MINUTES OF A MEETING OF SIBLE HEDINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2005 AT THE VILLAGE HALL, PARKFIELDS, SIBLE HEDINGHAM AT 7.30 P.M.

In the Chair:   Cllr. G Massey

Present: Cllrs. J Skittrall (Vice-Chairman), C Cannell, P Day, N V Edwards, J Hatfield, D Holmes, A Law, M Rudge, E Snarey, J Ferrando & C Chapman.

Minute Secretary: Angela Balcombe

Also present: Four members of the public.

69. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.

Apologies were received from Cllr. R Green (Holiday) and Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk).

70. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS.

Cllr. Law declared a personal interest in agenda item 20 and Cllr. Chapman declared a personal interest in agenda item 9, Planning Application 05/01632/FUL.

71. PUBLIC COMMENT.

The Council agreed to bring this item forward.

Alderford Street - two members of the public present were not aware of the proposal to put in yellow lines but would have approved of the proposal, as it would have helped to prevent parking on the pavements.   The proposal has been shelved.   There is also a problem with cars dangerously parked at the Swan Street end of Alderford Street.   The Chairman will ask Inspector Sale to monitor the situation and will send copies of the correspondence to the public.

Coopers Yard (05/01672/OUT) - a member of the public was concerned with the lack of parking and the width of the roads.   It was explained that developers had to comply with government guidelines on parking provision and as this was only outline planning, it may change.

72. TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING HELD ON 8 AUGUST 2005.

An addition was added to line three agenda item 52 a) to read 'A Film Night was proposed, this will be discussed at the Village Hall Committee Meeting'.   The minutes were then approved as a correct record of events.   All agreed.

73. MATTERS ARISING FROM THOSE MINUTES.

51 a) The litter bins are now being emptied.

     c) The contract with Just Lamps has been signed.

•  The Chairman had spoken to the Chemist in Swan Street who was upset    that a letter of complaint should come to the Parish Council and not directly to him.   BDC has declined to put in a drop kerb due to the nearness of the zebra crossing.   With regard to the parking issues, the

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Chairman will speak to BDC and report back to the next meeting.   Cllr. Snarey will research the original planning application re change of use.

• A dog bin has been obtained ready for installation.

• There was some discussion as to whether the heading Any Other Business on the agenda was illegal.   It is only illegal if a formal decision is made under that heading, this will be covered under agenda item 22.

74. CHAIRMAN / VICE-CHAIRMAN'S REPORT - COMMUNITY ACTION TEAM UPDATE.

The Chairman was unable to attend the last CAT meeting at which the following points were covered; BDC's proposed new lay-out of the car park behind the Co-op and problems with youths in the car park in the early hours.   The CAT team are looking ahead at potential problems at Halloween and have suggested a disco as a good form of diversion.

The Clerk had sent a report to say that the swings, which were promised would be in place before the meeting, will be in place the week commencing 19 September.   A notice advertising the Pension Scheme for the Clerk has been published giving 28 days notice.

The Vice-Chairman reported that the Brook Meadow parking situation would be improved as a lay-by is to be installed.

75. COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT.

There was no report.

76. DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORTS.

A written report from Cllr. Bolter was received and noted.

77. PLANNING.

05/01466/FUL - 18 Queen Street - Proposed attic room.   No objections.

05/01482/OUT - 2 Station Road - Demolition of existing house and erection of 3 no. dwellings.   The Council objected to this application on the grounds of over development.   It was agreed to speak to ECC regarding   the installation of a mini roundabout.

05/01502/FUL - Wondrous Place, Savilles Cottages, 7 Cut Maple - Proposed two storey side and single storey rear extension.   No objections, however there disappointment with the windows.

05/01513/FUL - 42 Spring Way - Proposed conservatory.   No objections.

05/01540/FUL - 85 Hawkwood Road - Conversion of existing garage to residential, erection of front extension and alterations.   No objections.

05/01596/FUL - 10 Spring Way - Proposed erection of side and rear extensions and re-erection of conservatory.   No objections.

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05/01607/FUL - 165/167 Swan Street - Erection of two blocks of terraced housing comprising a total of 9 no. dwellings.   No objections, but the previous application was preferred.

05/01632/FUL - (Premdor Crosby Limited), Station Road - Proposed replacement storage building.   No objections.

05/01644/FUL - 1 Cherry Gardens, Cobbs Fenn - Proposed two storey extension   to the rear.   No objections.

05/01672/OUT - Coopers Yard, Swan Street - Development of 25 no. dwellings and 4 retail units.   The Council had no objections and were enthusiastic to see something done on this site.

Proposed to accept the above recommendations : Cllr. Hatfield.   Seconded: Cllr. Law.   Unanimously agreed.

78. (a) RECREATION GROUND.

There was concern that bolts on the equipment were starting to raise, Urban Ramps are to have a look at it.   There has been three lots of damage to the shelter, which has been repaired, it was suggested adding steel bands to prevent further damage.   A tree that had been damaged has had the trunk checked and filled.

      (b) TREE PRESERVATION ORDERS - RECREATION GROUND.

As there are several mature trees on the Recreation Ground, it was agreed to ask for Tree Preservation Orders to be placed on them.

Proposed: Cllr. Holmes.   Seconded: Cllr. Law.   All agreed.

79. WORK CARRIED OUT ON AMENITY LAND.

It was confirmed that no permanent damage had been done to the oak tree, however two of the lower boughs had been cut back as a safety measure to prevent children climbing on them.

80. APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURE FOR BOOKING VILLAGE HALL FOR COMMITTEE MEETINGS.

It was agreed to change the proposal to 'Approval of expenditure for booking accommodation for committee meetings'.

This proposal was unanimously agreed.

81. GRASS CUTTING AT ST PETERS CHURCHYARD.

Several complaints had been received about the state of the Churchyard.   90% of the Churchyard is tended and paid for by the Parish Council.   It was agreed to write to the PCC to ask them to tidy up the rest of it.   Cllr. Cannell will check back through the minutes to find any evidence of financial donations made to the PCC and will liase with the Clerk to write the letter.                                   

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82. FOOTPATHS (Including update of Pauline Stevens walk and other footpaths).

Good progress is being made, work has started on the artwork/leaflet and signposts.   It was reported that FP 34 was blocked by overgrown nettles.

83. REPORT OF THE BRAINTREE AREA FLOOD LIAISON MEETING.

There were no problems with Wethersfield Road and there were no objections to the ponds being built although compulsory purchase order could take up to three years.

84. REPORT OF THE BALC MEETING WITH THE NEW CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT.

The Chairman and Vice-Chairman had not attended this meeting but had attended the meeting on the 8 September with the new Chief Constable.   They agreed they were quite impressed with what was proposed.

85. TO CONSIDER MEMBERSHIP OF THE BRAINTREE ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS.

Temporary Clerk Angela Balcombe (also Secretary to the Association) explained that the BALC held regular Open Meetings and were responsible for appointing representatives to various outside bodies.   Cost of membership is £20.00 per annum.   It was unanimously agreed to join the Association.

Proposed: Cllr. Massey.   Seconded: Cllr. Skittrall.

86. CLERKS MEMBERSHIP OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT PENSION SCHEME (ECC).

It was unanimously agreed that the Clerk should be admitted to membership of this scheme.

Proposed: Cllr. Massey.   Seconded: Cllr. Ferrando.  

87. PRINTER & FAX MACHINE IN PARISH OFFICE.

A new printer and telephone have now been obtained.   It was unanimously agreed to purchase a fax machine at an approx. cost of £75.00.

Proposed: Cllr. Skittrall.   Seconded: Cllr. Edwards.

88. PROPOSAL TO REFUND THE BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP FOR COSTS IN PROVIDING YOUNG PERSONS BBQ.

It was explained that the Baptist Fellowship provide the venue for the Youth Club but that they don't run it.   It was unanimously agreed to refund costs of £27.55 and to let the Youth Club know that the Parish Council would be happy to consider future requests for support.

Proposed: Cllr. Hatfield.   Seconded: Cllr. Ferrando.

89. PROPOSAL TO DONATE FUNDS FOR THE SETTING UP OF ASSOCIATION TO RUN TEA DANCES.

It was agreed to offer a financial contribution towards a venue for Tea Dances providing volunteers could be found to set them up and run them.

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90. PROPOSAL TO ADD TO FUTURE AGENDAS THE HEADING 'ANY OTHER BUSINESS' (Exchange of information only).

There was some discussion on the legalities of including this heading on the agenda, however it was explained that it was only unlawful if decisions were made under this heading.  

Proposed: Cllr. Skittrall.   Seconded: Cllr. Chapman.   All agreed except the Chairman, Cllr. Massey who voted against the proposal.

It was proposed that a training session that had been arranged for 12 October with the EALC should be cancelled.

Proposed: Cllr. Holmes.   Seconded: Cllr. Chapman.   All agreed except the Chairman, Cllr. Massey who voted against the proposal.

91. PROPOSAL TO HAVE COUNCILLORS WITH 'SPECIAL INTERESTS'.

There was much discussion on whether the Council should have committees or not.   The Chairman, Cllr. Massey wanted it noted that she thought it was fairly short sighted not to have someone come and talk about committees (re cancelled training session), then trying to sort it out at this meeting.

A proposal was put forward to have listed Councillors with 'Special Interests' and if necessary, to use the terms 'Working Party' or Advisory Group' for those that share a special interest.

Proposed: Cllr. Edwards.   Seconded: Cllr. Snarey.

At this stage in the meeting the Chairman, Cllr. Massey, stated that she wished to resign as Chairman (not as a councillor) and left the meeting.

Vice-Chairman Cllr. Skittrall took the Chair.

A vote was taken on the above proposal.   8 for, Cllrs. Chapman, Day and Hatfield abstained from voting therefore the motion was carried.

Cllr. Chapman said he neither agreed nor disagreed with the proposal but that more education was needed.   He went on to say that the Council regret that Cllr. Massey had resigned as Chairman and that she had done a good job.

The Clerk briefly explained how her councils dealt with the committee structure and had representatives rather than committees.   With regard to the deadlines for returning comments on planning applications, power can be delegated to the Clerk to return comments in between full council meetings if necessary, although this must be done by resolution.

92. CORRESPONDENCE.

See appendix 1.

93. ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT.

The accounts were approved for payment and cheques signed (See appendix 2).   Proposed: Cllr. Holmes.   Seconded: Cllr. Cannell.   All agreed.

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94. FOR INFORMATION ONLY

•  The Clerk was thanked for her help at this meeting.

•  Recreation Ground - repairs to the fence are being looked at cost-wise.

•  In an incident of criminal damage it was noted that 4 out of the 5 culprits were from outside of the village.

•  Request to have the milk float that parks at the back of the Co-op near the wall moved.

•  Brook Meadow - generally in a state and a problem with rats, to be reported to ECC.

THE MEETING CLOSED AT 9.45 P.M.