STOCK PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON Monday 24th February 2003 AT STOCK VILLAGE HALL AT 7.30PM.

Present:	Cllrs. Mrs Elliott, Tant, Peacock, Tully, Webb, Lusty & Williams
In The Chair	Cllr. M. Elliott
Minute Secretary	Lorraine Green
Also Present:	7 Members of the Public

652		DEMOCRATIC TIME.
		A parishioner, Virginia Henderson, complained about the condition of the road in Smallgains Lane and Well Lane. The Clerk advised that Cllr. Johnson had contacted the Highways Department and they were going to send someone down to look at the problem. Mrs Henderson also reported that a car had skidded and gone through her hedge even though Chelmsford Borough Council had put up a 'beware of ice sign'. Cllr. Peacock said that he would speak to Chelmsford Borough Council at the next meeting on the 14th March with regard to Smallgains Lane. He said that he would suggest that posts are put up on the verges until the grass grows.
		A parishioner, Mrs Boak, reported that by the gate at the bottom of the Catholic Church, between Hermiones and the kissing gate, there is a big branch across the footpath. Cllr. W. Elliott also reported that the area needs banking up. The Clerk was therefore asked to contact Mr Clark at Chelmsford Borough Council.
		Mrs Boak also reported that the bushes need clipping back as you go around the bend past the nursery. The Chairman said that this would be dealt with.
653		APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
		Cllr. Johnson sent her apologies.
654		MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING.
		Cllr. Lusty asked that the words 'planning matters being regionalised' be replaced with 'regional assemblies' in Minute 644. General Correpondence, item c.
		Cllr. Lusty asked that the words 'and Cllr. Lusty' be deleted from the second line of Minute 642. Road Signs and Footpaths.
		Cllr. W. Elliott asked that the sentence 'The Chairman asked Cllr. W. Elliott to carry out some research' be deleted from Minute 635. Best Value Group Report - Playground.
		Cllr. Williams asked that the word 'this' be replaced with 'his' in the last paragraph of Minute 634. Matters Arising From The Minutes, Minute 612. Matters Arising From The Minutes & Minute 598. Maintenance.
		The Minutes of the last Meeting, having been previously circulated, were then duly signed as a true record of events. All agreed.
655		MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.
		Minute 634 & 612. Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 559. Maintenance. The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Mr Collins of Anglian Water Services with regard to The Four Vintners. Mr Collins advised that their records show that Anglian Water is not respondible for surface water sewers in the area. The Clerk advised that, according to Mr Mark Stephens, Mrs Sabine has been in touch with someone concerning this matter.
		Minute 634 & 612 Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 590. Minute of the last Meeting and Minute 577. Maintenance. The Clerk read out a copy of a letter that Mr Monaghan had sent to Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the reflective posts outside his property.
		Minute 634, 612 & 591. Matters Arising From the Minutes & Minute 577. Maintenance. The Clerk reported that Cllr. M. Elliott was having a site meeting with Jenny Moody Properties Limited on the 25th February 2003.
		Minute 634, 612 & 591. Matters Arising From the Minutes & Minute 577. Maintenance. The Clerk advised that she had written to Highways with regard to the road edge that has broken away on the upper part of Crondon Park Lane from the B1007 to the edge of the woods. Cllr. Williams advised that the work had been carried out.
		Minute 634, 612 Matters Arising From The Minutes & 598. Maintenance. The Chairman reported that Cllr. Johnson had spoken to the new owner, Sarah Lewis, of the newsagent who was quite happy for the noticeboard to remain on the wall for the time being. Ms. Lewis advised that she was submitting new plans which will maintain part of the wall.
		Cllr. Tant advised that his Brother was looking at the readymade noticeboards which did not look expensive in oak but he would also look at alternative hardwoods
		Minute 634 & 612. Matters Arising From the Minutes & 599. Road Signs and Footpaths. The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Mr Dobinson of Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to Honeypot Lane. Mr Dobinson advised that regrettably funds for the resurfacing of the road were not forthcoming, and shortage of maintenance funds in general meant that many minor schemes were postponed. Mr Dobinson advised that he had again requested money to resurface Ingatestone Road and was awaiting notification as to whether he had been successful or not. Mr Dobinson also advised that he was arranging to clean the signs.
		Minute 634. Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 623. General Correspondence. Cllr. Peacock advised that he would put a notice in Stock Press with regard to Broadband. It was also agreed that the item should be put in the Chairman's Report. The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the competition and this was handed to Cllr. Peacock. Cllr. Peacock advised that the first application had been submitted to EEDA but he now needed people to sign up who were interested in the service.
		Minute 640. Maintenance. The Clerk advised that Cllr. Johnson had looked at the lid that had come off the waste bin at the top of Swan Lane and the matter had been dealt with.
		The Clerk advised that she had written another letter to Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the loose kerbstones at Vernons Corner that had still not been repaired.
		Minute 641. Open Spaces. Cllr. Lusty reported that he had spoken to the lady with regard to donating a seat in memory of her late Father but she had declined the offer.
		Minute 644. General Correspondence - Item b. The Clerk advised that she had spoken to Jo Fothergill about the Summer Play Activities and had booked the Village Hall for the 12th August 2003 and 23rd August 2003. The Clerk advised that she had subsequently spoken to Mr Archer at Chelmsford Borough Council who had advised her that due to the high demand for the Summer Play Activities from other parishes he could only offer the 12th August 2003. It was agreed that the Clerk would speak to Jo Fothergill to cancel the booking for the 23rd August 2003.
		Minute 644. General Correspondence - Item c. Cllr. Lusty advised that there was too short notice for the Parish Council to get their views in by the closing date and said that the matter needs to be looked at. Cllr. Lusty asked the Clerk to write to Lord Hanningfield in this regard.
656		BEST VALUE GROUP REPORT.
		Traffic Management - Cllr. Peacock reported that there had been two meetings with Chelmsford Borough Council and Essex County Council since his last report. He advised that on the 30th January 2003 they had confirmed that they were on target with the plan produced at Christmas. Cllr. Peacock advised that a new traffic survey had been carried out together with dual speed loops being put in the road which were in place for approximately 5 days. Cllr. Peacock confirmed that there was money allocated for Stock from the A130 measures. Cllr. Peacock reported that he had shown the troublespots in the village to Essex County Council and Chelmsford Borough Council. He advised that they had observed the pedestrian crossing and vehicles mounting the pavement in the High Street. They had witnessed the 'rat-running' in Mill Road and also the hazards in Downham Road had been pointed out to them. Cllr. Peacock advised that Essex County Council and Chelmsford Borough Council were going to come back to the village one afternoon to look at Smallgains Lane and Well Lane. Cllr. Peacock advised that the next traffic meeting would be on the 14th March 2003 at 2.00pm when the best proposals for the village would be shown. Cllr. Lusty asked about having a weight restriction put on the B1007 and Cllr. Peacock advised that restrictions would be put onto the B1007.
		Playground - Cllr. Peacock reported that he would like to make a formal request to the Village Hall Management Committee for a playground on the site as other parishes successfully had playareas next to their Village Halls. It was agreed that Cllr. Peacock should make the request. Cllr. Peacock said that he also liked the idea of the corner of the Common. Cllr. Tant said that he was currently pursuing the matter of the ditch with Mr Northwood and until this was resolved a playarea could not be put on the Common. He advised that Mr Northwood had contacted the Envirnomental Health at Chelmsford Borough Council who were now helping with the matter. Anglian Water had said it was nothing to do with them when contacted. It was agreed that Cllr. Peacock and Cllr. Tant would meet to discuss the idea. Cllr. Tully said that the Parish Council should pursue all ideas and also the site behind the new Doctors' Surgery.
657		GRASS CUTTING.
		The tenders had been received from ELS, Cutting Power, Essex Direct Services and Park Services for the grass cutting contract and were opened at the Meeting. M.I. Henderson and M.D. Landscapes had advised that they would be unable to tender. It was decided that Cllrs. Tant and M. Elliott would look at the tenders and speak to the contractors. It was agreed that Cllrs. Tant and M. Elliott would decide which contractor got the grass cutting contract for 2003. Cllr. Peacock advised that the draft tender for the churchyard grass cutting contract would be sent to the Clerk within the next 24 hours. Cllr. Peacock asked the Clerk to ensure that the tenders were back by the 14th March 2003
658		STREET LIGHTING.
		The Clerk read out a letter received from the Street Lighting Technician, Mr Crossley, at Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the proposed street lighting in Common Road, Common Lane and Mill Road. Mr Crossley advised that in Common Road a lamp column should be placed on the outside of the bend opposite the British Legion giving better illumination to traffic and pedestrians up and down the road. As regards Common Lane there is no room for a lamp column in this very narrow road without placing it in a resident's garden or cutting down private hedges. The overhead power pole opposite number 15 is overrun with cabling and 24seven have therefore asked for no more lanterns to be placed on their poles in the future. Mr Crossley advised that in Mill Road as 24seven want to stop the attachment of lanterns to their poles, Chelmsford Borough Council would have to install a column adjacent to it. The Clerk read out two letters she had received from Mr Condren and Brad Kress and Sarah Mudd with regard to the proposed street light in Mill Road. Cllr. Tully said that she was concerned with the corner as it was dangerous and there was no footpath. Cllr. W. Elliott advised that the cars parking in the road were also causing danger to pedestrians. The Clerk was advised to write back to the parishioners advising them that the request for a street light in Mill Road had been made by a parishioner as was minuted in November and January's minutes and that the traffic problem was being looked into. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to Chelmsford Borough Council asking what type of light poles they have got to put in a conservation area. Cllr. Williams advised the Clerk that the new lamp in Common Road must match the one at the top of Birch Lane. The Clerk said that she would advise Chelmsford Borough Council of this request.
659		WAR ON WASTE.
		The Clerk reported that the green boxes for recycling tins and bottles should be with all households within 7 - 10 days.
		It was reported that Chelmsford Borough Council had parked their caravan in the Village Hall Car Park on the 22nd February to enable parishioners to discuss the new recycling facilities.
		The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the new kerbside collection in rural areas.
660		BUS SHELTERS.
		The Clerk advised that Zurich Insurance had authorised the Parish Council to proceed with the new bus shelter opposite The Ship and that they would pay the invoice minus £100 excess. The Clerk advised that Mr Hood had now completed building the new bus shelter and the original invoice had been sent to Zurich for payment. The Clerk also advised that Zurich Insurance had authorised the Parish Council to proceed with Mr Andrew's quotation for the new shingle roof to be put on the bus shelter opposite the Hoop. Again Zurich will pay the original invoice minus £100.00 excess. The Clerk reported that Mr Andrews would start work on the bus shelter in the High Street on the 25th February 2003.
661		MAINTENANCE
		Cllr. Johnson had asked the Clerk to report that the owners of the new house on the old Police house site in Mill Road, opposite the Catholic Church, had erected small 6" posts on the grass verge which were very dangerous to trip over. It was agreed that the Clerk would write to Highways regarding this matter.
		Cllr. Johnson had asked the Clerk to report that there were sunken drain covers along the High Street which were outside Cllr. Tully's house, outside Rectory Hall and outside the Old Rectory. Cllr. Johnson was particularly concerned with the one outside Cllr. Tully's house as there was a huge hole next to it which was extremely dangerous for cyclists. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to Highways regarding this matter.
		It was reported that the drain cover outside 46 High Street was still rattling as traffic went over it. It was agreed that the Clerk should contact Essex Fire and Rescue and ask them to visit the site again.
		Cllr. Tully reported that a parishioner had asked her whether some white paint could be put on the small kerb on the corner of the Cock Pub. The Clerk advised her that this matter had already been brought to Chelmsford Borough Council's attention. Cllr. Peacock said that he would point this out to Chelmsford Borough Council and Essex County Council at the next meeting and see if it could be covered in the traffic calming measures. It was agreed that even a reflector sign on the wall near the pedestrian crossing would be helpful.
		Cllr. Williams reported that part of the chain that goes across the gravel path in the High Street, at the entrance to Compass Green, needs painting white and also that one chain has dropped lower than the others. It was agreed that Cllr. M. Elliott would look into the matter.
		Cllr. Webb reported that two of the new wooden posts had been knocked over where the Christmas Tree stands. Cllr. Tant advised that the matter had been dealt with.
662		OPEN SPACES.
		Nothing to report.
663		ROAD SIGNS AND FOOTPATHS
		The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Mr Clark of Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to Countryways Post Birthday Round Up. The letter advised that a programme to remove stiles was being introduced. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to Mr Clark advising that any stiles Stock has the Parish Council want maintained. Cllr. Tant said that any stiles in an arable field should most definitely be maintained.
		It was reported that an iron fence had been put up on the footpath at the bottom of the Catholic Church which was making it so narrow that you cannot walk along. It was agreed that the Clerk would contact Mr Clark in this regard and also advise him of the branch blocking the footpath. Cllr. W. Elliott said that she would be happy to meet Mr Clark on site to show him the work that needs to be carried out.
664		VILLAGE HALL REPORT.
		Cllr. Williams advised that there had not been a meeting. She advised that the next meeting would be on 10th March 2003 and that as she was unable to attend Cllr. W. Elliott would attend on her behalf.
665		GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE
	a)	The Clerk advised that Cllr. Johnson, in her capacity as Chairman to Stock Parish Council, had personally been invited to the Institute of the new Rector on the 14th March 2003.
	b)	The Clerk read out an invitation that had been received from CPRE with regard to a meeting about the Introduction to the Planning System which was being held on Friday 5th March 2003. As there were not enough places at the last meeting CPRE have held three places on a first refusal basis. It was decided that Cllrs. Johnson, Williams and Lusty would attend the Seminar.
	c)	The Clerk advised that RCCE had sent the competition entry forms for The Best Kept Village Competition. It was decided that the village should be entered and the forms were given to Cllr. Williams.
	d)	The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to Parish Sports Programme. It was decided that as the event was so successful last year it would be arranged again for this Summer. The forms were handed to Cllr. Tully to arrange.
	e)	The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Mrs Lawless of Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the Annual Just Bin It Campaign. It was decided that Stock would hold a clean up day on Saturday 10th May 2003. Cllr. Tully felt that the school children should get involved and Cllr. Peacock said that he would raise the matter at the next Governors' meeting. Cllr. Tant also suggested getting the Scouts involved. It was decided that the event should be advertised in Stock Press, in the Chairman's Report and on the website. It was agreed that the Clerk should send in the participation form requesting that 24 litter pickers and 36 pairs of gloves be delivered on Friday 9th May 2003.
	f)	The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Chelmer Tenants' Forum with regard to advertising.
	g)	The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Essex Tourism with regard to Essex Festival of the Countryside 2003.
	h)	The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from DEFRA with regard to the licencing bill. Cllr. Williams asked the Clerk to send her a copy to give to the Village Hall Management Committee.
667		REPORT BY CHELMSFORD BOROUGH COUNCILLOR GARY STRINGER.
		Nothing to report.
668		PLANNING MATTERS.
		The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Clive Hollyman at Chelmsford Borough Council's Planning Department with regard to the large buildings that had been erected at Cornerfield, Mill Road. Mr Hollyman advised that the matter would be investigated and he would advise the Clerk of the result of the investigation in due course.
		The Chairman reported that Cllrs. Johnson, Tant and himself had had a site meeting with Howard Green and Mr Andy Leahy on the 5th February 2003 with regard to Holes Place Farm. Cllr. Tant advised that the building was 100 years old and that the proposal was to rebuild externally the same. He advised that the builders had dropped the idea of a third house on the site. Cllr. Tant advised that converting the house into a barn was more desirable than using it for industrial storage. Cllr. Tant advised that new plans were going to be submitted in due course but the only slight change would be velux windows in the roof.
		The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from the Planning Inspectorate advising that the appeal for Brock's Farm had been dismissed.
		Applications:
		Application No. 03/00192/FUL. Two storey side extension, single storey rear extension, revision to previous approval. Location: 7 Cambridge Close, Stock. Applicant: Mr & Mrs C. Pratt. The Parish Council had no comments to make.
		Application No. 03/00224/FUL. Single storey extension over garage and alteration to selevations. Location: 23 Birch Lane, Stock. Applicant: Mr & Mrs Coughlan The Parish Council had no comments to make.
		Application No. 03/00168/FUL. Rear extension to main building, conversion of barn to four accomodation units, enlarge car park. Location: The Bear Public House, The Square, Stock. Applicant: Mr M. Mason - Mason's Restaurants Limited. The Parish Council commented that the conservatory is out of keeping with a listed building of this age in the centre of this village and there is no indication of what materials will be used. They also commented that the pond provides an important local drainage point and care needs to be taken to maintain its current capacity. Also there appears to be inadequate parking for this development.
		Application No. 03/00169/LBC. Alterations associated with ground floor rear extension and conversion of barn to accomodation. Location: The Bear Public House, The Square, Stock. Applicant: Mr M. Mason - Mason's Restaurants Limited. The Parish Council commented that the conservatory is out of keeping with a listed building of this age in the centre of this village and there is no indication of what materials will be used. They also commented that the pond provides an important local drainage point and care needs to be taken to maintain its current capacity. Also there appears to be inadequate parking for this development.
		Results:
		Application No. 02/01594/FUL. Creation of four individual access drives and realignment of existing access. Location: Former Smithkline Beecham Research Complex, Honeypot Lane, Stock. Applicant: Countryside Residential (North Thames) Limited. Approved.
		Application No. 02/01595/REM. Erection of 4 detached dwellings and related development. Location: Former Smithkline Beecham Research Complex, Honeypot Lane, Stock. Applicant: Countryside Residential (North Thames) Limited. Approved.
		Application No. 02/02402/FUL. Two storey front and side extension and pitched roof above side garage. Location: Brookfield, Ingatestone Road, Stock. Applicant: Mr & Mrs Booker. Approved.
		Application No. 02/02434/FUL. Demolition of existing farmhouse and rebuilding in facsimile, conversion of existing barn into a live/work unit, demolition of outbuildings and erection of a new dwelling house together with associated works. Location: Holes Place Farm, Downham Road, Stock. Applicant: Bespoke Properties Limited. Withdrawn.
669		FINANCE.
		The following cheques were approved for payment and signed:
		100844 £431.18 Mrs L.J. Green Salary 1.2.03-28.2.03 100845 £18.34 Inland Revenue Only PAYE and N.I 100846 £79.00 Mrs L.J. Green Expenses 100847 £9.20 Stock Village Hall Hire of Hall 100848 £21.00 ACDPC Annual Subscription Renewal 100849 £100.00 Derek E. Hood Insurance Policy Excess For New Bus Shelter opposite The Ship 100850 £58.31 British Telecommunications Plc Office Telephone
		Transfer of Funds - The Clerk advised that on the 17th February 2003 she had put on notice to transfer £1,000.00 from the Business Reserve Account to the Current Account and the transfer was due to take place on 24th February 2003.
		External Audit for Accounts 2001/02 - Nothing to report.
		Cricket Club Contribution for 2002 - The Clerk had prepared an invoice for £291.67 which she had give to Cllr. Tant. Cllr. Tant advised that the cheque book for the Cricket Club is currently with the Auditors and once they get it back they will settle the invoice.
670		ESSEX RURAL HOUSING TRUST
		Nothing further to report.
671		EASEMENT OVER COMMON LAND.
		Cllrs. Williams reported on the seminar at the EALC on Friday 7th February 2003 that she had attended with Cllr. Johnson. Cllr. Williams said that the seminar was quite interesting and that Stock was unique in that it does not own its Common. Cllr. Williams advised that there was no duty on part of the Parish Council to make people aware of the legislation but that she had lots of information that people could borrow on the subject if they so wished.
672		PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS 2003.
		The Clerk advised that she was now in receipt of the Nomination Packs and handed them out to all Councillors wishing to apply to be re-elected.
673		DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING.
		The next meeting of the Parish Council is on the 24th March 2003.
		The Chairman thanked everyone for coming; the meeting closed at 9.29pm.

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