrs. J. Beavis & Mr. S. Bolter (District Councillors) Together with 3 (three) members of the public.

87. Apologies for absence                       
Mr. R. Falco  (holiday), Dr. R. Green (convalescing), Mrs. G. Massey (holiday) Mr. D. Finch (County Councillor), Mrs. W. Scattergood (District Councillor).

88. Mr. E. Snarey
The Chairman welcomed the return of Mr. E. Snarey following his road traffic accident.  Mr. Snarey thanked the Chairman, Councillors and Clerk for their good wishes and card whilst he was in hospital. 

89. Declarations of Interest
The following interests were declared: Mr. P. Day declared interests in connection with two planning applications namely (i) The Bakery, 171-173 Swan Street as he is known to the applicant and (ii) 171-173 Swan Street as he is related to the applicant.  No other interests were declared.

90. To confirm minutes of previous meeting held 12th June 2006
The minutes of the previous Parish Council meeting held on 12th June 2006, having been previously circulated, were taken as read, were confirmed and duly signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

91. Matters arising from the minutes

a) Street lights at Swan Chase and Station Road
The Clerk reported that he had chased EDF Energy who had agreed to reconnect the electricity supply to both street lights during week commencing 24th July 2006.  Thereafter Just Lamps will complete their work on these lights the following week.            

b) Hearing facilities at Village Hall
Mr. P. Day reported that Sible Hedingham Village Hall Committee had considered various types and the costs of a hearing loop for the Village Hall.  Prices vary between £200 and £1,400 and the position could be complicated.  The Committee are continuing their investigations.

c) Parking problems at both Schools
Mr. D. Finch had not yet reported upon the site meeting with Mr. R. Bass at both Schools in Sible Hedingham regarding parking problems.   

d) Proposed BMX track
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that the proposed BMX track was still progressing.

e) Youth Council
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that he was still waiting to hear from the Youth Council with another meeting date.

f) Flooding opposite Sugar Loaves
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that new drains had been laid near the Sugar Loaves and that the flooding problem should be alleviated.

g) Fire Brigade
A further report from Mr. D. Finch was awaited.  Mr. D. Holmes reported that three men had applied to join Wethersfield Fire Brigade who will now cover for Sible Hedingham Fire Brigade when required.

h) Litter problems
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that a meeting with Mr. M. Galley, Street Scene Officer of BDC had been arranged for 9th August.  He confirmed that Mr. K. Metson collects litter in most central areas of the village weekly. 

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Mrs. A. Weatherley suggested that volunteers pick up litter in the outlying areas of the village, such as from the Church to High Street Green, which it was agreed was a very good idea.

i) Essex County Council grass cutting
A reply from Essex County Council was awaited.

j) Toilets on Recreation Ground
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that he was meeting Mr. C. Chapman on 13th July to prepare a specification.

k) Tennis Courts
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that he will shortly be meeting Hedingham Hawks Football Club and thereafter grants would be applied for.

l) Riverside Walk
Copies of the S106 Agreements from BDC were still awaited.  The Clerk confirmed that Mrs. W. Scattergood was pursuing these with the head of development control and that in the absence of Mr. M. Crow the Riverside Walk is now being dealt with by Abi St. Aubyn.

m) ROSPA Inspection
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that the necessary parts had been ordered and the work was nearly complete.  A second load of bark chippings will be ordered.

n) Grass cutting in Churchyard
The Parish Council is still waiting for a reply from the Parochial Church Council.

o) Cobbs Fenn Joinery Workshop
The Chairman had spoken to the owner’s architect and no site meeting will be necessary.

p) Neighbourhood Policing
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that the email addresses and mobile telephone numbers will be published later this week and will be placed on the village notice boards.

q) Proposed street lights at Oxford Meadow
The Clerk reported that he had met the principal of Just Lamps at Oxford Meadow on 6th July, who will prepare an estimate and advise on the number and location of street lights.  It will then be necessary to liaise with BDC and/or ECC to ensure that the proposed location of the street lights will not affect the proposed increase in parking facilities.  With regard to the proposed increase in parking facilities no reply had been received from BDC to date.

r) Registration of Village Greens
The Clerk confirmed that the Parish Council’s Solicitors had been instructed and that the registration of Village Greens with the Land Registry was in progress.

92. Public Comment
Mrs. Denise Butler asked why the PC had allowed the Police to apply for a Dispersal Order.   She claimed that the order will lead to a reduction in value of houses and lack of trade for shops.  Mr. J. Skittrall explained the purpose of the SARA meetings with the Police and that village shopkeepers were represented on it.   The order was necessary because large groups of children in the village had been making residents lives a misery.  When the order comes into force the village will be more heavily policed and the order gives the police more powers.  Concern was expressed that the large groups of children will move to other areas not covered by the order.  The Youth Club had changed from a Friday to a Thursday night to try and reduce anti social behaviour in the village.  It was claimed that there was insufficient Youth facilities in the village.  Mr. E. Snarey reported that when a survey had taken place three years ago the main youth requirement was a bus to Braintree at weekends.  A bus had been provided but was not used.   The Clerk explained that the Dispersal Order will be in force from 14th July to 14th September 2006 and that it will be reviewed shortly before its expiration.          

93. Chairman and Vice Chairman’s reports
The Chairman had nothing to report outside the agenda.   The Vice Chairman reported that with Mrs. G. Massey they had completed the plan of the Recreation Ground and in particular all the trees on it and their types.  It was agreed to apply to BDC for tree preservation orders on all PC owned land. 

94. Youth Council Report
In the absence of Mr. Robert Carter no report was given. 

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

96. Braintree District Council Report
Mr. S. Bolter reported upon the new arrangements for Parish Rangers, the increased flexibility and that full time Rangers will be given cars.  The planning application in respect of 10 Spring Way was approved.  A meeting with the Environment Agency had revealed that Alderford Street brook was shown as part of the main system as far as Swan Street but not the Sugar Loaves brook.  He confirmed that Uttlesford District Council would be considering the application by BAA for proposed expansion of Stansted Airport and gave an update of the meetings held and the objections to the application.  Mr. Bolter was thanked for his report.      

97. Planning
a) Planning applications
Miss. C. Cannell reported that the following applications had been considered by the Planning Advisory Group and recommended as follows:
06/01179/FUL – The Manor of Prayors, Prayors Hill – Erection of gates – opposed on grounds of not being in keeping with surrounding buildings in a conservation area.
06/01258/FUL – Straw Yard Trading, 27 Swan Street – Amendments to previously approved application 05/01864/COU – alteration and conversion of shop premises to form one single storey dwelling – no objection.
06/01259/FUL – Highfields, Halstead Road – Erection of two storey side extension – no objection.
06/01275/FUL and 06/01276/LBC – 29 Potter Street – Erection of two storey rear extension – no objection.
06/01288/FUL – Rich Traditions Bakery, 96 Swan Street – Erection of 2nd storey extension – no objection.
06/01293/FUL – 171-173 Swan Street – Erection of six flats – no objection – there had been several previous applications and this was regarded as probably the best scheme so far.  Concern was expressed regarding access but this was a difficult site for access.
06/01302/FUL – 2-4 Station Road – Demolition of existing dwellings and construction of 3 x 2 bed apartments, 8 x 2 bed houses & 3 x 3 bed houses with access road & parking – the previous applications on each site were outlined but this is the first joint application for both sites.  Four letters of objection from residents in the immediate vicinity were considered.  – opposed on grounds of over development, lack of parking spaces, out of character, loss of privacy and cramped to detriment of the amenities of neighbouring properties and highway safety implications.  
It was proposed by Mr. J. Skittrall, seconded by Mr. E. Snarey and carried that the above recommendations of the Planning Advisory Group are approved.

b) Village Design Statement
Miss. C. Cannell reported that the meeting of the Village Design Statement Advisory Group, which was held on 14th June 2006 at Sible Hedingham Village Hall, had been very successful with seven members of the public attending in addition to Parish Councillors.  A number of tasks had been allocated to interested persons.  Another meeting had been arranged for 19th July 2006 at which a Constitution needs to be adopted and officers and committee elected.  The Chairman thanked Miss. Cannell for her report and work.

98. Flood management schemes and enmainment of tributary adjacent to Alderford Street
The Chairman reported that the Clerk had written to BDC and to the Environment Agency asking for an explanation as to why Sible Hedingham Parish Council had not been consulted.  They had both sent holding replies and more detailed replies are to follow.  Unless satisfactory responses are forthcoming the PC will ask BDC to take over responsibility for the watercourse adjacent to Alderford Street.  Other aspects of this matter were deferred to private session

99. Report of Halstead Traffic Management Liaison Meeting
The Clerk reported that with Dr. N. Edwards he had attended the Halstead Traffic Management Liaison Meeting on 19th June.  The Clerk had requested pedestrian controlled traffic lights on the pedestrian
crossing in Swan Street and had given reasons why this was necessary.  ECC Highways has agreed to investigate this request.  Dr. N. Edwards had requested that the question of a roundabout at the junction of Swan Street and Alderford Street be reconsidered.  Highways alleged that a roundabout did not meet their

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criteria but had agreed to investigate the possibility of additional signs.  Mr. E. Snarey expressed concern about the lack of service from ECC Highways.

100. Footpaths and rolling program
The Chairman reported that an apologetic letter had been received from Mr. G. Wilkinson of ECC Highways regarding the rolling program in Sible Hedingham which he read out.  It was agreed to ask Mr. J. Bartley of Highways to specify exactly how much of the survey was completed.  With regard to the removal of the gate along footpath 54 the incident had been reported to the Police for investigation and a report from the Police was awaited.

101. Report of BDC workshop ‘Planning the future of Braintree District to 2021 and beyond’
Miss. C. Cannell reported that Mrs. G. Massey and herself, had attended the BDC workshop, ‘Planning the future of Braintree District to 2021 and beyond’.   The items considered included employment, transport, health, housing and culture.  Miss. Cannell was thanked for her report.

102. Report of BDC Waste and Recycling Seminar
Miss. C. Cannell gave a report of the BDC Waste and Recycling Seminar held on 29th June 2006 at which Dr. N. Edwards and Mr. J. Skittrall had also represented the PC.  This was a good seminar the presentation was excellent and very professional.  New wheelie bins should arrive during the autumn, for which leaflets will be circulated.  There will be one bin for kitchen and household waste and another for recyclable waste.  Each bin will be collected alternate weeks.  Overall there will be less collections and if householders have insufficient space for bins they can continue with sacks.  The Chairman considered that household waste should be taken away weekly.  Miss. Cannell was thanked for her report.

103. Planning Appeal hearing relating to 9 Recreation Ground
The Clerk reported that Mrs. G. Massey had attended the Planning Appeal hearing and given evidence on behalf of the PC to oppose the appeal.  The PC evidence had been complementary to that of BDC.  Mrs. Massey had later attended the site inspection with the Planning Inspector and other parties.  The decision was awaited.

104. SARA Report and Dispersal Order
Miss. C. Cannell reported upon a recent meeting at Great Yeldham Police Station at which Mrs. J. Beavis and Mr. A. Corder-Birch had also been in attendance.  The main item discussed was the Dispersal Order.   Mrs. J. Beavis explained the purpose of SARA and the difficulties which the Police, PCSOs and Parish Rangers had with controlling children whose behaviour was no longer acceptable.  Arrangements were made for Mrs. Beavis to speak to members of the public outside the meeting.

105. Parish Council Accounts for year 2005-2006
The accounts for the year 2005-2006 had been prepared and circulated to all Councillors.  These accounts had been audited by Mr. R. Fox, the internal auditor.  Arising from the accounts the Clerk explained the provisions of S137 of the LGA 1972.  He suggested that (i) the cover in the insurance policy and (ii) the nominal headings in the accounts are reviewed, which was agreed.  It was proposed by Mr. J. Skittrall, seconded by Mr. D. Holmes and carried that the accounts for the year 2005-2006 and the statement of assurance set out on page 3 of the annual return are approved.   The accounts will now be sent to Messrs. Lubbock Fine for external audit.

106. Proposed notice board for Oxford Meadow
Mrs. J. Beavis reported that a resident of Oxford Meadow had requested a notice board be erected for parish notices.  It was noted that there was already a parish notice board nearby at the Library as well as at two other locations in the village.  The approx. cost of a new notice board, delivery and erection is now in the region of £800 to £1,000.  It was resolved that the PC will consider the request, investigate a suitable site and Mr. J. Hatfield will make enquiries with Mr. D. Reeve about the cost.

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107. Proposed closure of Senior Citizens Day Centre at Hedingham School
The Clerk reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Mrs. G. Massey.  Unfortunately, due to some very drastic reductions in their budget for next year and restrictions on how to use it the ECC were regretfully unable to continue to fund the Centre from September 2006.  Representations had been made to Mr. D. Finch, who had agreed to ascertain exactly how much it costs to run the centre, including hire of premises, transport and meals.    Mr. A. Law reported that the Baptist Church was also closing its Day Centre.  It was agreed to make further enquiries into the funding and costs of Day Centres.  The Village Hall was considered as an alternative venue and the Village Hall Committee will consider this at their next meeting.

108. Problems with cash machine at Co-op
This item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Mrs. Massey.  Unfortunately, notwithstanding representations to the Manager of the Co-op and the Co-op Bank in Manchester there were still continuing problems with the cash machine at the Co-op.  This is a very useful facility in the village when it is working properly.  It was reported that vandals had recently put glue into it, which had caused problems.  It was understood that a new cash machine had been provided and if it is not vandalized it should work efficiently.

109. 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) It was agreed to notify BDC of revisions to the Emergency Planning Information

b) It was resolved to make no further representations in connection with the planning appeal upon land at the rear of 5 Hills Road.

c) The letter from ECC Highways regarding VAS and SID was carefully considered.  The PC considered it disappointing that the attitude of the Highways Department was so negative.

d) The letter requesting support for Hedingham Hawks Football Club for a new fence around the football pitch at Oxford Meadow was passed to Mr. J. Skittrall to deal with when he attends their next meeting.

e) The letter from Essex Police regarding the alleged theft of the litter bin at Alderford Street was noted and an up date from the Police was awaited.

f) The request from Jasmin Dixon to open ‘a smoothie bar’ in Sible Hedingham will be referred to the Youth Council for consideration.             

110. Accounts for payment
The accounts listed in appendix 2 were presented for payment.   It was proposed by Miss. C. Cannell, seconded by Mr. A. Law and carried that the accounts are paid.

111. Any other business/exchange of information/agenda for next meeting
Mr. J. Hatfield reported that the Shell Garage had now taken back the management of their border as part of their corporate requirement. 
Mr. M. Rudge reported upon tree surgery work carried out on a black poplar tree on Grays Hall Meadow.  He also reported that bangers had been let off on the meadow and that he had moved on the offenders.  It was suggested that Mr. Rudge should notify the Police of this incident.
Mr. E. Snarey reported that the 331 bus service from Sible Hedingham to Sudbury would continue to operate to its current timetable in the short term.

112. CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS
It was resolved that in view of the special or confidential nature of the business about to be transacted it is advisable in the public interest that the public and press be excluded from the remainder of the meeting and they are instructed to withdraw 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).