MINUTES OF SIBLE HEDINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE VILLAGE HALL, PARKFIELDS, SIBLE HEDINGHAM ON MONDAY 13TH MARCH 2006 AT 7.30 P.M.

In the chair: Dr. N. Edwards

Present: Councillors C. Cannell, P. Day, R. Falco, R. Green, J. Hatfield, D. Holmes, A. Law, G. Massey, M. Rudge, J. Skittrall.
Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk)
Mr. S. Bolter (District Councillor)
Mr. D. Finch (County Councillor)
Mr. J. Krischock (BDC Parish Ranger)
Mr. R. Carter (Youth Council representative)

246. Apologies for absence
Mrs. J. Beavis and Mrs. W. Scattergood (District Councillors).

247. To co-opt new Councillor to fill casual vacancy
As no election was requested and the relevant time limit had expired the Parish Council exercised their powers of co-option to fill the casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. E. Snarey. The interviewing advisory group had met on 8th March and recommended the co-option of Mr. Ramon Falco. It was proposed by Mr. D. Holmes, seconded by Mr. J. Skittrall and carried that Mr. Falco be co-opted onto the Parish Council.

248. Declaration of Acceptance of Office of New Councillor
Mr. R. Falco then signed his Declaration of Acceptance of Office and undertaking to abide by the code of conduct in the presence of the Clerk. The Register of Interests form would be completed and forwarded to the Monitoring Officer of BDC.

249. Declarations of Interest
No interests were declared.

250. To confirm minutes of previous meeting held 13th February 2006
The minutes of the previous Parish Council meeting held on 13th February 2006, having been previously circulated, were taken as read, were confirmed and duly signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

251. Matters arising from the minutes of 13th February 2006
a) Litter
The Parish Council was still waiting to hear from the Street Scene Manager of BDC with regard to ‘No litter’ signs and their locations.
b) Convoys through village
A holding reply had been received from the MOD indicating that a detailed reply would follow. This had not been received and the Clerk will chase the MOD for it.
c) Footpath from Spurgeon Close to Swan Street
The Clerk had recently sent a reminder to Shell’s agents regarding the footpath across Shell property and a reply was awaited. A letter had been received from ECC Highways confirming they had no knowledge of the ownership that part of the footpath between 3 and 4 Spurgeon Close. In view of this letter it was agreed that the Parish Council should now seek title of that section of the footpath. Arising from this item it was understood that Shell cannot place gates or barriers across their entrance when garage closed.
d) Criminal damage
It was reported that a second PCSO had been appointed to the Hedingham and Yeldham area making two
PCSO’s providing Ms. D. Green with vital support. The continuing criminal damage in the village was deplored. Mr. J. Skittrall produced photographs of damage to cars and hedging plants at rear of Co-op.

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e) Bus shelter at Sugar Loaves
The Clerk reported that the replacement bus shelter had been ordered and that delivery and erection would take about six weeks.
f) 89 Bus
The Clerk reported that Hedingham and District Omnibuses had agreed to continue the 89 bus service for a further two weeks and thereafter a minibus would be provided by another company.

252. Public Comment
In the absence of members of the public there was no public comment.

253. Chairman and Vice Chairman’s reports
The Chairman had nothing to report. The Vice Chairman reported that Sible Hedingham Village Hall Committee had agreed to lease some land at the rear of the village hall to a resident of Brook Meadow who will clear the area, plant wild flowers and convert to a nature reserve. A gate will be erected to protect the area from possible vandalism.

254. Youth Council Report
The Chairman introduced Mr. Robert Carter a representative of the newly formed Hedingham Youth Council who gave a report. Representatives from both Primary Schools had attended their last meeting and in future links will be maintained between the Youth Council and the Schools. Details were given of a ‘Battle of the Band’s Contest’ to raise money for charity on 15th July at Hedingham School, which will be open to the public. All parking for this event should be within School grounds so as not to disturb the residents of Christmas Field. A bi-monthly newsletter was proposed to increase the profile of the Youth Council. A ‘Youth Shelter’ was suggested where it will not disrupt the village. Councillors were very impressed with Mr. Carter’s report and the Chairman thanked him for attending the meeting and for his report.

255. Essex County Council Report
Mr. D. Finch reported that Mrs. G. Massey and himself had raised the problems experienced by residents of Christmas Field with the Headmaster of Hedingham School who had been very co-operative. The School will consider providing an area for parking staff vehicles. There is space within the School grounds but there are costs implications. Mr. Finch had spoken to ECC Highways and to BDC who will work together to provide a residents parking scheme. The four corners of the greensward are to be concreted to facilitate access for refuse lorries and large vehicles. Mr. Finch also reported that there may be some delays with the water management scheme and that the revised start date is now May or June 2006. The proposed merger of Essex Police Force with Herts and Beds Police Forces will be resisted. The Trading Standards meeting on 2nd March had been very successful and a similar meeting about Highways and Public Rights of Way will be arranged at a later date. Some missing bus signs which had been reported by the Youth Council will be replaced. Mr. Finch was thanked for his report. (Mr. Finch then left the meeting).

256. Braintree District Council Report
Mr. S. Bolter reported that both the BAA and Stop Stansted had briefed BDC on their plans and that BDC was holding a special meeting on 15th March to formulate its response to the proposed second runway. The proposed transfer of BDC housing stock to a Housing Association was still under consideration and following another poll of tenants, if it could not be resolved, the issue will be referred to the Government for a decision. Mr. Bolter also gave details of the Council Tax for 2006-07, the Sustainable Communities Bill, which BDC are supporting and the proposed changes to the planning process, which Mr. Bolter is opposing. It was considered that if a Parish Council objects to a planning application then it should not be decided by Officers but referred to the Area Committee. District Councillors can ask for an application to be referred to the Committee. The Chairman thanked Mr. Bolter for his report.




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257. Planning
a) Planning applications
Miss. C. Cannell reported that the following applications had been considered by the Planning Advisory Group and recommended as follows:
06/00240/LBC – 15 School Road – erection of kitchen extension and removal of modern door frame – no objection.
06/00269/FUL – Sugar Lane Farmhouse, Sugar Lane – demolition of existing garage and stables and erection of new garage with associated annexe facilities – no objection.
06/00311/COU – Liston Hall Farm, Gosfield – conversion of traditional rural buildings into a single residential unit with office area to be used in conjunction with the residential unit – no objection.
06/00325/FUL – 16 Alexandra Road – erection of two storey rear extension and loft conversion and demolition of existing single storey rear extension – no objection.
06/00356/FUL – Littlefields, Prayors Hill – erection of side conservatory – no objection.
06/00361/FUL – Lamb House, Lamb Lane – erection of single detached garage with garden tool storage area and new fence to front Lamb Lane – no objection.
06/00372/FUL – 31 Friars Close – retrospective application for sun room at rear of property – no objection.
It was proposed by Mr. J. Skittrall, seconded by Mr. D. Holmes and carried that the above recommendations of the Planning Advisory Group are approved.

b) Village Design Statement
Miss. C. Cannell gave a report of recent meetings of the Village Design Statement Advisory Group The Village Hall had been booked for the Open Day on 18th March 2006, posters and leaflets had been prepared and distributed. Councillors had assisted Miss. Cannell with the distribution of over 300 leaflets on 11th March. Councillors, Clerk, Jan Cole of RCCE and the Youth Council will be in attendance on 18th March. There was an emphasis on public participation and at least 50% support must come from the village. It was understood that the application to RCCE for a grant towards expenses with the public consultation process had been successful.

258. Proposed dog bin near Brook House, Swan Street
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that the litter bin near Brook House, Swan Street, was incorrectly being used as a dog bin which was very unpleasant for Mr. K. Metson when he emptied it. It was proposed by Mr. J. Skittrall, seconded by Mr. A. Law and carried that the Clerk orders a new dog bin from Earth Anchors Limited. It was reported that the dog warden visits the village twice a week but nevertheless there were still loose dogs on the Recreation Ground which was deplored.

259. SARA Report
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that the next SARA meeting would take place on 5th April 2006.

260. Report of Trading Standards Meeting
Mr. J. Skittrall gave a report of the Trading Standards Meeting which he had attended on 2nd March 2006 which had been an excellent meeting. He explained how casual rogue callers could be checked out and the Police notified. Some 40% of traders had been caught for selling alcohol to under age persons. In future the Parish Council will be advised the same day of any shops caught selling alcohol to under age persons.
Mr. J. Skittrall was thanked for attending the meeting and for his report.

261. Footpaths and update on Pauline Stevens Walk
The Chairman reported upon the following items:
a) The rolling programme of surveying and improving footpaths was progressing and the Clerk had sent a letter of thanks to the Head of ECC Highways.
b) Dr. Edwards produced and circulated the final version of the leaflet of the Pauline Stevens walk prepared by Mr. J. Ferrando. Mr. J. Hatfield had obtained way markers for erection and it was also agreed to provide a notice board at the beginning of the walk. One quote for £300.00 was considered excessive and therefore further enquiries will be made.

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c) Dr. Edwards reported that the creation of a new footpath along the Pauline Stevens Walk is progressing through the legal procedures and that P3 (Parish Path Partnership) had recently visited it with him. This proposed footpath, courtesy of Mr. Peter Gagen, will run along the edge of his field, parallel to the lane, from the former railway bridge to Purls Hill Plantation. Self closing gates will be erected at each end of the footpath.

262. Highways and report of Halstead Traffic Management Liaison Panel Meeting
The Clerk attended the Halstead Traffic Management Liaison Panel Meeting on 20th February on behalf of the Parish Council and reported upon the following items:
a) The HGV ban along Lamb Lane, Sandy Lane and Watery Lane would not be implemented at these locations until the flood alleviation works had been completed.
b) More surveys had been carried out at the dangerous junction of Swan Street and Alderford Street but it was not possible to install a roundabout at this location on safety grounds and because of insufficient traffic using Alderford Street.
c) Highways had refused to carry out any improvement works at the Alderford Street and Purls Hill Road junction as statistics showed than no accidents had been reported. This dangerous junction was in Castle Hedingham/Great Maplestead and not in Sible Hedingham but unfortunately Castle Hedingham Parish Council had not pursued this safety issue as expected.
d) Traffic cones will be purchased by BDC as from 1st April 2006 Mr. Simon Taylor will be the officer responsible for management of them. Hedingham School will need to liaise direct with Mr. Taylor regarding traffic cones for Christmas Field.
e) A ‘residents parking scheme’ was proposed for Christmas Field and BDC were liaising with the residents. The scheme will also cater for residents visitors. The object is to prevent vehicles associated with Hedingham School from parking on the greensward.
f) The old ‘Sible Hedingham’ sign at Station Road which was covered with graffiti had been removed as a new sign had been erected next to it.
g) Parish Councils are to be allowed more flexibility in the use of vehicle-activated signs (VAS) and speed indicator devices (SID). A suggestion was made that one or two Clusters of Parish Councils jointly purchase VAS and/or SID for use by Parish Councils in the Cluster(s). This possibility will be considered at future Cluster Meetings.
The Clerk was thanked for his report.

263. Parish Ranger
Mr. J. Krischock outlined his role as Parish Ranger and gave a report of some of the problems he had dealt with in Sible Hedingham during the last few months, including fly tipping, graffiti, dog fouling and mini motor bikes. Mr. Krischock had successfully resolved a number of problems which had been referred to him. Unfortunately litter was a big problem especially around the garages and ‘chippy’. The fines for dropping litter and dog fouling were discussed. The mini motor bikes using Grays Hall Meadow, Oxford Lane, Station Road and surrounding areas were a great problem but with the help of the Castle Hedingham Parish Ranger and PCSO D. Green some progress had been made. Mr. M. Rudge reported the use of a particular route from Grays Hall Meadow to Oxford Lane and it was suggested that a different gate be erected to stop these bikes and that the route through the ditch be blocked. Mr. Krischock was thanked for attending the meeting and for his report.

264. Production of Annual Report
Following some discussion it was resolved that the Chairman prepares a draft Annual Report for 2005-2006 for approval at the April meeting. Unfortunately the printing costs last year exceeded budget and it was therefore agreed to seek a lower quote. As distribution last year was unsatisfactory Mr. R. Carter suggested that the Scouts distribute the Annual Reports to every household in the village for a suitable donation. He confirmed that they would cover the entire village including all outlying areas.

265. Devolution of decision making powers from full Council to Planning Advisory Group
Mrs. G. Massey referred to the new regulations from ODPM to speed up the planning process and expressed concern about public participation and representations from the public. A change in PC Standing
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Orders may be necessary. The Clerk reported upon a letter he had sent to Mr. A. Southerby of BDC Planning Department regarding the new procedure and suggested that PC waited for a reply to this letter before reviewing standing orders. It was understood that BDC were waiting for representations from other Parish Councils and for their meeting on 21st March before responding. The Chairman reminded the PC of the authority given to the Clerk on 12th December 2005 (minute 159) but the Clerk wished to take advice from the Planning Advisory Group before responding to BDC. After some discussion it was proposed by Mrs. G. Massey, seconded by Mr. J. Hatfield and carried that the Planning Advisory Group be given delegated powers to instruct the Clerk to advise BDC on the majority decision of the PAG. It was further agreed to review this issue when in receipt of a reply from BDC.

266. Report of inspection by Officers of BDC at former sand pits, Sandy Lane
A written report from Mr. C. Batchelor of BDC, kindly obtained by Mrs. J. Beavis, was circulated to all Councillors and the contents noted.
(Mrs. G. Massey and Mr. J. Hatfield left the meeting).

267. Report of safety check at Recreation Ground
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that he had carried out a safety check, with Mr. K. Metson, of all equipment on the Recreation Ground. As a result some links and eye bolts had been ordered by the Clerk to replace some worn links and eye bolts. A written report will be filed in PC Office. The bushes behind the toilets had been cut back to prevent antisocial behaviour and vandalism. Mr. Skittrall was thanked for his report and for carrying out the necessary inspection.
(Mrs. G. Massey and Mr. J. Hatfield returned to the meeting).

268. To consider grass cutting for Essex County Council on an agency basis
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that his discussions were progressing and grass areas identified for cutting. Mr. B. Coe and Mr. Skittrall had prepared a comprehensive study of the main grass areas in the central parts of the village between the ‘Sible Hedingham’ signs, including Cut Maple, Yeldham Road and High Street Green. The cost will be £145 per cut for which Mr. Coe will submit a quote. It was considered that two cuts a year are not sufficient and that three cuts were preferred. Maps of the grass areas involved will be produced at the next meeting for a final decision to be made. Mr. Skittrall was thanked for dealing with this matter.

269. To confirm date of Annual Parish Meeting
The Chairman reported that the Annual Parish Meeting had been fixed for Wednesday, 19th April 2006 at 7.30pm at Sible Hedingham Village Hall. It was agreed to invite the same representatives as last year.

270. To consider quote from EDF Energy to reconnect supply to street lights
The Clerk reported that Just Lamps had replaced street lights at Swan Chase and Station Road and EDF Energy had been asked to reconnect the electricity supply. However they had quoted £264.00 to reconnect each light (total £528.00) which appeared excessive. It was agreed to ask EDF Energy for a break down and further details. The Parish Council authorized the Chairman and Clerk to negotiate with EDF Energy and make any further decisions which may be necessary on behalf of the Parish Council.

271. To consider Voluntary Registration of Title of Parish Council landholdings
The Clerk reported upon a letter received from HM Land Registry inviting the PC to apply for voluntary registration of all unregistered landholdings in the ownership of the PC. The Clerk had inspected all SHPC deeds held by the PCs Solicitors. No action was required concerning Grays Hall Meadow which was already registered. However the Recreation Ground was unregistered. The PC Solicitors had quoted £200.00 plus VAT and Land Registry fees to register the Recreation Ground but required an OS map showing the boundaries. It was resolved to accept the quote and that Mr. J. Skittrall and the Clerk check the Recreation Ground boundaries and mark them on an OS map.

272. 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:
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a) Tennis Courts – A letter from Mrs. Aynsley was received supporting the retention of the tennis courts and offering to assist. Three further letters of support had since been received from other residents. It was agreed to defer this item to the next meeting to give other residents the opportunity of writing and to ascertain public opinion at the VDS Open Day.
b) Traffic and parking problems at School Road – In response to a letter from Mr. N. Lambert of Harrow Cross, it was agreed that the Clerk should write to the Headmaster asking the School to create more parking space within School grounds for members of staff.
c) Hedingham and Yeldham Ambulance First Responders – A letter thanking the Parish Council for the donation of £150.00 was noted.
d) A speed survey of the A1017 Yeldham Road had been received from Highways. Mr. D. Holmes reported that 80% of those caught were from Sible Hedingham.
e) Dr. Edwards will pass the EALC – web site documentation to Mr. J. Ferrando.
f) It was agreed that Mrs. G. Massey and Mr. J. Skittrall (with Dr. R. Green as reserve) will attend the BDC Parish Council Forum on planning on 20th April 2006.
g) Details of the RCCE – Do better than break even workshop was passed to Mr. J. Skittrall for Sible Hedingham Village Hall.
h) The PC were pleased that BDC had taken note of the request for the development on the former Premdor site to be called Riverside Way.
i) It was agreed that Dr. N. Edwards attend the BDC/Essex Funding Forum – Community Money Market Place on 25th May 2006.
j) The BDC – Draft Supplementary Planning Document – Affordable Housing was passed to Dr. R. Green and Miss. C. Cannell for perusal and return to PC Office.
k) With regard to the BDC Bicycle Parking Survey 2006 it was noted that there were four unused bicycle parking spaces outside Darkins Supply Stores. It was agreed to consider other bicycle parking spaces outside the Post Office and Chemist, the Library, the front of the Co-op and in the car park at the rear of the Co-op.

273. Accounts for payment
The accounts listed in appendix 2 were presented for payment. It was proposed by Mrs. G. Massey, seconded by Miss. C. Cannell and carried that the accounts are paid and that the donation of £50.00 to Hedingham Hawks Youth Football Club be paid pursuant to the provisions of S137 of the LGA 1972.

274. Any other business/exchange of information/agenda for next meeting
a) Mr. P. Day reported on the advertised cost of new houses on the former Premdor site. It was understood that so called affordable houses were as much as £170,000 and four bedroom houses between £320,000 and £340,000. It was considered that these prices were very high.
b) The Chairman asked if Sible Hedingham Village Hall Committee could provide improved hearing facilities for meetings at the Village Hall. Some discussion took place on a ‘loop’ system similar to that in use at Castle Hedingham.

275. 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.

276. To confirm minutes of extraordinary meeting held 8th March 2006
The minutes of the extraordinary meeting which took place on 8th March 2006, having been previously circulated, were taken as read, were confirmed and duly signed by the Chairman as a correct record. There were no matters arising from these minutes.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.55pm.