STOCK PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON
MONDAY 26TH JANUARY 2004 AT STOCK VILLAGE HALL AT 7.30PM.

Present: Cllrs. Williams, Elliott, Tully, Peacock, Lusty, Easton & Otter
In The Chair Cllr. Johnson
Minute Secretary Lorraine Green
Also Present: 2 Members of the Public and Chelmsford Borough Councillor Ian Grundy

909 DEMOCRATIC TIME.
A parishioner, Virginia Henderson, enquired whether temporary reflector posts could be erected on the grass verge at the bottom of Well Lane, near Pilgrims Farm, in order that the grass can grow. It was agreed that this idea would be taken to the next traffic meeting.
910 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
Cllr. Lewis was absent from the meeting.
911 MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING.
Cllr. Elliott asked for the word 'glass' to be added to the end of the last sentence in Minute 900. Bus Shelters.
The Minutes of the last Meeting, having been previously circulated, were then duly signed as a true record of events. All agreed.
912 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.
Minute 889. Democratic Time.
Cllr. Peacock had drafted an article to be delivered to householders informing them of the dates of the Parish Council's meetings and the type of things discussed. It was agreed that the document would be sent to the Clerk for photocopying. Cllr. Peacock said that the article would also go in Stock Press.
Minute 892, 871, 850, 827, 806, 784 & 765. Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 751. Maintenance.
The Clerk advised that Mr Smith had carried out the work to the willow trees in Mill Road.
Minute 892, 871, 850, 827, 806, 784. Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 775. General Correspondence Item b.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Mr Rod Northwood with regard to the flooded ditch on the South Boundary of the Common. Mr Northwood advised that he had now been able to clear the blockage at the Common end of the pipe that carries all the storm water from the ditch. Mr Northwood intends to put a temporary filter at the entrance to the pipe in order to prevent further blockage until the contractors are able to start work. Unfortunately the latter may take some time due to the water table level at present.
Minute 892, 871, 850. Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 829. Planning Matters.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Mr Wayne Jewel, the Enforcement Officer, at Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the vehicle with a vertical notice advertising the restaurant behind the wall in the car park of Crondon Park Golf Course. It would appear that if an advert is placed on a motor vehicle that is driveable, then it does not require planning consent. Mr Jewell has strongly advised Mr Fox at the Club to apply for an advertising board at the entrance of the Club to regularise any forthcoming events.
Minute 892 Matters Arising From The Minutes and 860. Maintenance.
Cllr. Peacock advised that he had asked Chelmsford Borough Council for a copy of their winter service plan to see what roads are to be salted. It was decided that the Parish Council would not pursue the matter of a salt bin in The Square.
Minute 892 Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 860. Maintenance.
As Cllr. Lewis was absent from the meeting it was agreed that the matter of purchasing a Christmas tree for The Square would be deferred until the next meeting.
Minute 893. General Correspondence, item a.
As all the Councillors had not seen the document on The Tree Warden Scheme it was agreed that the matter would be discussed at the next meeting.
Minute 899. War on Waste.
It was reported that Mr Murphy of 23 The Square had now removed the building materials from outside his property.
Minute 900. Bus Shelters.
The Clerk advised that she had asked Mr Tant to remove the broken glass from the brick bus shelter.
Minute 901. Maintenance.
Cllr. Elliott reported that the reflector posts had now been erected in Mill Lane but now Mr May was parking his lorry on the left-hand side of the football field gate. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to Mr Vale of Chelmsford Borough Council and ask him to erect reflector posts on the left-hand side of the gate.
Cllr. Peacock advised that he had spoken to the Churchwarden with regard to the churchyard looking untidy and that the matter was being dealt with.
The Clerk advised that she had asked Mr Tant to repair the white chain at the back of the War Memorial.
The Clerk advised that she had written to Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the pot holes in The Square. To-date a reply had not been received. It was reported that Highways had been to visit the site and had decided that the pot hole outside the newsagents was not deep enough to warrant repair and the pot hole outside the hairdressers was not on highway land.
The Clerk advised that she had spoken to the EALC and RCCE with regard to obtaining a grant to refurbish the village pump in Back Lane. The Clerk was told to contact Mrs Sue Moody of RCCE on the 16th February in order that she could steer the Parish Council towards any grants that were available.
The Clerk read out the quotation that had been received from ELS to clear the leaves and silt from the boundary ditch of the Common along the length of Common Road and to two short sections of ditch on the northern side of Common Road. ELS also quoted to fell and grub out the small hawthorn to the road verge. The quotation was for £340.00 plus VAT. It was agreed that the Clerk should contact ELS and tell them to proceed with the work.
913 GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE.
a) 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 Thursday 6th May 2004. It was decided to nominate Sir John and Lady Carter.
b) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from David Archer, Community Service and Play Manager, of Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to Summer Play Activities 2004. The letter was handed to Cllr. Tully.
c) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Mr Finch with regard to Mr Paul May parking his lorry in Mill Lane and also the missing 'Stock' sign. The Chairman advised that she had spoken to Mr Finch regarding the matters. It was agreed that Cllr. Peacock would bring the subject of the sign up at the next traffic meeting.
d) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Stop Stansted Expansion Group asking if they could make a presentation at a Parish Council meeting. It was decided that the Parish Council did not want to get involved with the issue and if the Group wanted to hold a public presentation then they should organise it themselves by contacting Geoff Tully at the Village Hall.
e) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from CPRE with regard to The Government's Planning Bill. Cllr. Easton advised that the matter had already been heard at the House of Lords.
f) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Kerry Milsom, Principal Legal Assistant, of Essex County Council with regard to Essex Minerals Local Plan Second Review - First Deposit Draft. The document was handed to Cllr. Otter.
g) Cllr. Otter read out a letter that she had received from Mr Smart with regard to telematic signs for the buses and advertisement boards at the Cock Public House. The matters were discussed and it was agreed that Cllr. Otter should draft a reply for the Clerk to send to Mr Smart.
914 PLANNING MATTERS.
The Clerk read out a letter that she had received from the Planning Inspectorate following the appeal by Mr and Mrs Bellamy of Mericot, Marigold Lane. The appeal had been allowed and planning permission granted. Cllr. Otter advised that her name appeared on the document as she had attended the appeal.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Maggie Stanton, Legal Services Officer, at Chelmsford Borough Council. Ms. Cameron advised that the Parish Council's comments with regard to Tree Preservation Order No. 2003/93, Land Adjacent to Oak Hall, Goatsmoor Lane, had been taken into account, and the matter will be reported to the Licensing and Regulatory Committee in due course.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Maggie Stanton, Legal Services Officer, of Chelmsford Borough Council advising that Tree Preservation Order No. (2003/93) at Land Adjacent to Oak Hall, Goatsmoor Lane, would be considered by the Council's Licensing and Regulatory Committee on 29th January 2004 because of representations received.
The Clerk advised that she had spoken to Dean Harris, Planner/Urban Designer at Chelmsford Borough Council and that he had agreed to give the Parish Council an extension of time to send in their comments with regard to the draft copy of new planning guidance regarding Residential Design Guidance - Roof Alterations. The matter was discussed and the Clerk was advised what comments the Parish Council wished to make on the document.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Maggie Stanton, Legal Services Officer, of Chelmsford Borough Council advising that Tree Preservation Order No. (2003/102) at Little Orchard, 5 The Paddock, Stock had been confirmed without modification on 14th January 2004.
Applications:
Application No. 03/02446/FUL. Rebuild dwelling following fire damage, bungalow.
Location: Cookshill Wood Bungalow, Swan Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Mr R.F. Haines.
The Parish Council commented that they had no objections provided the bungalow is a similar size and scale to the original.
Application No. 04/00022/LBC. Replacement of existing floor finish to lobby with oak floor, replacement of existing secondary external door with new door in enlarged (vertical) opening. Demolition of existing sitting room/hall wall and door and replacement with folding door screen. Replacement of existing stair including trimming back stairwell and infilling existing door and forming new door. Replacement of meter cupboard with bookcase incorporating meters. Installation of window shutter (internal). Replacement of skirting.
Location: Brick House, 48 High Street, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Gillespie.
The Parish Council were unable to comment without an internal inspection.
Application No. 04/00019/FUL. Change of use of barn to B1 Business use (print design and associated offices/photography studio)
Location: Bellmans, Stock Road, Stock.
Applicant: Mr P. Fenwick The Parish Council commented that the car park referred to as a public car park actually belongs to the Parish Council. The Parish Council said that they would have no objection to a change of use to print, design and associated offices/photography studio but would strongly object to an extension to B1 business use in an important site at the entrance to the village in the green belt and conservation area.
Application No. 04/00108/FUL. Pitched roof to garage; 2 storey extension between house and garage.
Location: Highwood House, 106 Mill Road, Stock.
Applicant: Mr & Mrs P. Morcom.
The Parish Council commented that this development will substantially increase the size of an already over-large building which overlooks a listed building and would increase traffic on a very narrow, private, single lane track which is also a public footpath.
Results:
Application No. 03/02071/FUL. Erection of conservatory at the rear.
Location: 17 Back Lane, Stock
Applicant: C. Campbell. Approved.
Application No. 03/02074/FUL. Change of use to travelling showman's winter quarters.
Location: Land South of Woodholme, Goatsmoor Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Mr John Tofts. Refused.
Application No. 03/01901/FUL. Construction of hard surface tennis court and surrounding fence.
Location: White Tyrells, Stock Lane, Stock
Applicant: A.M. Hayward. Refused.
Application No. 03/02280/FUL. Single storey garage and granny annexe building.
Location: Daylands Farm, Stock Road, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs M. Sood. Withdrawn.
Application No. 03/02289/OUT. Demolish existing dwelling and construct 2 dwellings (chalet and house) with garages.
Location: 18 Birch Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr M. Tant. Withdrawn.
915 FINANCE.
The Chairman asked Cllr. Williams to find out from the Village Hall Management Committee if the rent for the office could be reduced now that the Village Hall debt had been paid off.
Transfer of Funds - The Clerk advised that on the 19th January 2004 she had put on notice to transfer £2,500.00 from the Business Reserve Account to the Current Account which was due to take place on the 26th January 2004.
Cheques to be Signed - The following cheques were approved for payment and signed:
100935 £502.87 Mrs L.J.Green Salary 1.1.03 - 31.1.03
100936 £49.89 Inland Revenue Only PAYE and N.I.
100937 £67.86 Mrs L.J. Green Expenses
100938 £580.50 Stock Village Hall Half Yearly Rent of Office and hiring hall for 7 evenings
100939 £458.25 TimberTec Re-pollarding two Willow trees and removing middle tree in Mill Road.
Cricket Club Contribution for 2003 - The Clerk advised that she had prepared an invoice for £271.33, which was passed to Cllr. Grundy to give to the Cricket Club.
916. PARISH COUNCILLORS' ALLOWANCES.
It was agreed that the matter would be discussed at the next meeting.
917. BEST VALUE GROUP REPORT
Traffic Management - Cllr. Peacock had drafted a questionnaire for the views of residents with regard to traffic calming measures in Well Lane/Smallgains Lane. The matter was discussed and a couple of alterations were made. It was agreed that the questionnaire would be sent to residents in Well Lane, Smallgains Lane, The Lindens, Madles Lane, Peter Street, Marigold Lane and Rumbles Green. Cllr. Easton asked for her objection to this action to be noted as she felt the questionnaire should be sent to the whole parish. The results will be discussed with Chelmsford Borough Council and Essex County Council on the 13th February 2004.
Playground - Nothing to report.
Broadband - Roger Watling advised that 238 people had now registered but that 400 names were needed.
918 GRASS CUTTING.
It was agreed that the Clerk should contact ELS and M.I. Henderson to get quotations for grass cutting for 2004. It was agreed that the Clerk should check the tenders policy with EALC.
919 STREET LIGHTING
Nothing to report.
920 WAR ON WASTE.
Nothing to report.
921 BUS SHELTERS.
Nothing to report.
922 MAINTENANCE
Nothing to report.
923 OPEN SPACES.
Cllr. Easton advised that she had received complaints with regard to the designation of Common ground in Mill Road. It was reported that outside 29 Mill Road the owner has raised the bank by having it landscaped and putting shrubs on it. It was reported that people walk on this piece of land and feel it is out of keeping with the area. Concerns had been raised about encroachment on Common land. It was agreed that the Parish Council would look closer at the matter and that it would be deferred until the next meeting.
Cllr. Easton reported that the grass verge outside April Cottage was in a bad state. The Chairman advised that the Clerk had written to the owners and a very satisfactory reply had been received in which the owners were willing to be co-operative with the Parish Council.
Cllr. Easton reported that the grass verge outside April Cottage was in a bad state. The Chairman advised that the Clerk had written to the owners and a very satisfactory reply had been received in which the owners were willing to be co-operative with the Parish Council.
Cllr. Easton reported that she had received complaints about pot holes in the car parking area of the Common. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to The Cricket Club, The Bowls Club and the Montessori School to ask for a contribution towards the cost of repairing the car park.
924 ROAD SIGNS AND FOOTPATHS
Nothing to report.
925 VILLAGE HALL REPORT.
Cllr. Williams reported that the Trust Deed is now completed and there are 25 Trustees, which includes representatives from 17 organisations, which use the Village Hall on a regular basis. The Parish Council representative is there purely to observe and report back to the Parish Council. Cllr. Williams reported that the lottery set up to help the building fund has now been wound-up. The financial situation at present is looking healthy.
Cllr. Williams reported that the new Hall Manager is Geoff Tully. She reported that hirers should report anything amiss to him and that Mondays and Fridays are almost completely booked up. It was reported that music should cease at 11.30pm and the hall to be cleared by midnight. A proposal to bring this forward by 30 minutes was not carried.
Chelmsford Borough Council have asked that the ditch at the front of the Village Hall be maintained to keep the flow of water. However, it has been ascertained that the ditch does not belong to the Village Hall and is possibly Lord Petre's responsibility.
Cllr. Williams advised that there will be another Antiques Fair on the 29th February and that the next meeting is on the 15th March. The AGM will be held on 19th May when the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer are all expected to stand down, so if anyone is interested in taking over those positions please come forward.
926 REPORT BY CHELMSFORD BOROUGH COUNCILLOR IAN GRUNDY.
Cllr. Grundy reported on the clearance of the unauthorised travellers' camp in Cranham Road, Little Waltham. He advised that today was the day of action and that the site had been cleared and no caravans remain. Cllr. Grundy advised that there had been 4 arrests and a few bailiffs had sustained minor injuries. It was reported that no vans had stopped elsewhere in the Borough.
Cllr. Grundy advised that the Enforcement Officers at Chelmsford Borough Council would now try and categorise complaints, which would be studied and perused by the Planning Department. Cllr. Grundy reported that Chelmsford Borough Council were also looking to increase staffing levels in the Enforcement Department.
Cllr. Grundy reported that Chelmsford Borough Council had received complaints about the roads in the Borough generally and that hopefully come the Summer some action will be taken in the town centre and in rural areas.
Cllr. Grundy advised that residents will hear about their Council Tax shortly.
927 ESSEX RURAL HOUSING TRUST
Nothing to report.
928 STOCK VILLAGE APPRAISAL.
The meeting was still to be arranged with Essex Rural Community Council
929 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING.
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