Sible Hedingham Parish Council

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

In the chair: Dr. N. Edwards
Present: Councillors C. Cannell, P. Day, R. Falco, R. Green, D. Holmes, A. Law, G. Massey, M. Rudge, J. Skittrall, E. Snarey & A. Weatherley. Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk) Mr. R. Carter & Mr. J. Tame (Youth Council) Together with 2 (two) Police Officers and 26 (twenty-six) members of the public.

189. Apologies for absence
Mr. J. Hatfield (working late)
Mr. D. Finch (County Councillor)
Mrs. J. Beavis, Mr. S. Bolter & Mrs. W. Scattergood (District Councillors).

190. Chairman’s opening remarks
The Chairman welcomed all Councillors, Police Officers and members of the public to the meeting. This was the first meeting to have the use of a public address system and he thanked Mr. P. Day for arranging it.

191. Declarations of Interest
No interests were declared.

192. To confirm minutes of previous meeting held 9th October 2006
The minutes of the previous Parish Council meeting held on 9th October 2006, having been previously circulated, were taken as read, were confirmed and duly signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

193. Matters arising from the minutes

a) Land Registration
The Clerk reported that Forrey Green had been registered in the name of the Parish Council with an absolute title and the Village Greens at Alderford Street and Church Street had been registered withpossessory titles. Applications were pending for High Street Green, Birds Green, Morris Green and thefootpath between Hawkwood Road and Hills Road.

b) Fire Brigade
The Clerk reported that the Fire Brigade had sent notices about the recruitment of new staff, which had been displayed on all Parish Notice Boards and on the Village Hall Notice Board.

c) Anti Social Behaviour
Mrs. G. Massey stated that the incidents in Alexandra Road reported at the October meeting were probably a one off as Police Officers were off through sickness. There is now cover on Friday nights.

d) Additional cutting of grass areas and Affordable Housing seminar report
It was agreed to include these items on the agendas for December 2006 and January 2007 respectively.

194. Report of Halloween event
Mr. J. Skittrall reported upon the background to and reasons for the Halloween event. It had been supported by the Police and the general opinion was that it was very successful. There had only been one reported incident in the village on the evening of 31st October, which was a significant improvement over previous years. The young persons had been very polite, well behaved and had enjoyed the event. A similar event will be considered next year.

195. Public Comment

a) Planning application at the Workshop, Cobbs Fenn
Mr. Harding attended the meeting to answer any questions upon his application for conversion of existing joinery workshop to single dwelling with associated workshop. He claimed that his application was what BDC required and that 60% of area was workshop and 40% was for a dwelling.

Mr. Miller on behalf of himself and other residents of Cobbs Fenn opposed the application as the site was not within the village envelope and was not scheduled for any development. Two previous applications were refused, appealed against and dismissed. It is not a redundant building as 5 or 6 people could be employed in it. There were traffic problems until 1996 when the applicant’s brother used the site since when there have been no traffic problems.

b) Recreation Ground
Mr. A. Jefferson expressed concern about the proposed all weather football pitch on the former tennis courts at the Recreation Ground and that it may only be available for one user namely Hedingham Hawks. In addition he was not aware of the Halloween event. The Chairman stated that opinion was canvassed about the future of the tennis courts earlier this year when only five people supported the continued use of the tennis courts because there were very good tennis courts available in Castle Hedingham.   The multi purpose use proposed will not preclude tennis.   Mr. J. Skittrall reported that a feasibility study only had been carried out and no final decision taken.   He attended the last meeting of Hedingham Hawks who have dedicated officers and need facilities for training. The proposed all weather surface, can be used for other purposes including netball, basket ball, tennis, etc. Plans will eventually be placed before the PC but at this stage the situation is still being explored. Mr. Jefferson also raised the issues of disabled access onto the Recreation Ground and car parking in Hawkwood Road, which the Parish Council will investigate.
Mr. Turner raised the question of lighting and who will pay for the power. In particular he asked if the lighting will affect the surrounding OAP bungalows. Mr. Skittrall responded that the proposed lighting will only illuminate the play areas, the lights will be low cost and environmentally friendly.
Mr. J. Nicholson referred to his letter to the PC. The access to the Recreation Ground was not up to DDA requirements and asked if this could be attended to before any money is spent on the former tennis court site.   Mr. Skittrall replied that the kissing gates were erected to prevent motor cycles entering the Recreation Ground.   Mr. Nicholson stated that there is no disabled parking anywhere in the village but was advised that car parks in the village belong to BDC and not to SHPC.   Mr. Nicholson also reported pot holes in Gibson Road and that notice boards were too high for persons in wheelchairs. In short wider provision is required for persons with all types of disabilities to get access to the Recreation Ground and other areas.   The lack of lighting in the Recreation Ground at night causes elderly people to be frightened with so many youths gathering and drinking.   Finally, Mr. Nicholson asked if residents around the Recreation Ground could be consulted individually about future proposals. Mr. Skittrall stated that the questions of disabled access will be explored but the cost will come out of the Parish Rate whereas the work proposed on the tennis court site should be grant aided.
Dr. R. Green asked if the proposed football pitch will be used for training or matches and was assured that it will be used for training only and not for matches.
Mrs. I. Goldthorp expressed concern that the tennis courts had been allowed to get run down over the years so that the use could be changed.   The majority of residents living around the Recreation Ground do not want it lit at night and most residents want a multi purpose surface as there is a need for facilities. The representatives from Hedingham Hawks offered to store tennis nets, put them up and down and maintain them. Mr. Skittrall invited residents to provide him with a list of all uses required for tennis court area before the December meeting of the PC.

196. Chairman and Vice Chairman’s reports
The Chairman reported that the official opening of the new PC Office on 21st October had been a happy and successful event. Those in attendance had included Mr. S.L.D. Ripper & Mr. F. W. Pawsey, D.F.C. J.P., (former Chairmen), Mr. T. Gaw (former Vice Chairman), Mrs. J. Ruffle & Mrs. I. Smith (former Clerks). Mr. F. W. Pawsey had made a good and entertaining speech, cut the ribbon and declared the office open. The Chairman thanked Mr. J. Skittrall and Mr. K. Metson for preparation work prior to the opening and Mrs. J. Beavis for preparing the food. There had been numerous visitors to the office during the afternoon. There is now a good meeting room where village organizations can meet.
The Chairman also thanked Mr. J. & Mrs. A. Skittrall for their effort in connection with the Halloween event and in particular for the BBQ. He also thanked Mrs. J. Beavis for her contribution and Mr. K. Metson for preparation and clearing up afterwards. The event had taken youngsters away from the streets and had avoided the trouble of previous years. Mr. A. Law also reported that the event had been a tremendous success. The Vice Chairman had nothing to report.

197. Youth Council Report
Mr. R. Carter introduced Mr. Jack Tame who will attend alternate meetings and give future reports.
Mr. Carter thanked the PC and Mr. J. Skittrall for the Halloween event. A disco had been held on 22nd October which had been very successful and will become a monthly event. The Youth Club now meets on a Thursday instead of a Friday night. The Youth Council wish to erect a Youth Shelter on the Recreation Ground and the majority of youths are enthused about the idea and prefer one particular design. Mr. J. Tame reported that a Youth Fest. is planned for 2007 and a children’s event for young children in the village to whom it is proposed to play DVDs on a Friday night. The Youth Council now has a website which is: hedinghamsyouthcouncil.co.uk. Mr. Carter and Mr. Tame were thanked for their reports.
(Mr. Carter and Mr. Tame then left the meeting).

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

199. Braintree District Council Reports
In the absence of Mrs. J. Beavis, Mr.S. Bolter and Mrs. W. Scattergood no reports were given.

200. Planning

a) Planning applications
Miss. C. Cannell reported that the following applications had been considered by the Planning Advisory Group and recommended as follows:
06/01802/FUL – Whitlock Drive, Great Yeldham – Erection of GP Practice, multi purpose clinical room with associated parking – no objection.
06/01893/COU – Pevors Farm, Southey Green Road – Conversion of a farm building to a holiday cottage – no objection.
06/01942/FUL – 26 Alexandra Road – Proposed loft conversion with dormer windows to rear elevation – no objection.
06/02014/FUL – Studio Cottage, 43 Alderford Street – Erection of two storey side extension comprising new living room with bedroom above – no objection.
06/02076/FUL – 10 School Road – Erection of four bay cart lodge and store – no objection.
06/02106/FUL – Highfields, Halstead Road – Erection of two storey side extension – no objection.
06/02141/FUL – 20 Grays Mead – Erection of two storey side extension and demolition of existing garage – no objection.
06/02168/FUL – Uplands, Prayors Hill – Erection of two storey and single storey extension and conservatory – no objection.
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.
06/02075/FUL – The Workshop, Cobbs Fenn – Conversion of existing joinery workshop to single dwelling with associated workshop.
Miss. C. Cannell reported that the Planning Advisory Group (PAG) had looked at the plans, made a site visit, checked the BDC Local Plan and considered previous applications for the site which had been refused. The site is outside the village envelope, in an area of Special Landscape Value, low lying and liable to flood. It is next to the fields for the flood holding reservoir and its access route. There are nine dwellings in Cobbs Fenn at present and one more dwelling will designate it as a hamlet, which will allow potential for more expansion where infill spaces exist. Mrs. G. Massey stated that the area was inappropriate for additional dwellings and the residents wished Cobbs Fenn to remain a non hamlet. Although the current application had changed it was not materially different from the previous applications which had all been refused and appeals dismissed. It was proposed by Miss. C. Cannell, seconded by Mrs. G. Massey and carried that the PC objects to the application for the reasons detailed above and that it is suggested to BDC that they consult the Environment Agency and ECC because of the close proximity of the flood lagoon. It was also resolved that Mrs. G. Massey is authorized to represent SHPC at the Halstead Area Committee if available.
b) Planning decisions
Miss. C. Cannell reported upon the following planning decisions:

06/01414/COU – Greenfields, High Street Green – Change of use of land for a 20m x 60m manege – granted.
06/01556/COU – Field adjoining Hulls Mill Lane – Change of use from agricultural use to horse grazing area- granted.
06/01590/COU – Field adjoining Hulls Mill Lane – Change of use from agricultural to a meadow and woodland managed for wildlife and educational facility – granted.
06/01727/REM – Land adjoining Chestnut House, High Street Green – Erection of detached dwelling and detached garage – granted.
06/01733/FUL – 1 Yeldham Road – Amendment to approved application 04/00036/FUL - Change gable end to hip end – granted.
06/01748/FUL – 1 Cherry Gardens, Cobbs Fenn – Amendments to previous application 05/01644/FUL – Proposed two storey extension to the rear – granted.
06/01783/FUL – 2 & 4 Station Road – Demolition of existing dwellings and construction of 3 x 2 bed apartments, 10 x 2 bed houses with access road and parking – granted.
06/01838/FUL – 171-173 Swan Street – Erection of six flats – granted.
c) Essex County Council decision
Miss. C. Cannell also reported that ECC had refused permission for restoration and re-contouring of former inert landfill site at Foxborough Hills (see item 28 in correspondence).

201. Village Design Statement
Miss. C. Cannell reported that the next meeting of the VDS Advisory Group will take place on 15th November 2006.

202. Footpaths and rolling programme
The Chairman reported that Mr. D. Finch had given an assurance that the footpath rolling programme in Sible Hedingham will be completed by Christmas 2006. A Kate Curtis is surveying the paths at present and the Chairman has asked for copies of her reports to be sent to the Parish Council.

203. Riverside Walk
The Chairman reported that there had been no progress with the Riverside Walk and that Mr. F. Ladkin had still not signed his S106 Agreement, which Mr. Adam Davies of BDC is pursuing. Mr. M. Crow is designing a scheme for the Riverside Walk, which is awaited.

204. Water Management

a) Alderford Street brook
Mr. S. Tullett had worked hard to clear out the brook adjacent to Swan Chase which had made a significant improvement. He was seeking funding to clear out the remainder of Alderford brook on a one off basis following which the various Riparian owners must take responsibility. ECC Highways had been asked to remove the culvert opposite Alderford House. Mrs. A. Weatherley reported that the Environment Agency had decided to leave various manually operated mill gates open along the River Colne and the River Stour including the gates at Alderford Mill due to the risks to their staff in operating them. Mrs. Weatherley and Dr. R. A. Green were both concerned that if left open during the summer the river will be at a low level and thereby threaten wildlife. Otters and water voles had been introduced into the River Colne this year which may be lost. If the gates at Hulls Mill as well as at Alderford Mill are left open it will be a catastrophe for the river and its wildlife. Dr. R. Green advised that gates must be controlled on a daily basis by qualified persons to protect wildlife and control flooding. Following a lengthy discussion it was resolved to register concern with the Environment Agency and resist their idea of keeping the gates open all the time. It was false economy and not cost effective. If the Environment Agency respond in a negative way it was proposed by Mr. E. Snarey, seconded by Mrs. A. Weatherley and carried that a letter be sent to Sir Alan Haselhurst MP. It was also agreed to involve Simon Amstutz of the River Colne Countryside Project and the ECC millwright as ECC own Alderford Mill.

b) Holding Reservoirs at Wethersfield Road and Cobbs Fenn
The Chairman reported that there had been little progress with regard to the land acquisition for the Wethersfield Road and Cobbs Fenn Holding Reservoirs.

205. Parking issues at Christmas Field
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that no progress had been made and that he was still waiting for a reply from Mr. D. Finch.

206. Report of Gosfield, Sible Hedingham & Yeldham Cluster Meeting held on 25th October 2006.
Mr. R. Falco reported that the Clerk had circulated the minutes of the Cluster meeting to all Councillors and in the circumstances it was resolved to accept these minutes in lieu of a report.

207. Report of Halstead Traffic Management Liaison Meeting held 16th October 2006
The Clerk reported that he had attended the Halstead Traffic Management Liaison Meeting on 16th October when he had raised the following items on behalf of SHPC:-

The Chairman reported that a meeting had taken place with Mr. D. Finch on 8th November in PC Office to discuss the rather negative attitude from Highway Officers. The email and letter from Highway Officers regarding the request for ‘SLOW’ markings in the carriageway at Queen Street showed a lack of sound reasoning and were difficult to accept. They inferred that slow signs on the carriageway serve no useful purpose. In 2002 six highway items concerning SH had been placed on Mr. Finch’s web site and only two of them had been completed. Highways Departments in other Counties such as Cambridgeshire were more proactive. A further meeting with Mr. Finch to continue discussing highway issues had been arranged for later in the month.

a) Christmas Field – Highways had agreed to extend the double yellow lines around the corners to stop parking on the corners.

b) Speed reduction measures in Queen Street – Highway officers had initially refused in correspondence to provide ‘SLOW’ markings on the carriageway in Queen Street. The Clerk had therefore raised the issue at the meeting and fully explained the reasons why ‘SLOW’ markings were required. He successfully persuaded Highway Officers to look again at implementing a ‘SLOW’ carriageway marking and they had since written to the PC confirming that one would be ordered but will not be given any priority and they were unable to provide a date when the work will be undertaken.

c) Proposed pedestrian controlled traffic lights at Zebra Crossing in Swan Street – Highways had refused pedestrian controlled traffic lights at this crossing as there had been no reported accidents and the crossing does not justify any type of controlled lights.

d) Adoption of Spring Way – A letter from SHPC to Mr. Ciaburro, Head of Highways, with copy to Rodney Bass dated 29th March 2006 had not been replied to. A meeting had taken place early October 2006 with the developer (Mr. F. Ladkin) but Spring Way could not be adopted as street lighting is not up to standard. The developer had agreed to put in three lights in the first section then Highways will adopt that section. With regard to the second section it is understood that the residents do not want street lighting and technically Highways would not adopt but they will adopt on condition residents sign a declaration that they do not want street lights and will not ask for them in future and this will go on their deeds as part of the adoption.

e) Signage for Harrow Cross – The two signs for ‘HARROW CROSS’ had been requested by SHPC a couple of years ago and following various funding excuses from Highways they will now be erected during the next few weeks. The Clerk had met Mr. Hubbard of Highways on site on 20th October and locations had been agreed on the School Road and Forrey Green approaches. Mr. Hubbard had also agreed to get the 30mph sign in School Road repaired but the adjacent landowner must keep the hedge cut so motorists can see the sign.

208. Report of meeting with Mr. D. Finch regarding Highway issues
The Chairman reported that a meeting had taken place with Mr. D. Finch on 8th November in PC Office to discuss the rather negative attitude from Highway Officers. The email and letter from Highway Officers regarding the request for ‘SLOW’ markings in the carriageway at Queen Street showed a lack of sound reasoning and were difficult to accept. They inferred that slow signs on the carriageway serve no useful purpose. In 2002 six highway items concerning SH had been placed on Mr. Finch’s web site and only two of them had been completed. Highways Departments in other Counties such as Cambridgeshire were more proactive. A further meeting with Mr. Finch to continue discussing highway issues had been arranged for later in the month.

209. To consider ‘pram’ crossings in Sible Hedingham
The Clerk reported that ECC had £25,000 available for new ‘pram’ crossings in the Braintree District and asked if there were any locations in SH where they are required. Mrs. A. Weatherley suggested the junction of School Road, Church Street and Alexandra Road which will be referred to Highways.

210. To consider future of Sible Hedingham Post Office
Mr. D. Holmes referred to the unfortunate situation which had occurred at Halstead and the continual erosion of postal services. He urged all Councillors and residents to use and support Sible Hedingham Post Office. The withdrawal of some services from Post Offices such as TV Licenses and Passport forms was deplored. A circular letter and leaflet from the Countryside Alliance titled ‘Keep your Post Office’ was noted and it was agreed to place posters on Parish Notice Boards.

211. Appletree Lodge, 9 Swan Street
The Clerk reported that a member of the public, with a disabled child, had made complaints to SHPC regarding the possible unauthorized use of Appletree Lodge for car repairs and obstruction of the pavement by untaxed vehicles for sale. The obstruction regularly causes the complainant and her child to go onto the carriageway to get around the vehicles, which was potentially dangerous. The Police were dealing with the complaints of obstruction and untaxed vehicles. With regard to the possible breach of planning regulations Mrs. G. Massey reported that this problem had previously arisen and that more evidence was required before it should be referred to the Enforcement Officer of BDC again.

212. Planning training course and review of consideration of planning applications
Miss. C. Cannell and Mrs. G. Massey gave a report of a recent planning training course which they had attended. Arising from this course they advised that meetings of the Planning Advisory Group, which is regarded as a committee, must be open to the public and three clear working days notice must be given. In view of the recent strict time limits an interim meeting must be held between PC meetings and open to the public. It was agreed that Miss. Cannell and Mrs. G. Massey will make recommendations to the PAG and thereafter to the PC. It was also agreed to invite Mr. Derek Gardner, a Planning Officer of BDC to a future PAG meeting at the PC Office to discuss planning issues to which other Councillors could attend.

213. Proposed speed limit or speed reduction measures at High Street Green
The Clerk reported that Mrs. Goodchild of High Street Green had asked the PC to consider a speed limit or speed reduction measures at High Street Green. Mr. R. Falco agreed to liaise with Mrs. Goodchild and other residents and revert back to the PC with recommendations to raise with ECC Highways.

214. To consider arrangements for the December meeting
It was agreed to provide refreshments after the closure of the December meeting.

215. 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) It was agreed to nominate Mr. J. Skittrall for the Peter Garlick Award for crime prevention in respect of his idea and planning for the successful Halloween event.

b) A letter from Shell’s agents regarding the footpath from Spurgeon Close to Swan Street was discussed. Shell is willing to provide a concrete path as detailed on their recent planning application, which was acceptable to Mr. D. Holmes. However Shell is not prepared to agree to a footpath straight along the entire site to Swan Street as it would involve lowering drainage runs and reduce the land on their site. The Chairman advised that there was documentary evidence of a footpath along this site and that this should be pursued.

c) A letter from Mr. C. Wash complaining about the Halloween event was considered. His complaint had been investigated by the Police who had confirmed that the incident in question was not attributable to the Halloween event on the Recreation Ground because it (the incident) had taken place some time earlier.

d) Three letters from Co-operative Bank relating to faults with the cash machine were noted. Councillors reported that there were continuing faults. The Clerk reported that he had been advised by Co-op Bank that all complaints about the cash machine must be made to the Manager of the Co-op shop who should take them up with the Co-op Bank.

e) The Braintree District Local Development Framework – statement of community involvement was passed to Miss. C. Cannell.

f) The BDC Housing Research & Development Team guide to rural affordable housing in Braintree District with charts for SH was passed to Mr. E. Snarey.

216. Accounts for payment
The accounts listed in appendix 2 were presented for payment. It was proposed by Miss. C. Cannell, seconded by Mr. E. Snarey and carried that the accounts are paid and that the payments of £308.44 to Rich Traditions Bakery and £77.16 to Mr. J. Skittrall should be payments under S137 of the Local Government Act 1972.

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

a) Miss. C. Cannell enquired about office cleaning, window cleaning and the cleaning of bus shelters. The Chairman advised that he had approached Mrs. Jean Cocks who cleans the adjacent Doctors Surgery who would be willing to clean the PC Office. The Clerk reported that Mr. K. Metson would be willing to clean the external windows and door and also the bus shelters. Mrs. G. Massey reminded Councillors that a quote had been received from a contractor interested in cleaning bus shelters. It was resolved to refer all these items to the forthcoming meeting of the Finance and Funding Advisory Group.

b) Mr. P. Day reported that on 1st January 2007 the hire rates for Sible Hedingham Village Hall will be increasing from £10.00 to £12.50 per hour. This will also be referred to the Finance and Funding Advisory Group which will need to take into consideration the hire charges of the Thursday Club.

c) Mr. A. Law enquired how many Doctors will attend the proposed new surgery at Great Yeldham. The Chairman explained that the existing system will continue with different Doctors attending on different days. However Mr. Law wished to know how many Doctors could attend at any one time with reference to the recent planning application. He was advised that there will be two GP rooms, various treatment and other rooms and a room for visiting consultants.

d) Mr. D. Holmes proposed that whoever uses electricity for lighting the new multi purpose area on the Recreation Ground should pay for it, particularly as there is a considerable increase in the cost of flood lights. It was agreed that lighting costs should not be the responsibility of the PC.

e) The Chairman thanked Mr. P. Day for the use of his PA system. It was agreed that Mr. Day and Mr. Skittrall will investigate the availability of grants for a PA system for PC Meetings at the Village Hall.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10pm