MONDAY 26th April 2004

STOCK PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes Of The Meeting Held
On Monday 26th April 2004 At Stock Village Hall At 7.30pm.

Present:	Cllrs. Williams, Elliott, Tully, Peacock, Lusty, Lewis, Easton & Otter
In The Chair	Cllr. Johnson
Minute Secretary	Lorraine Green
Also Present:	4 Members of the Public and Chelmsford Borough Councillor Ian Grundy

972

DEMOCRATIC TIME.

A parishioner asked what was to be done about the traffic in Smallgains Lane/Well Lane. Cllr. Peacock discussed the matter with the parishioner and advised him that the matter would be discussed again at the traffic meeting with Chelmsford Borough Council and Essex County Council on the 3rd June 2004 and he would report the outcome at the meeting on 28th June. Cllr. Peacock said that there would be a public consultation if it were decided that the road was going to be closed.

A parishioner, Virginia Henderson, asked whether the Parish Council could get Chelmsford Borough Council to look at the condition of Smallgains Lane as in some places the verges were 3ft wide. It was agreed that the matter would be left with Cllr. Peacock to deal with.

A parishioner, Julie Stringer, reported that the road outside the Almshouses was very bumpy. The Chairman said that the matter would be looked into following the letter received from Mr Woodgate. Mrs Stringer also reported that a huge puddle forms outside Oak Cottage, by the Doctors Surgery, and asked for this to be looked at. Cllr. Peacock asked the Councillors to give him a list of things that need to be done.

973

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.

None

974

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

975.

PARISH COUNCIL OFFICE.

The Chairman reported that there had been a break-in in the Parish Council office and that the telephone had been stolen and filing cabinets had been left open. The Clerk had discovered the theft on the 3rd April and the matter had been reported to the police who have since visited the office. The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from the Victim Liaison Officer. It was agreed that a new telephone should be purchased and the Chairman asked Cllr. Peacock to organise this. The Chairman reported that she had spoken to the Chairman of the Village Hall Management Committee about claiming on their insurance in order that the lock on the office door could be changed. Cllr. Lewis suggested installing Chubb locks rather than changing the lock. It was agreed that the Parish Council would not take the matter further until they had heard from the Village Hall Management Committee.

976.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.

Minute 951. Democratic Time.

The Clerk advised that she had written to Mr Clark regarding the stile that had rotted away on Footpath 32.

Minute 954, 933, 912, 892, 871, 850, 827, 806, 784. Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 775. General Correspondence Item b.

There was nothing further to report about the Common ditch.

Minute 954, 933, 912, 892 Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 860. Maintenance.

Cllr. Lewis advised that she was going to look at the Christmas Trees next week and should be able to put the tree in her car - if not it could be delivered. It was agreed that the Chairman and Cllr. Lusty would dig a hole and plant the tree.

Minute 954, 933, 912 Matters Arising From The Minutes and 893. General Correspondence, item a.

Cllr. Peacock advised that he had spoken to Dennis Andrews about the Tree Warden Scheme. Mr Andrews had looked through the documents and said there was quite a lot of work involved and he would be unable to take the job on due to other commitments. It was agreed that Cllr. Easton would write an advert for Stock Press and the website asking for volunteers to take on the role of Tree Warden. The Chairman said she would mention the matter to the Horticultural Society and Cllr. Otter suggested that Mr Hall be asked to write a note in his letter that he sends out.

Minute 954, 933, 912. Matters Arising From The Minutes and 901. Maintenance.

The Clerk advised that she had written to Mr Vale about erecting more posts in Mill Lane. To-date a reply had not been received.

Cllr. Tully asked the Clerk to write a letter to Mr Martin Andrews asking for a quotation to restore the Village Pump in Back Lane.

Minute 954, 933. Matters Arising From the Minutes and 913. General Correspondence - Item b.

Mr Archer of Chelmsford Borough Council had confirmed that the Summer Play Activities would be held on 3rd August 2004. Clerk to arrange the advertising of the event.

Minute 954, 933. Matters Arising From the Minutes and 923. Open Spaces.

The Clerk advised that she had written to Miss De'Ath of 29 Mill Road but to-date a reply had not been received.

Minute 954, 933. Matters Arising From the Minutes and 923. Open Spaces.

The Clerk advised that she had written to The Harlequin Montessori School returning their cheque. Chelmsford Borough Cllr. Grundy advised that the potholes had been filled.

Minute 954. Matters Arising From The Minutes and 934. General Correspondence- Item a.

The Clerk advised that she had forwarded the letters that had been received from Lynn Cameron, Arboricultural Support Officer, with regard to replacing the felled Willow Tree at the Former Weir Pond, Mill Road, to Mr Condron.

Minute 954. Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 934. General Correspondence- Item g

The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Tess Wren of Chelmsford Borough Council, which confirmed that the Gateway Team would be visiting the village on 27th May 2004.

Minute 954. Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 944. Open Spaces.

It was agreed that no further action would be taken into purchasing a Bike Rack

Minute. 954. Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 945. Road Signs and Footpaths.

The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Chris Romer of Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the stile on Footpath 33. Mr Romer had inspected the stile and there are signs of rot. It is now on the list for replacement, but the timing of the job will depend on operational priorities.

Minute 955. General Correspondence.

Cllr. Lusty had looked through the consultation papers received from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and had no comments to make

Minute 963. Bus Shelters.

The Clerk advised that Mr Tant had removed the remaining window from the brick bus shelter.

Minute 964. Maintenance.

The Clerk advised that she had written to the Highways Department at Chelmsford Borough Council reporting the pot-hole in Birch Lane. Cllr. Williams advised that the work had been carried out.

Minute 965. Open Spaces.

The Clerk advised that she had written to Mr Clark at Chelmsford Borough Council reporting that the concrete post, signing footpath, on Footpath 19 was completely out of the ground. To-date no reply had been received.

Minute 966. Road Signs and Footpaths.

The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Robin Murray of the Highways Department with regard to the signpost at the end of Mill Road/Downham Road. Mr Murray was going to inspect the site and arrange for any remedial works to be carried out immediately.

977.

GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE.

The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Lynn Constable of Chelmsford Borough Council advising that part of the existing premises at Crondon Park Golf Club had now been renamed and addressed as Crondon Park Driving Range and Golf Academy

The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Luke Bennett, Corporate Strategy Officer, at Chelmsford Borough Council. Chelmsford Borough Council, Chelmsford Biodiversity Forum and Essex Biodiversity Partnership are working together on 'Newts in your Neighbourhood'. They are trying to improve their knowledge of where ponds are within the borough and also to record sightings of newts. They are particularly keen to identify ponds containing Great Crested Newts as law protects this species and its habitat. Mr Bennett therefore asked the Parish Council to notify him of any ponds that they are responsible for and also asked for a press release to be put into the village newsletter. It was agreed that the Clerk would write back advising that the Parish Council are only responsible for the pond in Mill Road and that there are other ponds in the village but they are on private land. Cllr. Grundy agreed to find out how much this scheme costs as Cllr. Peacock felt that the money could be better spent elsewhere.

The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Alison Creed, Community Sports Development Officer, at Chelmsford Borough Council regarding the Parish Sports Programme. The letter was handed to Cllr. Tully to deal with.

The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Essex County Council with regard to the 9 Speed Indicator Display signs that they had purchased and that would be taken out by Mobile Police Stations, as part of the existing Essex Police/Essex County Council partnership "Community Speed Reassurance Scheme". The official launch of the signs is timetabled for the 15th April and if the signs are to be used in the parish the Parish Council will be notified. The letter was handed to Cllr. Peacock in order that he could find out when Stock were going to get the signs.

The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Lynn Constable of Chelmsford Borough Council advising that it was intended to name the new property adjacent to Hillcrest Farm, Highview (West Hanningfield).

The Clerk advised that an Agenda for the ACDPC's Annual General Meeting on 20th May 2004 had been received. Cllr. Otter said that she would check the date and report back to the Clerk if she could attend. The Chairman handed the document to Cllr. Otter.

The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Essex Playing Fields and Children's Play Association regarding Inclusive Children's Playgrounds Scheme (Essex) which was a scheme that was being introduced in conjunction with Essex Disabled People's Association whereby a Walk-Round Access Audit of the children's playground could be arranged which would highlight any areas where the existing facilities needed to be adapted in order to meet the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act which will come into force in October 2004. It was agreed that the site is easily accessible and there is no reason to have this audit as it does not apply at the moment. The Clerk was asked to write to Lord Hanningfield to see whether he had found out who owns the land at The Larches.

The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Cllrs. Easton and Otter with regard to matters concerning 108 Mill Road and 29 Mill Road. The Chairman advised that the matter of 108 Mill Road had been put on the agenda to be discussed. As regards the matter of 29 Mill Road, the Chairman said that she apologised for the confusion. She explained that she had been away and that Cllr. Williams had taken the meeting in which the Clerk was requested to write a letter to the Enforcement Officer. As Cllr. Williams was unsure of the letter she had asked the Clerk to hold the letter back until the Chairman's return. The Clerk in the meantime had contacted the Planning Department who had advised her that the land in front of the property was nothing to do with the planning application and that she should contact the owner of the land, i.e. Lord Petre. Cllr. Williams had subsequently spoken to Lord Petre who advised that the responsibility was the Parish Council's as they were custodians of common land. The Chairman said that she therefore felt that the letter was not applicable. Cllr. Peacock said that he had the same concern about the matter as Cllrs. Easton and Otter but was happy with the Clerk's findings. The Chairman said that she would not normally overrule a decision made. Cllr. Otter said that the driveway had not been built as the plans. It was therefore agreed that the Clerk should write to the Enforcement Officer with regard to the re-profiling and the driveway

978

PLANNING MATTERS.

Clerk read out a letter that had been sent from the Planning Inspectorate with regard to the appeal by Mr J. Tofts of the site at Fairground, Goatsmoor Lane, against an enforcement notice issued by Chelmsford Borough Council. The appeal had been allowed and the Planning Inspectorate had directed that the enforcement notice be quashed.

The Clerk read out a copy of a letter that had been sent by David Green, Head of Town Planning Services at Chelmsford Borough Council to Mrs Marett of Compass Green, 27 High Street, with regard to a 'Notice of Intent' to carry out works to trees located at the property which is within the conservation area. The proposal was to fell a fire damaged Horse Chestnut.

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. (1993/02) at Land within the curtilage of Millview, Mill Walk, Common Road which was confirmed on the 20th April 1983 was revoked on the 31st March 2004. This is because is has been superseded by Tree Preservation Order 2001/117, which was confirmed on the 2nd July 2002.

Update on Long Gables.

Cllr. Williams advised that she had spoken to Paul Bohannan, the Enforcement Officer, at Chelmsford Borough Council. He advised her that he had met again with the owners and Moody Homes to try to come to a resolution. Mr Bohannan advised that new plans had been submitted and that Chelmsford Borough Council were trying to negotiate. Mr Bohannan advised that he could have made the developers comply with the plans and make them put the hedge back but due to an error by the Planning Officer nothing was stated in the conditions to say that the hedge had to remain. Another meeting was planned for later that week.

Apparently, 108 Mill Road is the owner of the footpath as shown on the Deeds going back to 1950. It was agreed therefore that the Clerk would write to Mr Bohannan asking him to attend the next Parish Council meeting due to the concern of the village and Parish Council about the matter. The Chairman asked Cllr. Otter to get together with Cllr. Williams to prepare a sequence of events. The Chairman said that she would contact Mr Boak in this regard.

Applications:

Application No. 04/00308/FUL. Stationary caravan.
Location: Land Opposite Fristling Hall Cottage, Swan Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr Clark.
The Parish Council objected on the following grounds:-

The proposed development contravenes important elements of the Borough Plan:-

It is within the Green Belt (one which around Stock is designated as a Special Landscape Area) where, 'any developments on the edge of the village on sloping sites would have a very damaging visual impact over a wide area'. The proposed site fits this description, being clearly visible from footpaths alongside the adjacent golf course and from Swan Lane itself

Within this Green Belt (Policy ESSRSP C2), 'Permission will not be given, except in very special circumstances, for new construction, or change of use, except for agricultural worker residence'.
This site is currently classified as agricultural land, and a residential caravan would represent a major change of use. Additionally, there is no suggestion of the site being used for agriculture, being unviable in terms of size, and if it were to be, the applicant lives in a dwelling only 50 yards from the site

In terms of development in the Urban Fringe, (page 147 of the Borough Plan), 'The Council will seek to ensure that proposals enhance the landscape and protect existing elements which make a positive contribution to the landscape. In this regard, woodlands are seen as a very important element in the landscape'.

This site abuts Woodland Trust land at Swan Wood and the proposed development would have a detrimental impact - the appearance of the woodland would be impaired.

The site is on a Grade One Protected Lane and the proposed development would have an adverse visual impact being out of character with the hedgerows, the woodlands and the undulating landscape which singles this area out for Grade One protected status.

The Parish Council also asked for the Planning Department to arrange to have the two caravans on the existing site removed.

Application No. 04/00691/FUL. Detached garage.
Location: Fairfields, Marigold Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr K. Squibb.
The Parish Council objected to the additional garage as it was visually intrusive, in the green belt area and special landscape area. The size is totally out of proportion and out of character with the area. This is the fifth application received in a year. The property as proposed is out of proportion to the original three bedroomed property. It was reported that an advertisement was in the local paper renting out what was called 'The Hawthorns' at the site. It was agreed that this should be reported to the Enforcement Officer.

Application No. 04/00731/FUL.Single storey side extension to replace existing conservatory and first floor rear extension.
Location:The Nooky, The Paddock, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs K. Nicholls.
The Parish Council had no comments to make.

Application No. 04/00644/FUL. Proposed two storey rear extension.
Location: Meadow Croft, 21 Common Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs J. Tickel.
The Parish Council had no comments to make on the application but asked the Planning Department to note the extremely narrow lane that was not built for heavy vehicles. The Parish Council also commented that the road surfaces and verges must be protected during building work.

Application No. 04/00756/FUL. Two-storey front, side and rear extension, single storey rear extension and front porch.
Location: 47 Well Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr Allan.
The Parish Council had no comments to make.

Application No. 04/00674/FUL. First floor rear extension & rebuilding ex. Rear conservatory.
Location: 3 Dakyn Drive, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs J. Wade.
The Parish Council had no comments to make.

Application No. 04/00842/FUL. Replacement garage with playroom over and rear conservatory.
Location: 16 Common Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr D. Lewis.
The Parish Council had no comments to make on the application but asked the Planning Department to note the extremely narrow lane that was not built for heavy vehicles. The Parish Council also commented that the road surfaces and verges must be protected during building work

Aplication No. 04/00823/FUL. First floor side extension supported by columns.
Location: Branfill Tye, Smallgains Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Peter McMahon
The Parish Council commented that the site plan includes the adjoining field within the residential curtilage and the Parish Council strongly object. This is an extension of a development that is already excessive and out of proportion to the surrounding area.

Results:

Application No. 04/00242/FUL. Demolition of stables and erection of a single dwelling.
Location: Stable Block Adj. Church Green Cottage, High Street, Stock
Applicant: Mr M. Thomasin Foster & Mrs J. Wilkinson. Approved.

Application No. 04/00396/FUL. Demolish existing outbuilding; construct ground floor rear extension.
Location: Old Pump, Downham Road, Stock
Applicant: Mr R. Curry. Approved.

Application No. 04/00342/FUL. Minor revision application; new doctors surgery and dispensary with car parking.
Location: Land Between Orchard House and Hawthorns, Common Road, Stock
Applicant: Dr. J. Coffin and Dr. D. Acorn. Approved.

Application No. 04/00371/FUL. Construction of new detached garage.
Location: 41 Birch Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Mr & Mrs N. Staves. Approved.

Application No. 04/00389/REM.Erection of one detached dwelling on Plot 15.
Location: Former SmithKline Beecham Research Complex, Honeypot Lane, Stock
Applicant: Countryside Residential (North Thames) Ltd. Approved.

979

FINANCE.

Transfer of Funds - The Clerk advised that on the 17th April 2004 she had put on notice to transfer £1,500.00 from the Business Reserve Account to the Current Account and that the transfer would take place on the 26th April 2004.

Cheques to be Signed -The following cheques were approved for payment and signed:

100953	£72.57	Staples	Photocopying for APM
100954	£504.96	Mrs L.J.Green	Salary 1.4.04 - 30.4.04
100955	£46.64	Inland Revenue Only	PAYE and N.I.
100956	£110.08	Mrs L.J. Green	Expenses
100957	£21.00	Stock Village Hall
100958	£25.00	Essex Playing Fields Association	Annual Subscription Renewal 2004/05
100959	£349.05	EALC	Annual Subscription Renewal 2004/05
100960	£180.00	Mr M. Tant	Removing remaining window from brick bus shelter and preparing and painting street lights at corner of Swan Lane and bus shelter.

980

PARISH COUNCILLORS' ALLOWANCES.

The Clerk gave each Councillor a copy of a letter that had been received from Malcolm Bartlett, Civic Services Manager at Chelmsford Borough Council, enclosing a draft scheme that Parish Council's could adopt. It was agreed that the matter would be discussed at the next meeting.

981

BEST VALUE GROUP REPORT.

Traffic Management - The matter of the wording for the village gateway signs was discussed and it was agreed that they should read 'Please drive carefully'.

Playground - Nothing to report.

Broadband - Nothing to report.

982

GRASS CUTTING.

Cllr. Elliott reported that the grass needs cutting in the churchyard. Cllr. Peacock agreed to speak to the Churchwarden regarding the matter.

Cllr. Williams reported that after cutting the grass outside the bungalows in Birch Lane/Faulkner Close the grass cutters have left the area looking a mess. Clerk to contact Chelmsford Borough Council in this regard.

Cllr. Elliott reported that there is a bush/tree outside Anthony Raeburn's house which is covered with brambles. It was agreed that the Chairman would look into the matter.

983

STREET LIGHTING

Cllr. Tully said that she had looked at the situation with regard to street lighting on the paved footpath between Swan Lane and Dakyn Drive. Cllr. Tully reported that there is a streetlight at the Dakyn Drive end of the footpath but one is needed at the Swan Lane end. It was agreed therefore that the Clerk would contact Paul Crossley at Chelmsford Borough Council regarding the matter.

984

WAR ON WASTE.

The Chairman reported that very few people attended the Bin It Day. The Chairman thanked Cllrs. Williams, Lusty, Tully, Easton and Chelmsford Borough Cllr. Ian Grundy for attending. Cllr. Williams reported that she had found a wallet. Cllr. Lusty reported that the litterbin by the open area by Swan Wood was overflowing. It was reported that the litter bins are not being emptied in the village and in particular Swan Lane, The Square by the newsagents and Thornton Place. It was agreed that the Clerk should contact the Environmental Services at Chelmsford Borough Council in this regard.

985

BUS SHELTERS.

It was reported that the bus shelter litterbin at the Chelmsford bus stop, opposite the Hoop Public House, had been set on fire at 7.45pm on the 25th April 2004. Cllrs. Elliott, Otter and the Fire Brigade attended the scene. The Chairman advised that Mr and Mrs Seaman had found a tulip bin which they had put up. It was agreed that the Clerk should make an insurance claim and purchase a new litterbin.

986

MAINTENANCE

It was agreed that the Clerk would contact Essex Fire and Rescue.

Cllr. Peacock asked the Clerk to write to British Telecommunications asking them to restore the grass at the junction of Common Road/Birch Lane where they have recently put inunderground telephone cables.

987

OPEN SPACES.

Nothing to report.

988

ROAD SIGNS AND FOOTPATHS

Nothing to report.

989

VILLAGE HALL REPORT.

Cllr. Williams advised that there had not been a meeting

990

REPORT BY CHELMSFORD BOROUGH COUNCILLOR IAN GRUNDY.

Cllr.Grundy reported that Chelmsford Football Club will be going back into Melbourne subject to planning permission.

Cllr. Grundy advised that there had been a successful spring clean in Chelmsford.

Cllr. Grundy reported that Steve Packham had been appointed the new Chief Executive following the resignation of Martin Easteal.

Cllr. Grundy advised that he would be attending a meeting with Chelmer Housing in order that he could understand what their involvement is in Stock.

991

ESSEX RURAL HOUSING TRUST

The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Anne Bishop. Mrs Bishop said that she believed there was enough evidence of the need for the Housing Department at Chelmsford Borough Council to support the Essex Rural Housing Trusts' proposals. One of Mrs Bishop's colleagues had met the planning officer at Chelmsford Borough Council who suggested that a few tweaks should be made to the design and layout of the proposed scheme. The Architect will have the modified plans ready for further discussion by the end of April. A meeting was hoped to be arranged with representatives from Highways and Housing some time in June.

992

STOCK VILLAGE APPRAISAL.

The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Richard Harris, Archive Service Manager, of the Essex Records Office enclosing a receipt and terms of deposit agreement for archive of the Millenium Report which the Parish Council had made available to them for preservation and historical research. Mr Harris asked for one copy of the receipt to be signed and returned to him and the other was to be retained for the Parish Council's records.

The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Simon Burns MP thanking the Parish Council for sending him a copy of the Report.

Cllr. Peacock reported that Cllr. Easton, Gary Stringer and himself had attended a meeting with Michelle Pye of the Rural Community Council of Essex to discuss the prospect of taking the Village Appraisal a step further to the Village Parish Plan. Cllr. Peacock advised that the aim would be to attempt to put an action plan around the Village Appraisal. Cllr. Peacock advised that the first step would be to have a workshop for 2-3 hours, which would be open to the whole village. It was agreed that Chelmsford Borough Councillor Ian Grundy, Cllr.Tully and Cllr.Elliott would help Cllr. Peacock identify six areas from the Village Appraisal to work on at the workshop.

993

DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING.

The Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council is on the 24th May 2004

The Chairman thanked everyone for coming; the meeting closed at 10.08pm.

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