STOCK PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes Of The Meeting Held
On Monday 26th July 2004 At Stock Village Hall At 7.30pm.

Present: Cllrs. Johnson, Williams, Elliott, Tully, Lewis, Easton, Lusty & Otter
In The Chair Cllr. Peacock
Minute Secretary Lorraine Green
Also Present: 7 Members of the Public , Chelmsford Borough Councillor Ian Grundy
and P.C. Adrian Elmer.

1043 DEMOCRATIC TIME.
A parishioner, Mr Westwood, raised various points regarding the War Memorial. The matter was discussed and the Chairman said that he would write a letter answering Mr Westwood's questions.
A parishioner, Mr James, explained that he was new to Stock and lived in the High Street opposite the Cock Car Park. He raised the issue of traffic management. The matter was discussed at length with the Chairman who advised that a survey had been carried out the previous week and that the Parish Council have been working with Chelmsford Borough Council and Essex County Council for the last three years regarding volume, type and speed of traffic.
A parishioner, Virginia Henderson, asked about the latest situation on Smallgains Lane. The Chairman advised that now that the traffic survey had been carried out he would try and re-arrange a traffic meeting for about four to six weeks time.
A suggestion was made for rumble strips before the gateway in the High Street. The Chairman said that they would be too noisy.
P.C. Elmer introduced himself as the new Community Beat Officer. Cllr. Lewis reported that there had been youths on scramble bikes on the fields behind Mackay House. Cllr. Johnson said that the youths were a nuisance especially in the Summer holidays. Cllr. Elliott advised that her handbag had been stolen that afternoon from the Village Hall.
1044 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
Cllr. Grundy sent his apologies.
1045 MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING.
Cllr. Johnson advised that on the sixth line of the sixth paragraph of Minute 1021. Democratic Time, 'Ozzy' should read 'Osib'.
Cllr. Otter asked for the words 'the full' be replaced with 'some of the' in the first line of the second paragraph of Minute 1027. Planning Matters, 29/31 Mill Road, and April Cottage, Mill Road.
Cllr. Otter asked for the last sentence to be deleted from the third paragraph of Minute 1031. Grass Cutting.
The Minutes of the last Meeting, having been previously circulated, were then duly signed as a true record of events. All agreed.
1046 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.
Minute 1023. Minutes of The Last Meeting
Christmas Tree - Cllr. Lewis advised that the nursery were going to contact her when the tree was ready to be planted.
Tree Warden Scheme - Nothing further to report.
Proposal for more posts in Mill Lane - The Chairman said that he would chase P.C. Elmer regarding the parking situation.
Village Pump in Back Lane - The Clerk advised that she had written another letter to Mr Andrews to provide a quotation. To-date no reply had been received.
The Larches -Lord Hanningfield had advised the Clerk that he thought Michael Thomasin-Foster owned the land. A letter that had been received from Mrs Miller was read out. Mrs Miller advised that the only details she had concerning the Larches plantation was that it was owned by Mr George Hedges of C & D Contractors. Mrs Miller advised that the address could date back to the 1940's. It was agreed that the matter would be discussed further under Best Value Group Report
Grass Outside Bungalows in Birch Lane/Faulkner Close - The Clerk advised that she had written another letter to Chelmsford Borough Council. To-date no reply had been received. Cllr. Williams advised that the area looked a little bit better but it was not as good as it used to be. It was agreed that the Clerk should contact the person responsible for erecting the posts.
Emptying of Litter Bins - Cllr. Lewis said that they had been fine.
Restoration of grass at the junction of Common Road / Birch Lane - It was reported that the work had been carried out.
Hedge by the Zebra Crossing - The Clerk advised that she had written another letter to Highways but to-date a reply had not been received. It was agreed that the Clerk should telephone Highways and advise them that it was getting quite dangerous.
Essex and Suffolk Water - Restoration of Grass at area next to the pond at Thornton Place - Cllr. Elliott advised that the work had been carried out.
Letter received from Mr Westwood with regard to Stock and Buttsbury War Memorial - The Chairman said that he would send a letter to Mr Westwood.
Letter to The Boundary Committee re Periodic Electoral Review of Essex - Parliamentary Constituencies Revised Recommendations - The Chairman said that he would deal with the matter.
Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 Provisional Map Issue for East England - It was agreed that Cllr. Williams would look into the problem of the Parish Boundary which seems to go onto the other side of the A12.
Mill Road/Downham Road Footpath - The Clerk advised that she had written to Mr Clark with regard to the ditch that had appeared. To-date a reply had not been received.
Footpath 29 - The Clerk advised that she had written to Mr Clark reporting that the laurel hedge was encroaching onto the footpath and needed cutting back. To-date a reply had not been received.
1047 GENERAL CORRESONDENCE.
a) The Chairman thanked Cllr. Lusty for his apologies for the last meeting and then proceeded to read out a letter that had been received from Cllr. Lusty raising two matters. The first was that the grass around and underneath the bench in Swan Lane is not being cut and unless he cuts it with shears then it grows through the slats on the bench. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to ELS in this regard as they should be carrying out this work.
b) The second matter was to ask whether the Borough Council gives their reasons when they refuse a planning application. The Chairman advised that copies of the decisions are always sent to the Clerk and that it has been agreed that these will be circulated at meetings. The Chairman also read out a letter that had been received from the Customer Service Development Officer at Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to Planning Officer Reports.
b) The Chairman read out a letter that had been received from the Licensing Officer at Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to Entertainment Licensing for Greenwoods Estate Health Spa and Retreat. The matter was discussed and a vote was taken and it was agreed that the Chairman and Clerk should draft a letter stating the Parish Council's objections to the licence but if granted stating the times that the Parish Council felt were acceptable. Chelmsford Borough Councillors Grundy and Whitehead asked the Parish Council for their views on the application as they were also writing individually.
c) The Chairman advised that an invitation had been received from Essex Air Ambulance to attend the opening of their new offices. The Chairman took the invitation.
d) The Chairman read out a letter that had been received from Maggie Stanton, Legal Services Officer, at Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to Tree Preservation Order No. 2004/34 at Caer-Luel, The Paddock. The reasons for the order were that the Deodar Cedar protected by this Order can be clearly seen in the southern end of The Paddock which contains seven houses. It provides a softening effect in the road and screening between two properties.
1048 PLANNING MATTERS.
The Chairman read out letters that had been received from Chelmsford Borough Council's Planning Department giving the owners of 2 Bakers Field permission to fell a sycamore, the owners of 12 Common Road permission to remove 2 lateral branches, that were snagging the telephone line, back to main stem on the Lime tree at the frontage of the property. All Saints Church had also been given permission to pollard the Common Ash at the North West corner of the Church.
Update on Long Gables
The Chairman read out a letter that had been received from Paul Bohannan, Enforcement Officer, at Chelmsford Borough Council in response to the latest submission from Jenny Moody Properties re the configuration of the proposed drive layout etc. Mr Bohannan confirmed that Chelmsford Borough Council finds this an acceptable solution and therefore their planning file will be amended accordingly. It was agreed that the Clerk should write back stating that despite the Parish Council reporting this breach of the original consent and the subsequent delay in their response, the Parish Council felt Chelmsford Borough Council have failed to preserve the amenity of this area. Although the Parish Council felt the outcome was still unsatisfactory they would be willing to work with the new property owners to agree mutually acceptable planting. The Parish Council also wanted confirmation that in future enforceable conditions will be applied to all developments.
29/31 Mill Road and April Cottage, Mill Road
The Chairman read out a letter that had been received from Wayne Jewel, Enforcement Officer, at Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the possible breach of planning control at 31 Mill Road. Mr Jewell advised that following a site visit, and an examination of planning records, the land belongs to Lord Petre. Mr Jewell advised that he had spoken to Highways Services and they are of the opinion that the verge looks very picturesque and obviously well maintained, to which he agreed, and that planning permission would not be required as the driveway runs over private land. Mr Jewell advised that the materials used had been approved and categorically stated that safety was not a factor. Therefore no further action will be taken by Chelmsford Borough Council. The matter was discussed and it was agreed that the Clerk should write to Lord Petre and ask him his views on kerbs, driveway edging and planting on his common land.
Policy to be adopted for discussing plans under delegated power.
The Chairman suggested that the current delegated power process be maintained and that plans for new build, replacement build, green belt, conservation area, change of use and commercial be taken to a full Parish Council meeting. This course of action was agreed.
Applications:
Application No. 04/01375/FUL. Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of new 4 bed detached dwelling.
Location: Lane End, 59 Birch Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr B. Radley.
The Parish Council commented that the application requires a landscape scheme.
Application No. 04/01473/FUL. Single storey rear extension under pitched roof with new pitched roof over existing flat roofed rear section.
Location: Little Tyrrells, Stock Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs M. Hunt.
The Parish Council commented that the residential curtilage and plot appear to be incorrectly identified otherwise the Parish Council made no objections.
No. 04/01003/FUL. Conversion of and extension to existing garage to provide accommodation for senior citizens and provision of replacement garage.
Location: Garden Nursery, Well Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Whitaker.
The Parish Council objected to this application as the original house approval was approved on the basis of being an agricultural dwelling to support the nursery business.
The Parish Council strongly objected on the basis that this application has nothing to do with an agricultural need. It is a new residential build in the green belt.
Application No. 04/01349/REM. Erection of eight detached dwellings (reserved matters for siting, design, external appearance and landscaping pursuant to application 97/01410/OUT).
Location: Former SmithKline Beecham Research Complex, Honeypot Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Countryside Properties (Southern) Limited.
The Parish Council commented that the property orientation has been changed and the planting scheme altered so that it gives a less rural and more urban appearance. Height of chimneys and properties are excessively high. Plots 10,11 and 12 have a rendered finish which is more visible from the B1007.
Application No. 04/01498/FUL. Change of use to showmans winter quarters for one family. Location: Land South of Woodholme, Goatsmoor Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Mr John Tofts.
The Chairman read out a letter that had been received from a parishioner objecting to the application. It was agreed that the Parish Council would re-iterate the comments made in the letter. The Parish Council strongly objected to this application and said that they believed the change of use should not be permitted for the following reasons: -
1. The land in question is green belt and the proposed change is not allowed under the rules; the installation of site huts, caravans, mobile homes or permanent homes is an inappropriate development.
2. Any such development is clearly visible from the road and represents a visual intrusion and loss of amenity.
3. Any development of this sort will cause additional traffic on a blind corner on a grade 2 protected single track lane and is therefore a hazard.
4. This is a rural area of considerable natural beauty that is already being blemished by illegally placed site huts that should be removed.
5. If permission was granted, it would set a precedent for Goatsmoor Lane that would change its nature altogether with all land and property owners able to develop in contravention of the green belt rules.
Application No. 04/01523/FUL. Construction of cart lodge for vehicle parking within existing parking area. Location: Bellmans, Stock Road, Stock.
Applicant: Mr P. Fenwick.
The Parish Council commented that it was unnecessary, inappropriate new build in the green belt which has potential to reduce available on-site parking when employees are already parking off-site in public parking.
Results:
Application No. 04/00896/FUL. Change of use to estate agency plus related services such as building society agency etc.
Location: 18 Mill Road, Stock
Applicant: Mr Michael Melleney T/A. M. Estates. Refused.
Application No. 04/00867/FUL. Demolition of existing dwelling and construction of a detached house with double garage.
Location: Greentiles, Common Road, Stock
Applicant: Mr M. Archer. Approved.
Application No. 04/01089/REM. One detached dwelling on Plot 15 (amendment to reserved matters approved 05.04.04 ref. 04/00349/REM).
Location: Former SmithKline Beecham Research Complex, Honeypot Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Countryside Properties (Southern) Ltd. Approval of Reserved Matters.
Application No. 04/01134/FUL. Single storey side extension.
Location: 4 The Lindens, Stock
Applicant: Mrs Payne. Approved.
Application No. 04/00866/FUL. Part alteration (sub-division) and change of use A1 to A2 with studio flat.
Location: 38 High Street, Stock
Applicant: Mrs C. Sabine. Withdrawn.
Application No. 04/00959/FUL. Formation of rooms in the roof and insertion of two dormers, one false, at the rear (as approved under permission nos. 98/0171/FUL and 99/00790/FUL).
Location: 4 Peter Street, Stock
Applicant: Ms. B. Furlong. Approved.
Application No. 04/01102/FUL. Single storey rear extension.
Location: Whitelilies, Ramsden Heath, Stock
Applicant: Mrs Ritchie. Approved.
Application No. 04/01103/LBC. Single storey rear orangery extension.
Location: Whitelilies, Ramsden Heath, Stock
Applicant: Mrs Ritchie. Approved.
1049 FINANCE.
The Clerk advised that a VAT refund of £761.72 had been received and bank interest of £129.83.
Clerk's Salary - The Chairman reported that the Clerk had been advised by EALC that discussions were still being held with regard to the changes to Clerk's salary rates from 1st April 2004.EALC said they would keep the Parish Council posted with any up-to-date progress and that the Clerk could back-date the pay to the 1st April 2004
The Chairman advised that he was aware that the Clerk was working extra hours and had asked her to keep an accurate record of the hours worked as he felt she should be paid appropriately. He advised that the paperwork was increasing and there was always something happening that needed the Clerk to work extra hours - i.e. the Parish Councillor Allowances and the meetings lasting longer. The Parish Council agreed with this.
Insurance - The Chairman advised that Zurich would not give a refund if the policy was cancelled so the matter would have to be looked at again earlier next year
Audit of Accounts 2003/04 - The Clerk advised that Lubbock Fine had contacted her for further information which she had provided to them. The Chairman advised that he had been approached by a parishioner complaining that the notice of audit had faded. The Chairman advised that the notice had been replaced very quickly. The parishioner complained that he did not know where to go to look at the books and said that he was going to complain to the Auditors. The Chairman advised him that he did know where to go and who to contact as he had looked at the books in previous years.
Cheques to be Signed -
The following cheques were approved for payment and signed:
100979 £504.96 Mrs L.J.Green Salary
100980 £46.64 Inland Revenue Only PAYE and N.I.
100981 £93.60 Mrs L.J. Green Expenses
100982 £533.46 ELS Grass Cutting May
100983 £601.61 ELS Grass Cutting June
100984 £57.50 Stock Village Hall Hire of Hall
100985 £291.00 Mark Henderson Grass Cutting Churchyard
1050 Transfer of Funds - None carried out.
The Clerk had prepared the Members' Allowances Scheme and a copy had been sent out to all Councillors. Cllr. Elliott asked whether Councillors could claim for attending the ordinary Parish Council meetings as the document stated that Councillors would be paid for this. The Chairman asked the Clerk to look into the matter and that the adoption of the Scheme would be held over until the next meeting.
1051 BEST VALUE GROUP REPORT.
Traffic Management - The Chairman advised that he was in discussions with Chelmsford Borough Council and Essex County Council regarding various road issues and that a number of things were in hand. Cllr. Lewis reported that along by Mr and Mrs Jennings and the property next door to the shop there are big pot-holes. The Chairman said that he would raise the matter at the next traffic meeting. The Chairman advised that a traffic survey had taken place.
Playground - The Chairman asked for suggestions for the new playground. Cllr. Williams felt the edge of the Common was still a good idea and Cllr. Johnson suggested updating the current playground. The Chairman said that the Parish Council should pursue the contacts for The Larches and see what information resulted from this. The Chairman said that something definite had to be decided about the play area as it had been budgeted for in the Precept and the money needed to be spent.
Broadband - Roger Watling advised that BT Broadband would reach the village on the 23rd February 2005 and that Broadband Now would run alongside BT.
1052 GRASS CUTTING.
Cllr. Elliott advised that ELS were going to contact a tree specialist with regard to the tree covered in Brambles at the Weir Pond site. It was agreed that the Clerk should chase ELS on the matter.
It was reported that Cllr. Johnson had met with Colin Lawrence of Chelmsford Borough Council in order that they could look at the tree beside Mr Penton's wall. Cllr. Johnson advised that the tree was a Western Red Cedar and that Mr Lawrence said that it is going to pull the wall down and should be removed and another specimen tree be planted two metres in front of the current tree. Mr Lawrence also suggested that the Willow tree is pollarded down to 6ft. He also suggested that the branch going over the pond is cut back below the crack. It was reported that by the cluster of trees by the grass by the pond a Rowan has been knocked over by a mower and that this should be cut out. Mr Lawrence gave Cllr. Johnson a list of tree surgeons. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to Mr Lawrence asking him to put the information he had given to Cllr. Johnson in writing. Cllr. Johnson said that she was not happy with the pond cleaning.
It was also reported that Mr Theobald of Mill Road was disappointed that the grass around his wall has not been cut. It was agreed that the Clerk should contact ELS in this regard and also inform them that the pond had not been cleaned satisfactorily.
1053 STREET LIGHTING
Proposed Street Lighting on the Paved Dakyn Drive/Swan Lane Footpath - The Clerk advised that she had written to the owner of 11 Swan Lane asking him to cut his tree back which overhangs the footpath. The Clerk also read out a note that had been received from Paul Crossley regarding the situation.
Cllr. Elliott advised that the glass casing had been replaced on the streetlight on the footpath between Austen Drive and Dakyn Drive.
WAR ON WASTE
The Chairman advised that rubbish had been dumped in Swan Lane and that he would report it to the Hit Squad tomorrow.
1055 BUS SHELTERS.
Cllr. Johnson advised that she had not been able to contact Mr Tant with regard to erecting the litterbin at the bus shelter opposite the Hoop Public House. The Clerk said that she would try and contact him.
1056 MAINTENANCE
Cllr. Elliott asked whether the posts on the footpath between the Common and Mill Lane could be replaced. The Clerk advised that she had written to Chelmsford Borough Council in this regard. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to Chelmsford Borough Council advising that due to the urgency they would be carrying out the work themselves. It was agreed that Mr Tant should be asked to carry out the work.
1057 OPEN SPACES.
Cllr. Williams advised that she had asked for the marks sheet of the Best Kept Village Competition as the Parish Council had not received an award this year.
1058 ROAD SIGNS AND FOOTPATHS
Cllr. Lusty reported that the signpost at the junction of Mill Road/Downham Road had disappeared.It was agreed that the Clerk would write to Chelmsford Borough Council in this regard.
Cllr. Williams advised that the Birch Lane/Downham Road footpath was very overgrown. The Clerk advised that she had already written to Chelmsford Borough Council regarding this matter but would contact them again.
Cllr. Otter reported that numerous blackboards were being put out in the village advertising things. It was reported that The Bear were putting boards on the traffic island, The Bakers Arms were putting them on the grass verge and The Cock had five boards outside. Cllr. Elliott reported that Mr Fox at Crondon Park Golf Club was advertising on a car. It was agreed that the Clerk should contact the Enforcement Officer regarding these matters.
1059 VILLAGE HALL REPORT.
Cllr. Elliott reported that the Village Hall Management Committee had now got a new Treasurer, Bill Lipson. She advised that no accounts were available but that the income was up over the expenditure. Cllr. Elliott reported that three extra members had been co-opted. Cllr. Elliott advised that the Hall Manager had arranged for an electric inspection and that a new fridge had been purchased for the kitchen and new chairs for the small hall. A Christmas Coffee Morning will be held on 4th December 2004 and a Quiz Night on the 12th March 2005. The date of the next meeting will be held on 13th September 2004.
The noticeboards were discussed and it was agreed that the Chairman and Clerk would organise ordering one for outside the Village Hall.
1060 REPORT BY CHELMSFORD BOROUGH COUNCILLOR IAN GRUNDY
Cllr. Grundy reported that the new executive was very keen and enthusiastic. He advised that there were concerns that the basics of enforcements are not being carried out. Cllr. Grundy reported there was still not a very satisfactory situation with regard to roads. Cllr. Grundy reported that Chelmsford Football Club were in limbo and were finalising their accounts etc and would continue at Billericay for the time being. Cllr. Grundy reported that there was a lot of crime around in the village at the moment.
1061 ESSEX RURAL HOUSING TRUST
Nothing further to report.
1062 STOCK VILLAGE APPRAISAL.
The Chairman advised that an evening workshop had been tentatively booked for the 23rd September 2004. He advised that a mailing would be put around the village and that he would put an article in Stock Press.
.
1063 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING.
The next Meeting of the Parish Council is on the 6th September 2004.
The Chairman sent his apologies for the next meeting.
The Chairman thanked everyone for coming; the meeting closed at 10.08pm.
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