STOCK PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON
MONDAY 28TH JULY 2003 AT STOCK VILLAGE HALL AT 7.30PM.

Present: Cllrs. Lusty, Elliott, Tully, Peacock, Easton, Lewis & Otter
In The Chair Cllr. Williams
Minute Secretary Lorraine Green
Also Present: 9 Members of the Public
Chelmsford Borough Councillor Ian Grundy

781 DEMOCRATIC TIME.
A parishioner, Virginia Henderson, and another parishioner from Smallgains Lane expressed their concerns about the traffic in Smallgains Lane and whether there would be further trouble when the major roadworks begin in the village. They felt that the lane should be restricted to 30mph in Smallgains Lane and Well Lane. Mrs Henderson felt that she had been fobbed off by Chelmsford Borough Council as when she visited the exhibition she had been promised that the whole village would have some work carried out but that she had now found out from Mike Agar that there is nothing on the agenda for Smallgains Lane. Mrs Henderson felt that Smallgains Lane should be closed off. The matter was discussed and the Chairman advised Mrs Henderson that the Parish Council had no further news other than the work would start in the school holidays. A parishioner, John Pardon, who had been attending the meetings with Chelmsford Borough Council and Essex County Council advised that in broad terms the matter is settled apart from Downham Road. He advised that the details were yet to be confirmed as there were a few minor items to be changed but what Chelmsford Borough Council and Essex County Council proposed will go ahead. Mr Pardon advised that Cllr. Peacock had raised the Smallgains Lane problem at the meeting. Mr Pardon advised that the intention was to slow the traffic down in the village by narrowing it.
A parishioner, Roger Watling, asked the Parish Council to bear in mind how narrow Common Lane is when tendering for the drainage on the Common. Mr Watling was advised that the vehicles would not be going down Common Lane.
782 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
Cllr. Johnson and Peacock sent their apologies.
783 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.
784 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.
Minute 762. Democratic Time.
The Clerk advised that she had reported to Chelmsford Borough Council that the verges and hedgerows at the junction of Mill Road and Downham Road had still not been cut back and it was making it very dangerous to pull out. Mr Fox of Chelmsford Borough Council had contacted the Clerk to say that he had spoken to the landowners who have now cut the hedges back. Mr Fox also advised the Clerk that Chelmsford Borough Council would also be carrying out work in that area over the next couple of weeks. The Chairman advised that the hedges along the main road were being cut and that it was an improvement.
Minute 765. Matters Arising From The Minutes.
Cllr. Elliott agreed to open and close the Village Hall for the Summer Play Day on the 12th August.
Minute 765, 745, 725 &699. Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 688 General Correspondence, Item a.
The Clerk advised that Roger Watling had requested a copy of the refuse schedule in order that he could put it on the website.
Minute 765 & 745. Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 731. Maintenance.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the posts that had been erected in Birch Lane.
Minute 765. Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 751. Maintenance.
The Clerk advised that Cllr. Johnson had contacted Graeme Smith to look at the broken branch on the tree on the green in the High Street, the Copper Beech by the Almshouses and the willow trees in Mill Road that needed trimming. Mr Smith had advised Cllr. Williams that he was consulting with Chelmsford Borough Council as the trees in question were in the conservation area. Cllr. Otter asked whether a new tree could replace the dead tree. It was agreed that the Chairman would speak to Mr Smith with regard to this request.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the white lines that had worn away on the B1007 by the Paddocks entrance.
Minute 765. Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 752. Open Spaces.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the Cock Inn advertisement boards.
Minute 771. Maintenance.
The Clerk advised that when Mr Tant returned from his holiday she would contact him about removing the bin from outside 122 Mill Road.
The Clerk advised that she had written to Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the flooding problem at 4 The Vintners. To-date no reply had been received.
Minute 775. General Correspondence Item b.
The Clerk advised that she had contacted three firms to obtain quotations for the drainage on the Common. After discussion with Cllr. Johnson, the Clerk had contacted Colin Tant and had asked him to meet the contractors to discuss the work that needed to be carried out. The Clerk had sent a copy of Mr Northwood's letter to Colin Tant.
Minute 775. General Correspondence Item d.
Cllr. Otter advised that she had not seen the book that accompanied the video. The Clerk said that she would speak to Cllr. Johnson about the matter. Cllrs. Easton, Elliott and Tully advised that they had not yet seen the book or video.
Minute 777. Planning Matters.
The Clerk advised that she had spoken to Michael Lee at Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to highlighting amendments on amended plans. Mr Lee said that he would speak to the Planning Officers about this request. Chelmsford Borough Cllr. Grundy has also taken up the matter and advised that it is a problem and that other Parish Councils have also made the same request. Chelmsford Borough Cllr. Grundy advised that the Parish Council could retain the original plans if they had the storage. Chelmsford Borough Cllr. Grundy advised that David Wallis was going to put a proposal in writing to him. Cllr. Otter asked Chelmsford Borough Cllr. Grundy when amended plans need to become a new application.
Minute 778. Finance.
The Clerk advised that she had spoken to the EALC with regard to Barclays Bank charging £2.00 per statement when sent to the Parish Council with the accompanying banked cheques. The EALC had advised her that as long as there is an audit trail there is no need for cheques to be returned to the Parish Council and kept for audit purposes. The Clerk had therefore spoken to Barclays Bank and asked them to stop sending the cheques back to her. Councillors were reminded that cheque stubs must be initalled.
785 BEST VALUE GROUP REPORT.
Traffic Management - Cllr. Peacock had advised the Clerk that the date of the next traffic meeting with Chelmsford Borough Council and Essex County Council was still to be arranged.
Playground - The Clerk advised that Cllr. Johnson had spoken to Lord Hanningfield about the ownership of The Larches and that Lord Hanningfield had agreed to take the matter up. The Clerk advised that she had written to Mr Snook of the Essex Playing Fields and Children's Play Association requesting an annual inspection of the play equipment.
Broadband - Cllr. Peacock had advised the Clerk that Stock had not won the competition. The matter was discussed and it was decided that notices needed to be put up all over the village advising people that if they gave their name and address to Broadband it did not commit them to anything it just registered an interest for the village. It was agreed that the Clerk should speak to Cllr. Peacock about the matter.
786 BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION.
The Chairman reported that Cllr. Johnson and herself had attended the Rural Community Council for Essex AGM where they were presented with Stock's certificates for the competition. The Chairman advised that Stock was runner up this year, in our class, in the Best Kept Village Competition, losing out to Great Bentley. She advised that maybe next year, with a little more effort, we could win it. The class for large villages was won by Coggeshall, with Writtle coming second. In the overall Essex Village of the Year Competition, to go forward to the National Competition, Coggeshall came first, with Kelvedon - who beat Blackmore in their class - coming second. Stock and Belchamp St. Paul were Highly Commended. The Village of the Year Competition, organised by the Rural Community Council of Essex, was not only judged on appearance, but also on community activities and caring and support in the parish. The Chairman showed the Parish Council the certificates received. It was decided that the Chairman should consult with the Village Hall Management Committee with regard to displaying the certificates in the Village Hall. It was also agreed that a copy should be displayed on the noticeboard and in the library. Cllr. Easton said that she felt that as the village nearly won the competition, the Parish Council should be more pro-active next year with regards to the competition by giving people incentives to make the village look nice, ie. Best Kept Hanging Basket or Best Kept Garden Competitions. The Parish Council agreed that this was a good idea.
The Chairman also reported that the Rural Community Council for Essex had spoken to Cllr. Johnson and herself about helping with the Village Appraisal. The Chairman advised that there should be more to report next month.
787 GRASS CUTTING.
Cllr. Elliott reported that the Common had not been cut on the 25th July. Cllr. Elliott asked if the triangle of grass outside Bellmans Farm, with the lamppost on it, outside the church, could be put on the grass cutting schedule. This was agreed. Cllr. Elliott also asked if the lamppost could be painted. It was decided that the Councillors would look to see if the lamp is actually working and if so it would be painted.
788 STREET LIGHTING
Nothing to report.
789 WAR ON WASTE.
Chelmsford Borough Cllr. Grundy advised that the weekly collections are being reinstated and that the recycling collection will remain. Cllrs. Lewis and Elliott advised that they had both telephoned Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the public waste bins overflowing. Cllr. Lewis advised that people were putting household rubbish in the public waste bin outside her shop.
Cllr. Elliott advised that the bottle banks had been removed from Swan Lane.
790 BUS SHELTERS.
Cllr. Elliott reported that Mrs Pepper had asked at the recent W.I. meeting for somebody to help with the flowers at the Bus Shelter in the village. It was reported that the flowers were actually dying. Cllr. Lewis offered to re-plant the pots and look after them. Cllr. Elliott advised Cllr. Lewis to submit a bill for her expenses. It was agreed that Cllr. Johnson should contact Mrs Pepper and advise her that Cllr. Lewis had offered to look after the flowers.
791 MAINTENANCE
Cllr. Elliott asked the Clerk to contact Mr Clarke of Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the overgrown hedges in Well Lane. Cllr. Elliott also reported that the Willow tree on the right hand side of Well Lane between the Village Nursery and Pilgrims Farm also needed cutting back. The Chairman agreed to look at this matter.
Chelmsford Borough Cllr. Grundy reported that shoots were coming out from the base of the trees on both sides of Common Road. It was agreed that Cllr. Elliott would contact ELS with regard to the matter.
Cllr. Tully reported that she had received a request for a litter bin in Dakyn Drive where the field is on the bend. The matter was discussed and it was decided that the situation would be monitored.
Cllr. Tully reported that in Dakyn Drive, near Mackay House by the garages and litter bin, there was an overhanging tree, which was lower than eye level that needed to be trimmed. The Chairman said that she would look at the site and arrange for the tree to be cut.
792 OPEN SPACES.
Nothing to report.
793 ROAD SIGNS AND FOOTPATHS
Cllr. Easton reported that the footpath by the Catholic Church by the kissing gate was very overgrown. It was agreed that the Clerk would contact Mr Clarke of Chelmsford Borough Council.
Cllr. Tully asked the Clerk to contact Mr Clarke of Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the footpath between Swan Lane and Dakyn Drive, up by the school.
Cllr. Easton reported that the footpath that goes from the Cul-de-Sac in Well Lane to Rumbles Green is incredibly overgrown. Cllr. Easton asked the Clerk to write a letter to Jenny Moody Properties with regard to the builders who are throwing all their rubbish onto the footpath. Cllr. Easton also reported that the gates of the building site are not being closed at night, which is a hazard.
Cllr. Lewis reported that there is litter all around the development in Mill Road. It was agreed that the Clerk should also write a letter to the builders. Cllr. Lewis said that she would advise the Clerk of the builders' name.
794 VILLAGE HALL REPORT.
The Chairman reported that the date had been changed for the Village Hall Management Meeting whilst she was on holiday and she was therefore unable to advise Cllr. Elliott who was going to attend the meeting on her behalf. The Chairman advised that she had now signed as representative of the Parish Council as a Trustee for the Charity Commission. The Chairman reported that four lampposts had been erected and were now ready and waiting for lights to be attached to them. It was reported that a trench had been dug for the cabling. The Chairman advised that the playgroup had started a new garden. The next meeting of the Village Hall Management Committee will be held on the 8th October. The Chairman reported that the Village Hall Management Committee had agreed to the Parish Council putting up a noticeboard outside the Village Hall next to the letterbox.
795 GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE
a) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Cllr. Elliott on behalf of the Stock Village Hall Management Committee asking for help and donations at their Mini Xmas Fayre and Coffee Morning to be held on the 8th November 2003. Cllr. Elliott explained in her letter that this is the annual combined fund raising event for the village hall, by all organisations who use the hall. This year it is to help towards the cost of painting the outside of the hall.
b) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from DEFRA with regard to the Rural Services Standard 2003.b) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from DEFRA with regard to the Rural Services Standard 2003.
c) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from the Standards Board For England enclosing a revised edition of their guidance booklet 'How do I register and declare interests, and register gifts and hospitality'. The Clerk distributed the new booklets to the Councillors and advised them this new edition should replace the previous booklet received. The Clerk also distributed The Good Councillor Guide Books to the Councillors that had been received from the EALC.
d) The Clerk read out a copy of a letter that had been sent to Chelmsford Borough Council from Lilystone Hall Management Limited with regard to Hedgerows, verges and footpaths in Honeypot Lane, Ingatestone Road and B1007 (Stock Road). The matter was discussed and it was agreed that as the letter had been written directly to Chelmsford Borough Council the matter should be dealt with by them. The Parish Council agreed to keep an eye on the points raised in the letter.
e) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Rural Community Council of Essex with regard to affordable housing within rural areas. It was agreed that the Clerk should write back advising them that the Parish Council are currently dealing with Essex Rural Housing Trust in this regard.
f) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from the Licencing Officer at Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to an application for an entertainment's licence for Greenwoods Estate Health Spa and Retreat, Stock Road. The Parish Council had no objections to this application.
g) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from the Licencing Officer at Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to an application for the renewal of an entertainment's licence for Stock Village Hall, Common Road. The Parish Council had no objections to this application.
h) The Clerk read out a copy of a letter that had been sent from Mr Campbell of Tiltings, Mill Lane to Mr Vale of Chelmsford Borough Council and a copy of his reply. i) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Cyril King, Engineer, of Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the proposed temporary road closure at Ingatestone Road due to commence on the 5th August and expected to be completed by the 8th August 2003. The diversionary route for vehicles during this time will be via Ingatestone Road, Honeypot Lane and Stock Road.
j) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Dick Finch with regard to the dangerous parking of a lorry belonging to Mr May on the bend in Mill Lane. Mr Finch had enclosed photographs for the information of the Parish Council. Mr Finch advised that a hard 'layby' had been carved out by Mr May from the Greensward pushing soil into the ditch which Mr May had reinforced with gravel and sand. Mr Finch felt that posts should be erected to prevent parking in this area. The matter was discussed and it was decided that the Parish Council should write to Highways, enclosing the photographs, with regard to the matter. It was also agreed that the Clerk should write again to Mr May advising him that several complaints had now been received and that this would be the last letter from the Parish Council asking him to reinstate the verge. It was agreed that the Clerk would also send Mr May a copy of the letter sent to the Highways Department of Chelmsford Borough Council. Cllr. Otter reported that the same problem was occurring outside Cherry Tree Cottages and it was agreed that Greenwoods should be contacted in this regard.
Mr Finch also enclosed a photograph of the post box in Mill Lane. Mr Finch advised that the post office vans have progressively eaten into the grass and have now tipped sideways the concrete slab. Mr Finch also informed the Parish Council that the 'next collection' time tag is missing. The matter was discussed and it was agreed that the Clerk should write to the Post Office with regard to these matters.
Mr Finch also informed the Parish Council in his letter that the maintenance of the seat on the Common was the responsibility of the Parish Council. The seat was donated by Mr Wood of Danbury in memory of his Son, Philip. At that time Mr Wood gave a sum of money to the Parish Council for the maintenance of the seat. Mr Finch advised that the seat was going rusty in parts and requires attention. The Chairman advised that the seat was donated in 1993. Chelmsford Borough Cllr. Grundy said that it would be a costly job as the metal has corroded. It was agreed that the Clerk should ask Michael Tant to look at the seat and advise the Parish Council whether he could carry out the work or whether a specialist needed to look at the seat. In Mr Finch's letter he advised that parking on either side of the road at Buttsbury Terrace where it joins the main road causes all sorts of problems. Mr Finch felt a simple solution would be for the Parish sign on the right hand side from the Chelmsford end to be unbolted and turned 90 degrees so that it reads 'No parking on this side'. The matter was discussed and it was decided that this matter should be put on hold until the work has been carried out in the village.
k) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Paul Downie from The Office of The Deputy Prime Minister with regard to the New Ethical Framework Regulations which were laid before Parliament on Friday 5th June and came into force on the 30th June 2003. These Regulations set out the process to be followed when an allegation of Councillor misconduct is referred to a local Monitoring Officer, following an investigation by an Ethical Standards Officer of the Standards Board for England. It was agreed that this letter should be put on file.
l) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from the Chairman of Essex County Council asking if anybody would be prepared to donate any memorabilia that has been produced in the form of mugs, plates etc to commemorate a Royal Wedding or Jubilee or some such event. The items would be placed in a display cabinet in the main reception room of Maynetrees. The matter was discussed but unfortunately the Parish Council did not have anything to donate.l) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from the Chairman of Essex County Council asking if anybody would be prepared to donate any memorabilia that has been produced in the form of mugs, plates etc to commemorate a Royal Wedding or Jubilee or some such event. The items would be placed in a display cabinet in the main reception room of Maynetrees. The matter was discussed but unfortunately the Parish Council did not have anything to donate.
796 REPORT BY CHELMSFORD BOROUGH COUNCILLOR IAN GRUNDY.
Chelmsford Borough Cllr. Grundy reported that the two main issues had been refuse and the withdrawal of the Borough Plan. The refuse issue Cllr. Grundy had already discussed under War on Waste. Cllr. Grundy reported that the withdrawal of the Borough Plan went along the lines as forecasted. He explained that the Plan was flawed, particularly with regard to the 1,900 houses to be built in Boreham. The flaws were things like transport problems, a train station would be needed which would not be ready by the time the houses were built, overhead cable problems and then the Government's announcement of their plans to widen the A12. Cllr. Grundy explained that the Plan was already running two years late and expired in 2011. Cllr. Grundy advised that the Plan was going to be re-thought out with a life until 2016 or even 2021. Cllr. Grundy said that Chelmsford Borough Council were in discussions with the Minister of State and that the Council were totally committed to green belt. Cllr. Grundy advised that the Parish Councils would be involved with the meetings with regard to the new Borough Plan.
797 STANDING ORDERS - AMENDMENT TO STANDING ORDER NO. 75. PLANNING APPLICATIONS.
The matter was discussed and Cllr. Otter objected to the Standing Orders being amended. Cllr. Otter said that the Parish Council should have planning meetings, which the public can attend. She said that she also felt the same way about the Best Value Group as it covered matters that affected the parishioners. The Clerk advised Cllr. Otter that if these meetings were held then an agenda would have to be published and minutes of the meeting taken. The Chairman explained the current procedure to Cllr. Otter and advised her that it was only minor applications that were not deferred to the full council meeting. The Chairman decided to take a vote in which 5 Councillors voted for the amendment and 2 voted against. It was therefore agreed that the Standing Order should be amended and an item c. should be inserted which read 'The Clerk has delegated power to respond to planning applications after discussion with three nominated members of the Parish Council'. It was agreed that the Standing Orders would be reinstated as from the next meeting with the new paragraph inserted.
798 PLANNING MATTERS.
The Clerk advised that she had received a letter from Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the withdrawal of the Local Plan.
Applications:
Application No. 03/01297/FUL. Proposed alterations and extension.
Location: 34 Birch Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Mr U. Toliani
Comments by 23rd July 2003, under the Clerk's delegated power this had been passed to Cllrs. Johnson, Elliott & Williams who said that they had no comments to make
Application For a Certificate of Lawfulness No. 03/01323/CLEUD. First floor bedroom, landing and access with dormer and roof windows.
Location: 6 Peter Street, Stock.
Applicant: Mr & Mrs K. Stevens.
Comments by 25th July 2003, under the Clerk's delegated power this had been passed to Cllrs. Johnson, Elliott & Williams who said that they had no comments to make.
Application No. 03/01372/FUL. Single storey rear extension.
Location: 52 Dakyn Drive, Stock.
Applicant: Mrs S. Hollran
The Parish Council had no comments to make.
Amendments to Application No. 03/00754/FUL. Demolition of existing farmhouse and rebuilding in facsimile; conversion of barn and outbuildings to ancillary accommodation; rebuilding of outbuildings to form garages and stores; demolition of outbuildings - Revised application.
Location: Holes Place Farm, Downham Road, Stock.
Applicant: Bespoke Properties Limited.
The Parish Council objected to the ancillary accommodation being bigger than the main house. The Parish Council commented that it does not support the access to the site and it is unsafe for more than one residence of this size. The Parish Council also stated that this development is in the green belt.
Results:
Application No. 02/01593/REM. Erection of 17 detached dwellings and related development (reserved matters for siting, road and access layout).
Location: Former Smithkline Beecham Research Complex, Honeypot Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Countryside Residential (North Thames) Limited. Approved (S106).
Application No. 03/00957/FUL. Single storey side extension.
Location: 3 Brittons Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Mr. P. Hunt. Approved.
Application No. 03/00967/FUL. Extension of garage (amendment to previous approval).
Location: 27 Mill Road, Stock.
Applicant: Mr & Mrs S. Watkins. Approved.
Application No. 03/00739/FUL. Detached garage.
Location: Fairfields, Marigold Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Mr Squibb. Refused.
Application No. 03/00938/FUL. Conservatory at rear.
Location: 17 Back Lane, Stock.
Applicant: P. Gilbert. Approved.
Application No. 03/01002/FUL. Two storey side/rear extension & alterations.
Location: 19 Back Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Mr & Mrs R. Moore. Approved.
Application No. 03/05070/TPO. Works to T1 - Ash and T2 - Weymouth Pine (TPO 2000/59).
Location: Mericot, Marigold Lane, Stock.
Applicant: David Bellamy. Approved.
Application No. 03/01041/FUL. Rear conservatory.
Location: 55 Well Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Mr. & Mrs E. Fairman. Approved.
799 FINANCE.
The Clerk advised that a VAT Refund had been received for £527.99.
Cheques to be Signed - The following cheques were approved for payment and signed:
100886 £504.60 Mrs L.J.Green Salary 1.7.03 - 31.7.03
100887 £48.16 Inland Revenue Only PAYE and N.I.
100888 £82.58 Mrs L.J. Green Expenses
100889 £548.74 ELS Grass Cutting June
100890 £245.00 Mark Henderson Grass Cutting Churchyard
100891 £565.70 Stock Village Hall Hire of Hall and office rental
Transfer of Funds - The Clerk advised that she had put on notice to transfer £2,000.00 from the Business Reserve Account to the Current Account which was due to take place on the 28th July 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 internal audit had now been completed and that the Approval of Annual Return and Statement of Assurance for Accounts 2002/03 was ready for signature. Having circulated a copy of the form to the Councillors, the Chairman and the Clerk were authorised to sign the form. The Clerk advised that the notice had been placed on the noticeboard advising parishioners of the dates they could view the accounts. The Clerk advised that all documentation had to be back with the external auditors by the 12th September 2003.
800 ESSEX RURAL HOUSING TRUST
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Ann Bishop of the Essex Rural Housing Trust who advised that two areas had been identified as suitable locations for housing but they needed information on the ownership of the sites. The matter was discussed and the areas were identified as Mill Lane and the corner of Back Lane and School Lane. Cllr. Elliott said that she would speak to Peter Woodward to find out who owned the land in Mill Lane. It was agreed that the other site was owned by Mr Thomasin-Foster and that the Clerk would ask Cllr. Johnson to contact him in this regard. It was agreed that the Clerk would write back to Essex Rural Housing Trust with the relevant information.
801 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING.
The next meeting of the Parish Council is on the 1st September 2003.
The Chairman thanked everyone for coming; the meeting closed at 9.58pm.
Stock Index Council