STOCK PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON
MONDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2003 AT STOCK VILLAGE HALL AT 7.30PM.

Present: Cllrs. Williams, Elliott, Tully, Peacock, Easton, Lewis & Otter
In The Chair Cllr. Johnson
Minute Secretary Lorraine Green
Also Present: 3 Members of the Public
Chelmsford Borough Councillor Ian Grundy

802 DEMOCRATIC TIME.
A parishioner, Virginia Henderson, reported that she had been told personally by Mr Norman Robinson that no work would be carried out in Smallgains Lane. Mr Robinson had told Mrs Henderson to get back in touch with the Parish Council, Chelmsford Borough Council and Chelmsford Borough Councillor Ian Grundy with regard to the traffic problem down Smallgains Lane. Mrs Henderson reported an incident in Smallgains Lane involving speeding. Cllr. Peacock said that he would discuss the matter at the traffic meeting on Tuesday 2nd September. The Chairman said that the Parish Council were aware of the problems in the lanes in the village. Cllr. Peacock advised that the idea was to reduce the speed throughout the village. He explained that the High Street would look as though it narrows and therefore the traffic would go more slowly. Cllr. Peacock advised that the plan was for the whole village and the matter would be discussed again.
803 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
Cllr. Lusty sent his apologies.
804 MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING.
The Minutes of the last Meeting, having been previously circulated, were then duly signed as a true record of events. All agreed.
805 AGENDA.
The Chairman explained that she felt that the meetings were going on too long and that something needed to be done to try and taper them and make them less protracted. One suggestion that the Chairman had received was to have a time limit on planning and correspondence as these two items seemed to take up a lot of time at meetings. The Chairman advised that she would try and keep Councillors to the Agenda and not allow them to go off at a tangent. The matter was discussed and it was decided that planning, correspondence and finance should be put higher on the Agenda and it was decided the best place would be after Matters Arising From The Minutes. The Chairman said that the Clerk and herself would go through the correspondence more thoroughly in order to cut down the amount discussed at meetings. Cllr. Easton suggested circulating the correspondence outside of meetings to the Councillors.
806 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.
The Clerk reported that after the last meeting Cllrs. Otter and Easton had asked her to reserve a place for them at the EALC Councillor Training Day on the 18th September 2003. The Clerk advised that she had carried out this request but now needed approval from the other Councillors. Cllr. Easton advised that she could no longer attend the meeting. Cllrs Easton and Lewis asked the Clerk to find out when the next course would be. It was agreed that Cllr. Otter would attend the Training Day and the Clerk would therefore send a cheque for £39.00 to the EALC.
Minute 784 & 765. Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 751. Maintenance.
The Clerk read out a quotation that had been received from Mr Graeme Smith to remove the dead tree outside the Almhouses and to remove the hanging branch and tidy the storm damage in the Oak tree outside Compass Green. It was agreed that the Clerk should tell Mr Smith to go ahead once he has received approval from Chelmsford Borough Council. Cllr. Elliott asked the Clerk to let her know when the dead tree was being removed. It was agreed that a new tree was not needed. The Clerk was still waiting for a quotation for the willow trees in Mill Road.
Minute 784. Matters Arising From The Minutes and 771. Maintenance.
The Clerk advised that Mr Tant had removed the bin from outside 122 Mill Road.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Mr Mike Shaw of Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the flooding problem at 4 The Vintners. Mr Shaw advised that he had been pursuing the matter with Anglian Water Services for two years and still remains unable to get a satisfactory response. Mr Shaw advised that the sewer in question is a public sewer and that Anglian Water have simply deleted it from their records. Mr Shaw said that he would send one final letter but was not hopeful of receiving any response. Mr Shaw suggested that the owners of the Four Vintners write directly to Anglian Water, attaching details of their claim for damages and stating that the Borough Council have confirmed to them that the sewer in question is a public surface water sewer and that their records are therefore wrong.
Minute 784. Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 775. General Correspondence Item b.
The Clerk advised that only one other quotation had been received so far for the drainage work to be carried out on the Common. It was decided that the Parish Council would wait for the other quotations before discussing the matter further.
Minute 784. Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 777. Planning Matters.
Chelmsford Borough Cllr. Grundy advised that he had not yet received a letter from David Wallis with regard to the amended planning applications. Mr Wallis had said he would send the letter by the end of the month. Cllr. Grundy said he would now chase the matter.
Minute 787. Grass Cutting.
The Clerk asked the Councillors if they had looked to see whether the lamppost outside Bellmans Farm was actually working. Cllrs. Elliott and Williams advised that it was working and needed painting black. It was agreed that the Clerk should contact Mr Tant to carry out the work.
Minute 791. Maintenance.
The Clerk advised that she had contacted Mr Clarke with regard to the overgrown hedges and Willow tree in Well Lane. Mr Clarke advised that the Parish Council should contact the landowners. The Chairman advised that the willow trees had been cut back.
Cllr. Elliott advised the Clerk that she had spoken to ELS about the shoots coming out of the base of the trees in Common Road but to-date the work had not been carried out. It was agreed that the Clerk should contact ELS in this regard.
Cllr. Williams advised that she had trimmed the overhanging tree in Dakyn Drive.
Minute 793. Road Signs and Footpaths.
The Clerk advised that she had reported the various problems on footpaths to Mr Clarke. Mr Clarke said that he was low on manpower and that the work would probably not be carried out until the Autumn as his team were a couple of months behind schedule. Mr Clarke told the Clerk that matters were being prioritised. Mr Clarke did point out that some work had been carried out on footpaths in Stock over the last few weeks.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Graham Reeves of Jenny Moody Homes with regard to the builders throwing litter onto the footpath at the development in Mill Road and also the fact that the gates were not being closed at night. Mr Reeves advised that he had spoken to the contractors and asked them to ensure that all rubbish is deposited in the skip on site or taken home. Mr Reeves had also reminded the contractors that the last person on site should close the gates. Mr Reeves had also asked the Site Manager, Richard Anderson, to ensure that the site is secure at the close of business. Cllr. Easton reported that the gate was not big enough and therefore the site was not secure. It was agreed that the Clerk should contact Mr Reeves in this regard.
Cllr Lewis advised that the litter in the development in Mill Road, opposite the Catholic Church, had now been cleaned up.
Minute 795. General Correspondence. Item j.
The Clerk advised that she had written to Mr Finch acknowledging his letter and advising him of the action the Parish Council were taking on the matters raised in his letter. The Clerk advised that she had written to Mr May and Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to Mr May parking his lorry in Mill Lane and not reinstating the verge. The Clerk had sent Mr Finch's photographs to Chelmsford Borough Council.
The Clerk had also written to the Post Office with regard to the missing 'next collection' tag and the fact that the Post Office vans had eaten into the grass verge and tipped the concrete slab sideways. To-date no reply had been received.
The Clerk advised that she had spoken to Mr Tant about the maintenance of the seat that was donated by Mr Wood in memory of his Son, Phillip. The Clerk read out Mr Tant's quotation to carry out the work. It was agreed that the Clerk should contact Mr Tant to carry out the maintenance.
The Clerk advised that both she and the Chairman had spoken to Jonathan Brown at Greenwoods with regard to the staff parking their cars outside Cherry Tree Cottages. Mr Brown said that he would send a memo around to his staff asking them to park in Greenwoods car park. Mr Brown advised that the area would still be used to load and unload vehicles. Mr Brown said that he would put the conversation in writing. To-date a letter had not been received.
807 BEST VALUE GROUP REPORT.
Traffic Management - Cllr. Peacock advised that the next traffic meeting would be held on Tuesday 2nd September 2003, which was a working group meeting and would not be open to the public.
Playground - Cllr. Peacock reported that he had spoken to Essex Playing Fields and Children's Play Association who had given him the details of a company who deals with the legal planning requirements for a playground. Cllr. Peacock had been advised that the site on the Common could pose a problem due to the fact that cricket was played near a playground. Cllr. Peacock said that the matter would need to be pursued. The Clerk read out the Inspection Report on the Playground that had been received from Mr Snook of the Essex Playing Fields and Children's Play Association. Cllr. Peacock said that he would speak to the company and ask them for a list of playground repairers and to see whether they actually carried out maintenance work themselves. The Chairman agreed to speak again to Lord Hanningfield with regard to the ownership of the site at The Larches.
Broadband - Cllr. Peacock reported that he was still following the matter up and would be writing to British Telecom. He advised that 120 responses had now been received. A parishioner, Roger Watling advised that he was organising a mail shot around the village to try and get people to register. It was decided that approximately 850 leaflets would be needed and would be distributed with the newspapers. The Chairman said to Mr Watling that if the Parish Council could help in any way then let them know.
808 GRASS CUTTING.
Nothing to report.
809 STREET LIGHTING
Nothing to report.
810 WAR ON WASTE.
Nothing to report.
811 BUS SHELTERS.
The Clerk reminded the Chairman that she still needed to speak to Mrs Pepper with regard to Cllr. Lewis assisting with the flowers at the bus shelter.
812 MAINTENANCE
Cllr. Elliott advised that the posts on the Common need replacing as one had been removed. It was agreed that at least three posts needed to be replaced with similar posts. It was agreed that the Clerk would contact Mr Tant to carry out the work. Cllr. Elliott said that she would meet Mr Tant on site to discuss the matter.
Cllr. Peacock reported that not enough posts had been put in outside the electricity sub-station on the corner of Birch Lane and Myln Meadow. Cllr. Peacock pointed out that two more posts were needed as it was creating a parking bay. It was agreed that the Clerk should contact Chelmsford Borough Council regarding this matter.
Cllr. Peacock reported that there was a deep pot-hole in the parking area outside the church which needed filling in with hardcore. It was agreed that the Clerk should contact Mr Tant to carry out the work. Cllr. Peacock advised that the hardcore would need wacker-plating in to fill the hole before pouring on more hardcore.
813 OPEN SPACES.
Cllr. Otter reported that the Horse Sanctuary had placed notices on the trees on the Common which she did not feel was a good idea. The Chairman advised Cllr. Otter that if she objected to the signs then she could remove them herself. It was agreed that the Parish Council would keep an eye on the situation.
814 ROAD SIGNS AND FOOTPATHS
The Chairman reported that there had been some serious vandalism at Crondon Park Golf Course which had resulted in the footpath being closed. She advised that Cllr. Elliott and herself had had a meeting with Mr Clarke from Chelmsford Borough Council, Mr Fox of Crondon Park Golf Club and a man from the Ramblers' Association. The Chairman reported that Mr Fox was acting illegally fencing off the footpath and he had been advised that it must be taken down immediately. The Chairman reported that £600,000.00 of damage had been done to the golf course. Mr Clarke had suggested extending the bridleway and expanding St. Peters Way footpath to around the perimeter of the footpath at Margaretting Tye. Mr Fox had agreed to give the land to be used for the bridleway. Mr Clarke had advised that it could take between 2 and 20 years to change a footpath.
The Chairman advised that a letter had been received from Parish Paths Partnership. The Chairman had discussed the matter with Mr Clarke and she had decided that the Parish Council would not join and instead would continue dealing with Mr Clarke.
815 VILLAGE HALL REPORT.
Cllr. Williams reported that there had not been a meeting. She reported that during the Summer the hall had been painted inside and outside.
816 GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE
a) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Chelmer Housing Partnership advising of the Quality of Life Team that had been set up. The main areas that the team will be working on are community development, tenant participation, estate management and neighbourhood nuisance. The Neighbourhood Co-Ordinator for Stock is Roz Wisniewski.
b) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Wollastons Solicitors with regard to a Notice of Application for Liquor Licence Transfer for The Bear Public House, Stock.
c) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Essex Air Ambulance who were looking for a volunteer representative in each parish to assist in the monitoring of fundraising in the area. It was agreed that a copy of the letter should be put in Stock Press, on the noticeboard and on the website.
d) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Farleigh Hospice who were requesting a grant towards the building of a new hospice at Broomfield Hospital. The matter was discussed and it was decided that the Parish Council would not be prepared to donate any money to this cause as it was felt that a lot of fundraising already took place in the village for Farleigh Hospice.
e) The Clerk reported that Ray Cason of Chelmsford Borough Council had advised her that kerbing works were being carried out in Birch Lane on Monday 1st September 2003.
817 REPORT BY CHELMSFORD BOROUGH COUNCILLOR IAN GRUNDY.
Chelmsford Borough Cllr. Grundy reported that Chelmsford Borough Council were holding an older persons focus group which would be a one day seminar. Cllr. Grundy was advised to contact the over 60's regarding the matter.
Cllr. Grundy reported that there had been a lot of enquiries with regard to the black bins going back to weekly collections. Cllr. Grundy advised that the policy was being reviewed on brown bins. Cllr. Grundy advised that tests were being carried out with regard to recycling cardboard and plastic bottles.
Cllr. Easton asked Cllr. Grundy if there were any further developments with regard to the proposed Chelmsford Borough Executive Council Meeting in Stock. Cllr. Grundy advised that there had been a positive response but no firm action had been taken.
818 STANDING ORDERS - AMENDMENT TO STANDING ORDER NO. 75. PLANNING APPLICATIONS.
The Standing Orders were reinstated with the new paragraph inserted. All Councillors were given a copy of the amended Standing Order.
819 PLANNING MATTERS.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to a meeting that was being held to explain and discuss the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill, Regional Spatial Strategy and Local Development Documents. It was decided that the Chairman and Cllr. Easton would attend the meeting on 25th September 2003 at the Council Chamber.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Chelmsford Borough Council Planning Enforcement Officer advising that they were investigating an alleged breach of planning control at Crondon Park Golf Club. The nature of the matter was 2 signs at the front of the property advertising forthcoming event. Cllr. Otter had reported this matter.
The Clerk read out an E-Mail that had been received from Roger Watling suggesting that planning applications could be put on the web site as they came in. The matter was discussed and it was decided that this was not a good idea.
The Clerk read out a letter that she had received from Roy Whitehead, Leader of Chelmsford Borough Council, with regard to the withdrawal of the Borough Plan.
The Clerk advised that a letter had been received from David Green, Head of Town Planning Services, with regard to the notice of withdrawal of the Chelmsford Borough Council Local Plan 2001-2011 Revised Deposit Draft.
The Clerk read out a letter and passed around copies of a letter that had been received from Ceetech with regard to a proposed Orange Base Station in Stock (Cell Number ESX0277) Pre-Application Consultation. The Chairman advised that Mr Swift owns the land and he will receive rent if the plan goes ahead so he is quite keen for the pole to go up. The Chairman advised that Greenwoods had no objections. The matter was discussed and it was decided that the Clerk should write back with the following comments:-
1. Could the style of the pole be changed to possibly a mono pole?
2. Could you look into combining the existing pole with the new pole so there is only one pole and not two - as long as the height is not increased.
3. The Parish Council feel that this installation is visually intrusive.
Cllr. Otter said that as a member of CPRE she did not have a prejudicial interest in any of the planning matters being discussed.
Applications:
Application No. 03/01543/FUL. Demolition of existing house and stable block proposed new 3 bed residential property and stable block replacement.
Location: Hillside Farm, Whites Hill, Stock.
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Lewis Cllr. Lewis declared an interest in the application.
The Parish Council commented that they wished to ensure that this development is in keeping and sympathetic within the green belt.
Amended Application No. 03/01543/FUL. Demolition of existing house and stable block proposed new 3 bed residential property and stable block replacement.
Location: Hillside Farm, Whites Hill, Stock.
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Lewis Cllr. Lewis declared an interest in the application.
The Parish Council commented that they wished to ensure that this development is in keeping and sympathetic within the green belt.
Application No. 03/01581/FUL. Proposed new dormers to existing roof.
Location: Cornerfield, Mill Road, Stock.
Applicant: Mr & Mrs C. Nation
The Parish Council had no comments to make.
Application No. 03/01536/FUL. Single storey extension to garage and conversion of part of the garage to a utility/cloakroom. Single storey extension to dining room.
Location: 13 Austen Drive, Stock.
Applicant: Mr M. Lees.
The Parish Council had no comments to make.
Application No. 03/01614/FUL. Erection of new dwelling.
Location: Land Adjacent Bakers Arms, Common Road, Stock.
Applicant: Mr E. Southgate. Cllr. Easton declared an interest in the application.
The Parish Council made the following comments:-
1. Need full parking spaces on a very popular pub as cars are often parked on the pavement.
2. Opposite the entrance to the village hall.
3. In a conservation area. Prominent area at entrance to the conservation area.
4. Inappropriate development to the immediate environment.
5. Another access would be dangerous.
6. This dwelling is more dominant than the previous applications.
Application No. 03/01644/FUL. Loft conversion with two dormers.
Location: 46 Well Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Mrs Michelle Ward
The Parish Council had no comments to make.
Application No. 03/01687/FUL. First floor rear extension.
Location: 35 Back Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Mr & Mrs A. Bicknell.
The Parish Council had no comments to make.
Application No. 03/01666/FUL. Side extension. Location: Flemmings, Stock Road, Stock.
Applicant: Mr K. Davis.
The Parish Council had no comments to make.
Application No. 03/01699/FUL. Temporary close boarded fence to protect newly planted hedge until it matures.
Location: Greenwoods Estate, Stock Road, Stock.
Applicant: Greenwoods Estates (Essex) Limited.
The Parish Council asked the Planning Department to define temporary as they needed to know how long it takes for the hedge to mature.
Results:
Application No. 03/00772/FUL. Ground and first floor rear extensions.
Location: Pilgrims Farm, Smallgains Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Mr A. Dyckhoff. Approved.
Application No. 03/01024/OUT. Erection of one dwelling.
Location: Land Adjacent 71 Mill Road, Stock.
Applicant: Mr. J. Cottee. Refused.
Application No. 03/01091/FUL. Conservatory and canopy to form covered walkway.
Location: Beehive House, 9 Swan Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Mr Gaze. Approved.
Application No. 03/01073/REM. Erection of three detached dwellings (reserved matters for design, external appearance and landscaping).
Location: Former Smithkline Beecham Research Complex, Honeypot Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Countryside Residential (North Thames) Ltd. Approved.
Application No. 03/01072/FUL. Erection of one detached dwelling.
Location: Former Smithkline Beecham Research Complex, Honeypot Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Countryside Residential (North Thames) Ltd. Approved.
Application No. 03/01168/FUL. Construction of access to grain store.
Location: White Tyrells, Stock Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Mr F. Wolton. Approved.
Application No. 03/01265/ADV. Temporary advertisement relating to the proposed residential development of the land.
Location: Former Smithkline Beecham Research Complex, Honeypot Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Countryside Residential (North Thames) Ltd. Approved.
Application No. 03/05078/TPO. Fell Oak in W1 (TPO 2001/105).
Location: 17 Myln Meadow, Stock.
Applicant: Mrs Salmonds. Approved.
Application No. 03/05079/TPO. Fell Sycamore in W1 (TPO 2001/105).
Location: 17 Myln Meadow, Stock.
Applicant: Mrs Salmonds. Refused.
Application No. 03/00691/FUL. Demolition of existing dwelling and residential ancillary buildings and erect new replacement dwelling and detached garage.
Location: Thrift, Madles Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Mr A. Andrew. Withdrawn.
Application No. 03/01044/FUL. Pitched roof to existing garage and new car port and conservatory.
Location: Orchard Cottage, 1 Birch Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Mr Paul Wharram. Approved.
Application No. 03/01118/FUL. Conservatory.
Location: 2 Cambridge Close, Stock.
Applicant: Mr P.B. & Mrs F.E. Tillett. Approved.
Application No. 01/01793/FUL. A new doctors surgery and dispensary with car parking.
Location: Land between Orchard House and Hawthorns, Common Road, Stock.
Applicant: Dr. J. Coffin & Dr. D. Acorn. Approved (S106).
Application No. 03/01372/FUL. Single storey rear extension.
Location: 52 Dakyn Drive, Stock.
Applicant: Mrs S. Hollran. Approved.
820 FINANCE.
Cheques to be Signed - The following cheques were approved for payment and signed:
100892 £504.59 Mrs L.J.Green Salary 1.8.03 - 31.8.03
100893 £48.17 Inland Revenue Only PAYE and N.I
100894 £100.74 Mrs L.J. Green Expenses
100895 £551.09 ELS Grass Cutting July
100896 £28.50 Stock Village Hall Hire of Hall for Summer Playday
100897 £95.00 Mr M. Tant Erecting new doggy bins and removing litter bin in Mill Rd
100898 £40.00 Chelmsford Borough Council Basketball Coaching Sessions
100899 £39.00 EALC Councillor Training Day
100900 £69.28 British Telecommunications Plc Office Telephone
Transfer of Funds - The Clerk advised that she had put on notice to transfer £1,000.00 from the Business Reserve Account to the Current Account which was due to take place on the 2nd September 2003.
Audit of Accounts for 2002/03 including Approval of Annual Return and Statement of Assurance for Accounts 2002/03.
The Clerk advised that the documentation would be sent back to the external auditors by the 12th September 2003 in order that they could carry out the audit.
821 ESSEX RURAL HOUSING TRUST
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Essex Rural Housing Trust who advised that they would be writing to the landowners to ask them whether they would be willing to release some of the land for a small development of affordable housing in Stock.
822. STOCK VILLAGE APPRAISAL.
The Chairman read out a letter that had been received from Jan Cole of The Rural Community Council of Essex with regard to the Stock Village Appraisal. The Chairman said that she felt that the village had got so far and felt that the matter should be pursued. Cllr. Peacock agreed to contact Jan Cole with regard to setting up a planning workshop.
823. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING.
The next meeting of the Parish Council is on the 29th September 2003.
The Chairman thanked everyone for coming; the meeting closed at 9.35pm.
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