MINUTES OF SIBLE HEDINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE VILLAGE HALL, PARKFIELDS, SIBLE HEDINGHAM ON MONDAY 14 TH NOVEMBER 2005 AT 7.30P.M.

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In the chair: Dr. N. Edwards, Mr. J. Skittrall (for item 143 only)

Present: Councillors C. Cannell, C. Chapman, P. Day, R. Green, J. Hatfield, D. Holmes, A. Law, Mrs. G. Massey, E. Snarey

Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk)

Mr. C. Stewart (Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator)

Together with 8 (eight) members of the public.

123. Apologies for absence

Cllrs. J. Ferrando (car repair) and M. Rudge (holiday)

District Cllrs: J. Beavis, S. Bolter, D. Finch & W. Scattergood (attending BDC meeting)

124. Declarations of Interest

The following interests were declared:

a) Miss. C. Cannell in respect of the Premdor planning application as a resident of Summerfields.

b) Mr. D. Holmes - planning application at Oaklands, High Street Green as an employee of the applicant.

c) Dr. N. Edwards - highway matters concerning Alderford Street as a resident of Alderford Street.

No other interests were declared.

125. To confirm minutes of previous meeting held 10 th October 2005

The minutes of the previous Parish Council meeting held on 10 th October 2005, having been previously circulated, were taken as read were confirmed and duly signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

126. Matters arising from those minutes

a) CCTV

Mr. J. Skittrall reported that the CCTV trial was still in progress.

b) District and County Councillors

Miss. C. Cannell reported that the District and County Councillors wished to attend Parish Council Meetings but BDC meetings had recently changed and now frequently clashed.    The problem had been raised with Mr. Graham Butland, the Leader of BDC who had been asked to review the rota of BDC meetings to avoid future clashes of dates.

c) Grass cutting in Churchyard

Miss. C. Cannell reported that she had been consulted by Sible Hedingham PCC following the Parish Councils request that the Church now cut the remaining 10% of the churchyard.    It was agreed to arrange a site meeting with the PCC and thereafter place this item on the agenda for a future meeting.

d) Printer and Fax in Parish Council Office

The Clerk confirmed that Broadband had now been installed in the PC Office and was working well.    He thanked Mr. J. Skittrall, Mr. P. Day and Mr. J. Ferrando for all their help in this respect. BT had installed another socket so that the fax machine could be used on the same number as the telephone but the telephone needs to be re-programmed to allow the fax to be used.

e) Litter

Mr. J. Skittrall reported that Mr. K. Metson is now paying attention to the Fish Shop and other bad areas virtually on a daily basis.     Mr. Skittrall will ask the owner of the Fish Shop to empty his bin daily.

f) Footpaths

Dr. N. Edwards reported that he had been informed by the PROW officer that dogs do not have a right of way as regards footpaths where a stile is causing an obstruction to dogs.   The only answer was to encourage landowners to provide dog gates or to replace stiles with kissing gates.  

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g) Parish Plans and Annual Reports

Concern was expressed regarding the large number of Parish Plans and Annual Reports returned to the PC Office as undelivered.   Mrs. G. Massey stated that the excess Parish Plans should be delivered to Estate Agents, Libraries, Schools, Guest Houses, etc.,

h) Village Greens survey

The Clerk agreed to survey of the Village Greens during the Spring/Summer 2006.

127. Neighbourhood Watch

The Chairman introduced Mr. Clive Stewart, the new Braintree District Co-ordinator for Neighbourhood Watch who spoke upon the benefits of Neighbourhood Watch. Mr. Stewart stated that he is employed by Essex Police and based at Braintree Police Station. There are between 350 and 700 co-ordinators in the Braintree District, including 12 in Sible Hedingham with whom Mr. Stewart will be making contact.    The main purpose was to report anything suspicious to the Police, protect property, helping each other and promote a good community spirit. The new Chief Constable and the Braintree Divisional Commander are in favour of Neighbourhood Watch. Mr. Stewart outlined the message in a bottle saves lives and the nominated neighbour card schemes. He reported that there had been some incidents of bogus callers in Sible Hedingham. He asked for help in raising the profile of Neighbourhood Watch in the village and suggested that the Parish Council could help with financial contributions towards purchasing door chains and personal alarms for persons who need them and by placing Neighbourhood Watch on the agenda on a regular basis. Neighbouhood Watch street signs cost £16.50 each.   Mr. Stewart can be contacted at Braintree Police Station on 01376-556282 (direct line).    He will send the Parish Council a list of the co-ordinators in the village.   Mr. Stewart was thanked for attending the meeting and for his report.

128. Public comment

a) Planning application on Premdor site

Members of the public stated that they were opposed to the application for 56 houses at the Premdor site and in particular the poor access from Summerfields onto Swan Street.   Concern was expressed about the impact on public services particularly the Primary School which cannot accommodate additional children.    

b) Traffic problems at School Hill

A long standing resident of Harrow Cross stated that the traffic problems at the Primary School had deteriorated over the last thirty years and the last five years had become intolerable.   The situation had been worse since the nursery school had been established.   Reference was made to communications with the School, Highways Department and the Local Education Authority.   There are nine houses and four businesses at Harrow Cross which experience difficulties with deliveries because drivers cannot get passed the school.    The lanes in the area are all single track and some drivers were very aggressive.   It is not practical for the school to be relocated but the roads can be significantly improved.    The Clerk reported upon his discussion with the Headmaster and that there is a possibility that the car parking area in the school grounds can be extended so that staff do not park in the road.   In addition if the large hedge opposite the school can be cut the road width will be increased by a couple of feet.   The Chairman reported that he would investigate the relief road that was suggested at some time in the past.    The Chairman and Clerk have had discussions with ECC Highways Officers who preferred the 'Walking bus' scheme operating between the Village Hall and School but unfortunately parents were reluctant to participate.

129. Planning

a) Planning applications

Dr. R. A. Green reported that the following applications had been considered by the Planning Advisory Group and recommended as follows:

05/02059/FUL - Premdor site - land at Summerfields - erection of 56 dwellings with associated access, parking and open space - this application was opposed on grounds of housing density, risk of flooding, lack of recreation facilities/playground equipment, lack of sufficient affordable houses and cost, lack of parking spaces, traffic congestion and sustainability. If granted, S106 agreement required, providing for riverside walk/cycle path from Alderford Street to Station Road. A number of Councillors spoke about traffic related problems particularly at the junction of Summerfields with Swan Street.          

05/01672/OUT - Coopers Yard, Swan Street - development of 22 dwellings and 2 shop units - Dr. N. Edwards reported upon his discussions with Mr. A. Turp and Mr. P. Dempsey (Monitoring Officer of

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BDC) in view of the Parish Councils interest.   A copy of the Parish Councils letter of 25 th October 2005 to BDC was circulated to all Councillors.   It was proposed, seconded and carried that the contents of this letter are approved.

05/01936/COU - Kendalls Barn, Southey Green Road - change of use from office to part office and part domestic - BDC had allowed PC an extension of time to consider application but before revised time limit expired BDC had determined application and granted permission.

05/01973/FUL - Land rear of 5 Hills Road - Erection of one detached dwelling - opposed on grounds of overcrowding and that plans bear no comparison with actual site.

05/02072/FUL - 26 Rectory Road - erection of side extension - no objection.

05/02108/OUT - Oaklands, High Street Green - Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of replacement dwelling - no objection.

05/02123/FUL - 30 Alderford Street - erection of rear conservatory - no objection.

It was proposed by Mr. J. Skittrall, seconded by Mrs. G. Massey and carried that the above recommendations are accepted.

b) Village Design Statement

A working party consisting of Miss. C. Cannell, Mr. C. Chapman, Mr. J. Ferrando, Dr. R. A. Green and Mrs. G. Massey was approved.    The results of the Parish Plan survey were being reviewed.   Miss. Cannell is in communication with Jan Cole of BDC/RCCE for assistance.    A Village Design Statement course on 1 st February 2006 was noted and will be considered.

c) Carters Barn, High Street Green

Mr. C. Chapman enquired about the planning application relating to Carters Barn.   The Clerk reported that the application would be considered by the Halstead Area Committee on 22 nd November 2005.

130) Chairman and Vice Chairman's reports

The Chairman had nothing to report.   The Vice Chairman reported upon the following matters:

a) Brook from Fire Station to Library

Mr. J. Skittrall reported that Mr. Lovric, Beagrie Holdings and the Estates Manager of BDC had cleared their stretches of the brook and that Mr. K. Metson will ensure than the grid is kept clear.

b) Dog bins

Mr. J. Skittrall reported that BDC had installed the dog bin at Brook Meadow and that the new 'Lay By' on the estate had been completed which had eliminated most of the parking problems.

c) Street light rear of Co-op

Mr. J. Skittrall reported that the street light in the car parks at the rear of the Co-op had been repaired as a matter of urgency by the Parish Council to facilitate the ongoing security programme.   When ownership of the light has been determined the Parish Council will seek reimbursement of the cost.

d) Brook Hill, Swan Street

Mr. J. Skittrall reported that the double yellow lines have been placed on Brook Hill, Swan Street resulting in traveling on the hill much safer.

e) SARA meeting

Mr. J. Skittrall reported that three members attended the SARA meeting at Yeldham Police Station on 9 th November when several specific problems were discussed.   Only 21 incidents have been reported since the last meeting, which is an improvement due to increased police patrols.   Mr. C. Chapman stressed that people must report matters to the Police and ask for a response.  

131. County Council Report

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

132. District Council Report

A written report from Mr. S. Bolter was circulated to Councillors and the contents noted.

133. Footpaths

The Clerk reported upon two footpaths, which he had recently inspected with the Chairman.   FP 25 running in an easterly direction, from where it is crossed by FP 26 is overgrown and needs clearing.  

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A wooden bar has been placed across FP 26 to keep horses in but is not regarded as an obstruction because walkers can pass under it although beyond this point the footpath is very marshy and almost impassable.  

The stile at the southern end of FP 62 on Brickwall Farm is broken and extremely dangerous.     If it is not fulfilling a useful purpose (if not keeping in animals) it could be removed and replaced with a gate or a kissing gate.   The Chairman will speak to the farmer to try and resolve matters before referring it to Highways.

Dr. R. A. Green gave a report of the Colne Valley Way and that footpaths were being designed along 22 miles from Great Yeldham to Colchester.   The route will include FP 54 in Sible Hedingham and FP 24 to Does Corner.   The AGM of the Colne Valley Project will take place on 23 rd November when Dr. Green and other Councillors will attend.

134. Community Action Team Report

Miss. C. Cannell reported that the next meeting will take place on 7 th December 2005.

135. Transport Report            

Mr. E. Snarey reported that the 322 bus on a Saturday night would probably cease in March 2006.   A meeting with representatives of Freeport had not been worthwhile.   Freeport was looking at daytime buses whereas transport representatives were looking at evening buses.   The 331 service continued to be more successful.    Mr. Snarey was thanked for his report.

136. Water Management Report

Mr. E. Snarey reported that the Wethersfield Road scheme should commence in January 2006 if passed by the appropriate committee of ECC before whom it will be placed at a meeting later this month.  

137. Tree surgery, hedge cutting and clearance of land near Oxford Meadow

Mr. J. Skittrall reported that the land, path and hedge from Yeldham Road to Grays Hall Meadow was owned by the Parish Council.   Unfortunately the quote expected from Mr. E. Mayes had not arrived but should be available for the next meeting.    A resident of the Sugar Loaves Estate who was encroaching onto Parish Council owned property had agreed to remove her shrubs, etc., prior to tree surgery, hedge cutting and clearance work being carried out.   The Estates Manager of BDC had agreed to remove the dangerous concrete posts which will facilitate grass cutting.  

138. To consider problem of speeding traffic along Swan Street

At the request of Mr. C. Chapman who had asked for this item to be placed on the agenda it was deferred to a future meeting.

139. Lack of security at former Citroen Garage site

Mr. C. Chapman reported upon the lack of security at the former Citroen Garage site and that access into the building was too easy and asked for the owner to improve security.    Mr. J. Skittrall reported that following the previous break in some youth had been arrested.   It was agreed that quite apart from the building people should be prevented from entering the whole site.   Mr. Skittrall offered to speak to the site agent and ask him to erect a security fence around the whole site.    Following some discussion Mr. Skittrall's offer was accepted.

140. Parish Rangers Meeting

Dr. R. Green gave a report of the Parish Rangers Meeting which he had attended with the Clerk on 12 th October.    Mrs. G. Massey apologized for not attending this meeting.   It was a good and worthwhile meeting which had been chaired by Mrs. W. Scattergood.    There was one table for representatives from each Cluster.    The Sible Hedingham Parish Ranger is Mr. John Krischock, the BDC Area Estates Manager who lives in the village.   He is also Parish Ranger for Gosfield, Great and Little Yeldham.    The anti social behaviour problems experienced by the various villages were similar and included litter, dog fouling, drugs, vandalism, etc.    The Rangers have a basic legal knowledge and communication skills and liaise with other authorities including the Police.    They are employed for eleven hours a week in their Cluster to try and sort problems out.   It was agreed to invite our Parish Ranger to a Parish Council Meeting in the New Year.    

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141. To consider annual grass cutting for Essex County Council

Mr. J. Skittrall reported that the Parish Council had received a reply from ECC with details of areas of grass cut in the village and the rates based on two cuts a year.    It was considered that two cuts a year is not sufficient.    Mr. Skittrall will have a costing exercise with Mr. B. Coe and if he undertakes the work his three year contract will be amended.    It was agreed that three quotes should be obtained from contractors who have sufficient equipment and can provide suitable references.    It was agreed to place this item on the agenda for the January 2006 meeting.

142. Data Protection and Freedom of Information course

Miss. C. Cannell gave a report of a Data Protection and Freedom of Information course which she had attended with the Chairman and Clerk.    Whilst the Data Protection Act ensures that people's personal details are kept secure, the Freedom of Information Act guarantees that all other information is open and accessible.    In answer to questions from Councillors, Miss. Cannell gave details of certain information which can be accessed.    Miss. Cannell was thanked for her report.

Mr. J. Skittrall took the chair for the following item:

143. Report of Halstead Traffic Management Liaison Meeting and subsequent site meeting The Clerk gave a report of the Halstead Traffic Management Liaison Meeting which he had attended on 24 th October on behalf of the Parish Council when he had raised the following items:

a) HGV ban - Lamb Lane, Sandy Lane and Watery Lane - The Clerk had asked for a weight restriction on these three lanes (except for access) in view of the extensive damage to verges and trees and the danger of lorries reversing onto the A1017.    Highways explained that previously Essex Police would not support any weight restrictions or enforce them but it was recently announced that Trading Standards would carry out enforcement.    Therefore the Parish Councils request could proceed.

b) No parking cones for Christmas Field - The Parish Council had requested 'no waiting' cones for the School Firework display on 3 rd November 2005.   Highways did not have delegated power to place 'no waiting' cones on publicly maintainable highways. When Traffic Wardens were transferred from Essex Police to BDC last year the Police understood that 'no waiting' cones were no longer their responsibility. However these delegated powers did not transfer with the traffic wardens. Therefore the only body that can place 'no waiting' cones on the highway is still Essex Police but they allege they no longer carry out this duty. Mr. D. Finch will be asked to raise this at meeting of Essex Police Authority. The organizers of any event can apply for a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order, which can take up to three months to obtain and there is a cost implication.

c) Dangerous junction, Alderford Street with Purls Hill Road - As this junction is actually in the Parishes of Castle Hedingham and Great Maplestead the matter will now be pursued by Castle Hedingham Parish Council.

d) Dangerous junction, Alderford Street and Swan Street - The Clerk pursued the Parish Councils request for a mini roundabout at this junction but was informed that it was not possible as the third arm of the proposed roundabout (Alderford Street) did not generate enough traffic.   He requested a site meeting which took place on 1 st November, when a plan and information prepared by Dr. D. Bainbridge were produced to Highways.   It was argued on behalf of the Parish Council that a mini roundabout at this junction is possible as it was a similar junction to many others in the District which had been provided with roundabouts.   Highways agreed to carry out a survey, to reconsider the request and report back.

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e) Use of Swan Street by disabled persons - The Clerk reported that he had set up a meeting between a Highway Officer and a disabled person in Swan Street when all the difficulties encountered on a disabled buggy were detailed along the length of the street. A major problem was bad parking but there were some improvements which Highways can make to assist disabled persons.  

The Clerk was thanked for dealing with these highway matters.    Mr. C. Chapman proposed   that the Parish Council form a Highway Advisory Group but as it was not on the agenda the Chairman ruled that it could not proceed.

144. Report from Burial Ground Advisory Group

Mr. D. Holmes gave a report of the Burial Ground Advisory Group meeting held on 9 th November when fees charges by other Local Authorities in Essex and Suffolk were considered.    As a result the following fees (VAT exempt) for Sible Hedingham Garden of Remembrance were recommended:

Any interment of cremated remains £65.00                                        

Exclusive rights £100.00

Any second interment £65.00

Monuments

Stone for ashes plot £80.00

For each inscription thereafter £35.00

Rose bush (to plant on borders) £45.00

Tree (to plant on borders) £45.00

Benches (at Parish Councils discretion) £125.00

All fees to be doubled for persons living outside the parish of Sible Hedingham and for past residents of the parish who moved away more than two years prior to death, except in the case of a second interment. These fees will be reviewed annually on the 1 st April.     It was proposed by Mr. D. Holmes, seconded by Mrs. G. Massey and carried that the above recommended fees are approved and that they should come into force with effect from 1 st December 2005.   The Clerk agreed to circulate a list of these revised fees to local undertakers.

145. Litter bin at School Hill

It was reported that the litter bin at School Hill was old and difficult to empty and it was suggested that it is replaced with a more suitable one.    It was proposed by Mr. D. Holmes, seconded by Mr. C. Chapman and carried that a new litter bin is ordered up to £200 in value.    Mr. J. Skittrall will select a suitable bin for the location in question.    The Clerk reported that he had spoken to the Headmaster of the School who was quite happy for the old bin to be removed and for a replacement to be placed on or near the school wall.

146. 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) Dr. Edwards brought Councillors attention to the guide to local Health Care & Social Services from the Witham, Braintree and Halstead NHS Care Trust which excluded Sible Hedingham Surgery.   It was agreed to write a strong letter to the Trust regarding their omission.

b) Essex Playing Fields Association newsletter to be passed to Mr. J. Skittrall.

c) A letter from BDC relating to Funding Opportunities was referred to the Recreation Ground Advisory Group to meet and consider applications for funding. It was noted that expenditure is required on the toilets, tennis courts and a club house.   A manager will be required for the tennis courts to collect fees and maintain security. It was agreed to make enquiries to see if residents were interested in forming a tennis club.  

d) It was agreed that Dr. R. Green, Dr. N. Edwards and Miss. C. Cannell will attend the AGM of the River Colne Countryside Project on 23 rd November.

e) It was agreed to ask for 30/40 flood advice notices from BDC.

f) The letter and consultation document from BDC relating to the Braintree District Local Development Framework draft statement of community involvement was passed to the Planning Advisory Group for consideration. It was noted that any comments should be sent to BDC by 1 st December 2005.

g) The proposed increase in affiliation fees of 5% to the EALC was noted.

h) The request for a grant from the Youth Council was considered.   They requested £300 from Castle Hedingham and £300 from this Parish Council. Councillors felt that further information was required and it was therefore agreed to ask the organizer for a copy of the constitution. Mr. A. Law reported that the inaugural meeting was arranged for 7 th December 2005 and he agreed to give a report at the next Parish Council Meeting.

i) It was agreed to invite the contact from the Hedingham and Great Yeldham Ambulance First Responders organization to a future Parish Council Meeting in the New Year.

j) The Village Design Statement course on 1 st February 2006 was noted and Councillors and Clerk expressed interest in attending depending upon Jan Coles advice.

147. Accounts for payment

The accounts listed in appendix 2 were presented for payment with the addition of an account from British Telecom for internet services for the Parish Council Office amounting to £106.11. It was proposed by Dr. R. A. Green, seconded by Miss. C. Cannell and carried that the accounts are paid.

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

a) Mr. P. Day reported that two street lights in Wethersfield Road required attention.   Clerk to report to Just Lamps for inspection and repair.

b) Mr. E. Snarey reported that the footpath across Grays Hall Meadow was getting 'smaller'.   Mr. J. Skittrall will arrange for work to be carried out on the path to reinstate it to its correct width.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.15 p.m.