MINUTES OF THE STOCK PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON
MONDAY 28^TH JANUARY 2002 AT STOCK VILLAGE HALL AT 7.30PM.

Present: Cllrs. W. Elliott, Peacock, Tant, Tully, Webb, Lusty & Williams

In The Chair: Cllr. M. Elliott

Minute Secretary: Lorraine Green

Also Present: 3 Members of the Public

422. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.

Councillor Johnson and Chelmsford Borough Councillor Gary Stringer sent their apologies.

423. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING.

Cllr. Tant asked the Chairman that in Minute 412 that he substituted ‘the top of the soil’ for ‘the top soil’. He also asked that under Minute 421, Any Other Business, the Chairman substituted ‘off of Honeypot Lane’ for ‘Ingatestone Road’.

The Minutes of the last Meeting, having been previously circulated, were then duly signed as a true record of events. All agreed.

424. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.

Minute 337, 378, 388, 398 & 411

Play Equipment – The Clerk reported that the work had now been completed and that an invoice had been received.

Minute 375, 378 & 388, 398 & 411. Any Other Business

The Clerk read out a letter that she had received from the Planning Enforcement Officer with regard to her last letter concerning the advertisement boards being displayed in the Cock Car Park. The letter advised that the signs were in actual fact lawful. The letter was passed to Cllr. Lusty who asked if he could draft another letter for the Clerk to send. The Parish Council agreed this.

Minute 395, 398 & 411. Any Other Business

The Clerk read out a letter that she had received from Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to Downham Road. She advised that the work had now been completed satisfactorily.

The Clerk advised that a combined bill had been received from Mr Tant for the work carried out on the bus shelter and also the work carried out outside the Almshouses. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to Mr Tant asking him to itemise each job separately. Cllr. Lusty thought that the Clerk should also write to Mr Tant informing him of the Parish Council’s dissatisfaction with the works carried out. It was agreed that the Clerk should now send a letter.

The Clerk advised that she had spoken to a lady called Sue Potter at 24/7 with regard to the black cable that had been left on the green outside The Almshouses. Sue Potter advised that she would contact the operations division in Harold Hill and ask them to come and inspect the site and remove the cable.

Minute 414. General Correspondence

The Clerk advised that both herself and Cllr. Johnson were still trying to locate the letter received from Chris Trowhill with regard to Peter Street, Stock Junction with Brittons Lane.

The Clerk read out a copy of the Planning Permission that was granted for Crondon Park Club on the 7^th August 2001. It was decided that the Councillors would keep an eye on the situation.

Minute 421. Any Other Business

The Clerk advised that a tender had been received from ELS although the Parish Council had not requested one. Cllr. Tant felt that ELS should make a provision for an occasional cut in the Winter and most definitely in the Spring and Autumn. It was decided that Cllrs. Elliott and Tant would draft specifications for the tenders. It was also agreed that the Clerk could now pay the invoice that had been held over from the last meeting.

The Clerk read out a letter that she had received from John Bishop thanking the Parish Council for their donation towards the electricity used for the Christmas lights.

The Clerk advised that she had written to Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the road sign on Ingatestone Road, just before the corner by Buttsbury Church, that had been knocked down.

The Clerk advised that she had written to Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the road sign in Downham Road on the left hand side just before the footpath, between Mill Lane and Lower Stock Road, which had been smashed.

Cllr. Tant advised that he had organised a team of people to cut the hedge right back by the Common.

The Clerk advised that she had written to Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the potholes in the middle of The Square.

The Chairman advised that a Planning Officer had contacted Cllr. Johnson with regard to the developments taking place in Marigold Lane. The Chairman reported that a Chelmsford Borough Council notice had been pinned on a post advising that the people concerned would be fined if they overstepped the mark. Cllr. Williams advised that if concrete goes on top of the current surface then the Planning Officer must be contacted. It was decided that the Councillors would monitor the situation and inform the Planning Officer if anything untoward was happening.

Cllr. Williams read out a letter that Cllr. Johnson had received from Nick Shuttleworth with regard to the points that the village had received in the Best Kept Village Competition.

425. BEST VALUE GROUP REPORT.

Traffic Management - Cllr. Peacock reported on a meeting he had had with Chelmsford Borough Council and Essex County Council on Friday 25^th January 2002. He explained that the prioritisation scheme had not been completed and must go into next year’s financial plan. He explained that they had a log of accidents in the village. Cllr. Peacock explained that some Rural Lane experiments were taking place, which would form the basis for proposing other villages. Another idea that had been mentioned was a quiet lanes scheme where roads that are de-restricted impose a limit of either 40mph or 50mph. Cllr. Peacock reported that another traffic survey would be carried out after the first or second phase of the new A130 opening. This was scheduled to open on the 31^st January 2002. Cllr. Peacock reported that Chelmsford Borough Council and Essex County Council were keen to get something done in the village. Cllr. Peacock said he felt that some progress had been made but we now needed some action on Chelmsford Borough Council and Essex County Council’s part.

Playground – Cllr. Peacock reported that he had not heard anything back from the Recreation Department.

Village Hall Car Park – Lighting – The Chairman read out a reply to his letter that he had sent to Mr Sheffield of Chelmsford Borough Council. It stated that it was inappropriate to the green belt to have tall columns to light up the car park. The only acceptable lighting would be illuminated bollards. It was agreed that the Chairman would contact the contractor he had approached previously to get a quotation for illuminated bollards.

Litter Bins – The Clerk advised that the litter bins had now been sited at the following locations:-

• At the end of Dakyn Drive by the footpath nearest the woodland.

• Top end of Common Lane by the swings.

• By the seat by the Bakers Arms.

The Clerk reported that she had spoken to the refuse department at Chelmsford Borough Council advising them of the new bins that needed emptying. She was advised to put it in writing and send them the keys.

Cllr. Peacock suggested that the Best Value Committee prioritise the maintenance in the village and try to improve the general appearance.

426. VILLAGE HALL REPORT.

Cllr. Williams reported that Doug Taffs had resigned as Chairman and was co-opted as a member of the Village Hall Management Committee. Margaret Carter and Stan Elgar were also co-opted as Committee Members. She advised that Peter Baker and Geoff King had been made maintenance troubleshooters. Cllr. Williams reported that £6,000.00 had been paid off of the loan, which was now down to £41,000.00. She reported that 385 people were now in the lottery. She advised that the drainage and heating problems had now been sorted out. A Craft Fair was going to be held in March.

The Clerk had received the sealed tenders for the Village Hall Car Park and these were opened at the Parish Council Meeting. The details were as follows:-

D. Ketley advised that they were unable to take on the contract as they were too busy.

Nelson Anderson quoted £33,027.00

Pro-Mac Surfacing quoted £30,247.71

Miller Bros. quoted £48,762.00

It was agreed that the Chairman would look at the tenders with Chelmsford Borough Councillor Gary Stringer to ensure that the quotations were like for like.

427. GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE

• The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Essex Police advising us of the new Chelmsford Community Policing Sergeant. The Clerk was asked to write to Andy Kenny regarding police surgeries.

• The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Mr Seaman. She explained that she had taken advice from the EALC who had clarified the position. It was decided that a note of new Planning Applications received would be published on the Noticeboard a few days before the meeting.

• The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from the Planning Department at Chelmsford Borough Council in regard to a Notification of Appeal for Ivydene, Whites Hill. Clerk to write to Planning Inspectorate asking for a copy of the appeal decision.

• The Clerk read out an E-Mail that she had received from Roger Watling asking if he could make what at the moment is just a list of minutes into more of an information page about the Parish Council. It was decided that the Parish Council would not be in agreement with this. Clerk to write to Mr Watling.

• The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Ian Coppen at Chelmsford Borough Council requesting information on the amount of dog bins and litter bins in the village. Cllr. Tant provided the Clerk with the information. Clerk asked to report that the bins were not cleaned frequently enough.

• The Clerk read out a letter received from Chelmsford Environment Partnership regarding Chelmsford Community Recycling. It was agreed that the Clerk and Cllr. Johnson should complete the questionnaire expressing the Parish Council’s interest in the scheme.

• Letter received from Chelmsford Borough Council, Democratic Services Department, advising of a Tree Preservation Order No. 2001/117 at Myln Meadow, Birch Lane, Mill Lane.

• The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from The Mayor’s Office asking the Parish Council to nominate a person to attend a Community Evening on Tuesday 30^th April 2002. It was decided to nominate Jo Fothergill. The Chairman said that he would check that Mr Fothergill was going to be available and if not the matter would be discussed again at the next meeting.

• The Clerk read out a letter received from Sovereign regarding playground equipment. It was decided that this letter would be filed until the Parish Council required it.

• The Clerk read out a letter received from Zurich Municipal advising that the case had been closed regarding Miss A. Plume-Swift.

• The Clerk read out a letter received from the Planning Department at Chelmsford Borough Council regarding development in the green belt. The letter was handed to Cllr. Peacock.

  
  428. PLANNING MATTERS.

  Application No. 01/01527/OUT. Two detached four bedroom houses with garages.

  Location: 18 Birch Lane, Stock. Applicant: M. Tant. Refused.

  Application No. 01/01742/LBC. Change of use of renovated barn and store to print design and photographic studio.

  Location: Bellmans, Stock Road, Stock. Applicant: Mr. P. Fenwick. Listed Building Consent Approved.

  Application No. 01/01797/FUL. Extension comprising of kitchen, utility and internal alterations.

  Location: The Lattices, 9 High Street, Stock. Applicant: Mr J. Gadsden. Approved.

  Application No. 01/01798/CAC. Extension comprising kitchen, utility and internal alterations. Rendered walls to match existing wall and pantiled roof to match existing roof. Stained timber framed windows.

  Location: The Lattices, 9 High Street, Stock. Applicant: Mr J. Gadsden. Conservation Area Consent Approved.

  Application No. 01/02031/FUL. Office Extension.

  Location: 18 Mill Road, Stock. Applicant: P.C. Pools. Approved.

  Application No. 01/02058/FUL. Construction of single brick skin to three elevations.

  Location: Ivydene, Whites Hill, Stock. Applicant: Mr & Mrs M. Rose. Approved.

  Application No. 01/01853/FUL. First Floor side extension.

  Location: The Nutshell, 23 The Square, Stock. Applicant: Mrs E. Mayer. Approved.

  Application No. 01/02118/FUL. Rebuilding garage and utility at side, re-roofing front bay and side extension.

  Location: 27 Mill Road, Stock. Applicant: Mr & Mrs S. Watkins. Approved.

  Application No. 01/02150/FUL. New vehicle crossover.

  Location: 13 High Street, Stock. Applicant: Mr & Mrs D. Cook. Approved.

  Application No. 01/02153/FUL. Proposed rear single stored extension, internal alterations, conservatory and new detached single garage.

  Location: Whiteholme, Furze Lane, Stock. Applicant: Mr & Mrs Waring. Approved.

  Application No. 01/02159/FUL. Demolition of existing lobby and garage and formation of utility room and recreation room.

  Location: Magpies, Smallgains Lane, Stock. Applicant: Mr & Mrs B.W. Henderson. Approved.

  Application No. 02/00050/CLOPUD. Erection of a single storey outbuilding.

  Location: Scriveners Farm, Madles Lane, Stock. Applicant: Mr & Mrs A. Sneath

  Certificate of Lawfulness Proposed Use/Dev).

  Application No. 01/02312/FUL. Two storey rear extension; new roof to garage.

  Location: 33 Mill Road, Stock. Applicant: Keith Johnson.

  The Parish Council had no comments to make.

  Application No. 02/00003/FUL. Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of two new dwellings (amendments to existing permission ref: 00/00082/FUL).

  Location: 53 Birch Lane, Stock. Applicant: Mrs B. Sayer

  The Parish Council had no comments to make.

  Application No. 02/00099/FUL. Single storey rear extension

  Location: 39 Well Lane, Stock. Applicant: Mr P. Jackson

  The Parish Council had no comments to make.

  429. FINANCE. The following cheques were approved for payment and signed:

  100757 £332.53 ELS – Grass Cutting December and Pond Clearance

  100759 £382.46 Wicksteed Leisure Ltd – supply and installation of new swings

  100760 £952.63 Wybone – purchase of three black and gold litter bins

  100761 £111.72 Mrs P.J. Johnson – purchase of filing cabinet for office

  100762 £267.41 Mrs L.J. Green – salary and expenses

  The Clerk advised that £2,000.00 had been transferred from the High Interest account to the Current Account on the 22^nd January 2002. Due to the amount of large bills received this month she advised that a further £1,000.00 was transferred from the High Interest account to the Current Account on the 24^th January 2002.

  The Clerk advised that on the 17^th December 2001 interest amounting to £216.24 had been credited to the High Interest Account.

  The Clerk asked whether the Parish Council thought it would be a good idea to open a Business Premium Account with Barclays Bank so that funds could be transferred immediately if they were needed. The Parish Council did not agree with this proposal as they felt that money could be transferred within 14 days which was sufficient time.

  Audit – Nothing further to report.

  430. GOLDEN JUBLIEE

  Cllr. Williams reported that a meeting had taken place and that Stan Elgar had chaired the meeting. It had been suggested that the main event would take place on the 3^rd June 2002 which would be a carnival/fancy dress parade (maybe with a Royal theme) which would leave from the Catholic Church and finish on the Common. Cllr. Williams advised that Michael Cole was going to be made parade master. Cllr. Williams advised that there had also been a suggestion of having long distance balloons. Cllr. Williams reported that the Cricket Club had offered to serve refreshments from the Pavilion. Cllr. Tully thought that there should be a street party for the children and suggested it took place on The Square.

  The Parish Council had been asked to make a donation to get the Golden Jubilee celebrations started. After discussion it was decided that £500.00 would be donated but the funds would not be released until the Golden Jubilee Committee had opened a bank account.

  It was also decided that if the Committee needed any more funds then they would have to approach the Parish Council explaining why they needed the money and it would be discussed again. Cllr. Williams advised that the next meeting would be held on the 8^th February.

  431. ESSEX RURAL HOUSING TRUST

  The Clerk read out a letter that Cllr. Johnson had received from The Rural Housing Trust enclosing a sample survey form. The Parish Council agreed the wording of the survey form and the Clerk was advised to arrange to have the forms printed. The Chairman advised that this would take approximately 3-4 weeks and that it was planned to deliver the surveys in early March.

  432. TWEEDY CHARITY

  The Clerk read out a report that had been prepared by Cllr. Johnson following a meeting with Peter McMillan, Elizabeth Philpot, Barry Woodgate and herself. The Parish Council decided to appoint Barry Woodgate as a Trustee to the Tweedy Charity. Clerk to write to Mr Woodgate advising him of his new position.

  433. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING.

  The next meeting is on the 25th February 2002. The Chairman also set the date for the AGM as the 25^th April 2002 at 8.00pm.

  434. ANY OTHER BUSINESS.

  A parishioner complained about the state of Well Lane and Smallgains Lane following the diversion of traffic due to the tree coming down in the High Street. Clerk to contact the Cleansing Department at Chelmsford Borough Council.

  A parishioner reported that the sign was down in Well Lane near Pilgrims Farm. Clerk to write to Highways Department at Chelmsford Borough Council.

  A parishioner expressed concern about the amount of paint pots being thrown in the hedge opposite the houses in Well Lane. Clerk to write to the Environmental Department at Chelmsford Borough Council.

  Cllr. Williams commented on the state of the grass in front of Greenwoods. Cllr. Tully commented on the rubble. She felt that the Parish Council should insist that it be reinstated when the development is completed. Cllr. Peacock advised that it was in the planning permission that it is reinstated. It was decided that the Councillors would keep an eye on the matter.

  Cllr. Peacock expressed concern at the amount of vehicles, mainly the contractors working on Greenwoods, parking in Common Road during the day. He felt that it was dangerous due to children attending the Pre-School and the Montessori School. Cllr. Tant advised that it was making it difficult to turn right out of Common Road. It was decided that the Clerk would contact Chelmsford Borough Council advising them that the vehicles were creating danger and what could they ask the developers to do about it. Cllr. Williams also reported that mud was on the road in Crondon Park Lane and the B1007. Clerk to also advise Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to this matter.

  Cllr. Lusty advised that a hearing had been set for the 24^th January 2002 with regard to claiming costs from Heat & Eat (Southend) Ltd. He advised that he had spoken with Mr Habeeb of Heat & Eat (Southend) Ltd and that the case had been adjourned until the 14^th February 2002.

  Cllr. Webb advised that the times for the bus route 100 to Lakeside remained the same.

  Cllr. Peacock reported that the signpost had rotted at Footpath 27 from Swan Lane to Dakyns Drive. Clerk to write to Chelmsford Borough Council advising that a new wooden post is needed.

  Cllr. W. Elliott reported that at the bottom of Whites Hill a 30mph sign is laying down. Clerk to write to Chelmsford Borough Council.

  Cllr. W. Elliott reported that at the bottom of Leather Bottle Hill a turn left junction sign has come off of its post. Clerk to write to Chelmsford Borough Council.

  Cllr. M. Elliott reported that a traffic count had been carried out from Downham Road to Leather Bottle Hill on the 28^th January 2002 between 7.00am – 9.00am. He advised that 937 vehicles had been counted going from South to North.

  Cllr. Tant sent his apologies for the next meeting.