STOCK PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes Of The Meeting Held
On Monday 28th June 2004 At Stock Village Hall At 7.30pm.

Present: Cllrs. Johnson, Williams, Elliott, Tully & Otter
In The Chair Cllr. Peacock
Minute Secretary Lorraine Green
Also Present: 3 Members of the Public

1021 DEMOCRATIC TIME.
A parishioner, Virginia Henderson, asked for an up-date on the speed loops and the repairing of Smallgains Lane. The Chairman advised her that the traffic meeting had not taken place so he was unable to raise the matter of speed loops. He did advise, however, that he had written a letter asking for an up-date with regard to the white lines and cats eyes in the High Street, Smallgains Lane trial and village gateways. The Chairman advised that somebody hadlooked at Smallgains Lane and had said that the damage was not deep enough. The Chairman had found this unacceptable and Graham Butcher of Chelmsford Borough Council had agreed to meet the Chairman to discuss the matter.
A parishioner, Virginia Henderson, asked for an up-date on the speed loops and the repairing of Smallgains Lane. The Chairman advised her that the traffic meeting had not taken place so he was unable to raise the matter of speed loops. He did advise, however, that he had written a letter asking for an up-date with regard to the white lines and cats eyes in the High Street, Smallgains Lane trial and village gateways. The Chairman advised that somebody hadlooked at Smallgains Lane and had said that the damage was not deep enough. The Chairman had found this unacceptable and Graham Butcher of Chelmsford Borough Council had agreed to meet the Chairman to discuss the matter.
It was reported that the hedges are very overgrown and dangerous in Smallgains Lane. It was also reported that the Dutch lorries are parking in Mill Road overnight and that heavy lorries are going through The Square. The Chairman agreed to investigate the matters.
. Otter reported that many people have said that the road markings in the High Street are dangerous. The Chairman advised her that he had written to Chelmsford Borough Council in this regard.
The Chairman said that Cllr. Grundy had advised that Goatsmoor Lane, Broomwood Road, Whites Hill and Furze Hill were to be resurfaced. The Chairman said that he was going to raise the question whether they need resurfacing and why not spend the money on somewhere that needs repairing.
Cllr. Johnson said that the new Manager, Mr Osib, of Greenwoods had arranged to come and speak at the meeting to explain his ideas for trying to turn the business around but unfortunately he had to cancel. His ideas are to turn Greenwoods more into a hotel using the existing facilities. The restaurant is to be re-named Orchid Restaurant. An Orangery, as suggested by the planners, is planned for the back of Greenwoods in order to give them more space for conferences etc. Mr Ozib had wanted a marquee but this had been turned down by the planners as it is in a conservation area and would be very obtrusive.
1022 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
Cllrs. Lewis, Lusty, Easton and Grundy sent their apologies.
1023 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.
1024. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.
Common Ditch - It was reported that the work had now been completed and the invoice had been received.
Christmas Tree - The tree had been ordered but as it was not the right time to plant it, the nursery had agreed to keep the tree until such time as it could be planted.
Tree Warden Scheme - Nothing further to report.
Proposal for more posts in Mill Lane - The Chairman agreed to contact P.C. Adrian Elmer as it was felt that Mr May was parking his lorry in a dangerous position.
Village Pump in Back Lane - The Clerk advised that she was still waiting for Mr Andrews to provide a quotation. It was agreed that the Clerk should chase the matter up.
The Larches - No reply received from Lord Hanningfield to-date. It was agreed that the Clerk should chase him up on the matter. Cllr. Johnson suggested updating the existing playarea. The Chairman said that Mr Snook of Essex Playing Fields Association had advised him that it was not a good idea due to safety concerns. The Chairman advised that the matter would be discussed as an agenda item at the next meeting and asked the Councillors to think of other suitable areas for the playarea. It was agreed that a letter should be sent to Mrs Miller of Mill Cottage, Mill Road, asking her to provide the Parish Council with the name of the person who owns The Larches.
Grass Outside Bungalows in Birch Lane/Faulkner Close - No reply had been received to-date. It was agreed that the Clerk should chase the matter up as Cllr. Williams said the area still looked a mess.
Emptying of Litter Bins - No reply received to-date. The Chairman said that he would speak to Cllr. Lewis regarding the matter.
Loose Drain Cover outside 46 High Street - Cllr. Tully advised that it had been repaired.
Restoration of grass at the junction of Common Road/Birch Lane - The Clerk advised that British Telecommunications had written several letters to her advising that the restoration work would take place. The Chairman had subsequently spoken to them as the work had still not been carried out. To-date he was still awaiting a reply and said that he would chase the matter up.
Fencing on Footpath 18 - Mr Romer of Chelmsford Borough Council had advised the Clerk that the matter would receive attention.
Birch Lane to Downham Road Footpath - Mr Romer of Chelmsford Borough Council had advised the Clerk that the matter would receive attention.
Hedge by the Zebra Crossing - The Clerk had written to Highways but to-date a reply had not been received. It was agreed that the Clerk should chase the matter up.
Essex and Suffolk Water - Restoration of Grass at area next to the pond at Thornton Place - The Clerk advised that she had written a letter but to-date a reply had not been received.
Mr Mason's Request for access across Mill Road Footpath - The Clerk advised that she had written to Mr Mason advising him that the Parish Council did not give permission for him to use the footpath for the purpose of making deliveries and removing spoil from his property. No reply had been received.
Letter received from Mr Westwood with regard to Stock and Buttsbury War Memorial-Dick Finch of the Royal British Legion had drafted a reply letter to be sent to Mr Westwood. It was agreed that the letter should be sent.
1025. PARISH COUNCIL OFFICE
The Clerk advised that the Chairman had purchased a telephone for the office for £24.95. Cllr. Williams advised that only the structure of the Parish Council office is covered by the Village Hall's insurance. It was agreed that the item could be taken off the Agenda.
1026. GENERAL CORRESONDENCE.
a) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Stop Stansted Expansion asking the Parish Council for a donation to the campaign. It was agreed that this was an individual matter and not a Parish Council matter.
b) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Rural Community Council of Essex advising that Mrs Celia Love will be retiring during mid-July. The staff of the RCCE wish to make a presentation to Celia at the AGM on 7th July at 7.30pm at Channels Golf Club to which the Parish Council are invited. RCCE asked whether the Parish Council would like to contribute to the presentation. It was decided that no donation would be given and that nobody would be attending the AGM unless the Parish Council were notified that they had won an award for the Best Kept Village Competition. The Clerk also read out a letter with regard to people being nominated to join the Board which nobody wished to have their name put forward for.
c) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Great Waltham Parish Council with regard to Periodic Electoral Review of Essex - Parliamentary Constituencies Revised Recommendations. Great Waltham Parish Council are objecting to the move from Chelmsford West Constituency to a Saffron Walden Constituency and asked Stock Parish Council to write to the Boundary Committee objecting to these proposals. It was agreed that the Chairman and Clerk should draft a letter to be sent to the Boundary Committee.
d) The Clerk advised that she had received an extract for Stock of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 Provisional Map Issue for East England. It was agreed that the map would be held in the office if anybody wished to inspect it. The Chairman said that the boundaries that had been published needed to be checked.
e) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from the new local Police Officer, Adrian Elmer. He can be contacted on 01245 491212 ext. 61708. An answerphone service is available on 01245 490820
f) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Chelmsford Council for Voluntary Service asking for a contribution towards the publishing of their newsletter. It was decided that the Parish Council would not be giving a donation.
1027. PLANNING MATTERS.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Chelmsford Borough Council's Planning Department giving Mr Tofts permission to carry out specified work on preserved trees at the bridleway boundary of Fairground and frontage with Goatsmoor Lane. It was agreed that an eye should be kept on the situation.
The Chairman suggested that the guidelines for plans that needed to be discussed before the full Parish Council meeting rather than through delegated power should be new build, replacement build, green belt, conservation area, change of use and commercial. A discussion was held about delegated power and holding planning meetings. The Chairman asked for the matter to be held over until the next meeting when it would be an agenda item.
Update on Long Gables.
`The Chairman said that Christine Lyons of Chelmsford Borough Council had agreed to formally write to the Parish Council advising that Chelmsford Borough Council would not be taking any action against the developers and the reasons why. To-date no letter had been received. It was agreed that the Clerk should write a letter to Mrs Lyons in this regard.
29/31Mill Road and April Cottage, Mill Road.
The Chairman said that Christine Lyons had agreed to look into these matters and again no communications had been received from her. It was agreed that the Clerk should also write to her in this regard.
Several Councillors were not happy that Cllr. Otter was showing plans to the public before some of the Council had viewed them. Cllr.O tter said that she thought the parishioners had every right to see them. The Chairman said that he did not have a problem with the public looking at the plans.
Applications:
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
Comments by 14th June 2004, under the Clerk's delegated power this had been passed to Cllrs. Johnson, Elliott & Williams who said that the proposed dwelling is very tall and too large for a small site. This house will be too high and dominant, as the site is one of the highest levels.
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.
Comments by 15th June 2004, under the Clerk's delegated power this had been passed to Cllrs. Johnson, Elliott & Williams who said that they had no comments to make as long as the back dormer is now not included.
Application No. 04/01102/FUL. Single storey rear extension.
Location: Whitelilies, Ramsden Heath, Stock
Applicant: Mrs Ritchie
Comments by 17th June 2004, 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. 04/01103/LBC. Single storey rear orangery extension.
Location: Whitelilies, Ramsden Heath, Stock
Applicant: Mrs Ritchie
Comments by 17th June 2004, 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. 04/01057/ADV. Erection of non-illuminated sign.
Location: Greenwoods Estate, Stock Road, Stock
Applicant: Mr Ashor Osib
Comments by 18th June 2004, under the Clerk's delegated power this had been passed to Cllrs. Johnson, Elliott & Williams who said that the application is for one sign but that the diagram indicates four signs - one sign is acceptable but four is not acceptable. This is advertising which is not acceptable in conservation/greenbelt area.
Application No. 04/01134/FUL. Single storey side extension.
Location: 4 The Lindens, Stock
Applicant: Mrs Payne.
Comments by 22nd June 2004, 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. 04/01152/FUL. Proposed rear conservatory.
Location: 55 Myln Meadow, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Mayhook.
Comments by 25th June 2004, under the Clerk's delegated power this had been passed to Cllrs. Johnson, Elliott & Williams who said that they had no comments to make. The Chairman declared an interest in the application.
Application No. 04/01132/FUL. Two storey side extension and single storey rear extension.
Location: 23 High Street, Stock
Applicant: Parkdene Ltd.
The Chairman read out letters of objection that had been received by parishioners. The Parish Council commented that this was out of proportion, out of character and conflicts with listed status. The rendered finish is inappropriate for a 18th Century brick cottage. Works would restrict access on a Public Right of Way. This property is in the heart of the village in a conservation area.
\Application No. 04/01133/LBC. Two storey side extension and single storey rear extension in smooth rendering to walls. Clay plain tiles to match existing to side extension, clay pantiles to rear extension.
Location: 23 High Street, Stock
Applicant: Parkdene Ltd.
The Chairman read out letters of objection that had been received by parishioners. The Parish Council commented that this was out of proportion, out of character and conflicts with listed status. The rendered finish is inappropriate for a 18th Century brick cottage. Works would restrict access on a Public Right of Way. This property is in the heart of the village in a conservation area.
Application No. 04/01318/FUL. Replacement front boundary fence.
Location: Buttsbury Lodge Cottage, Stock Road
Applicant: Mr P. Francis and Ms. S. Ball.
The Parish Council commented that this is in the green belt and in a rural area and the diseased hedge should be replaced by similar hedging and not by fencing.
Application No. 04/01320/FUL. Single storey conservatory in re-entrant angle at side rear, single storey utility room extension at set back to side front.
Location: Greenacre Farm, Smallgains Lane, Stock.
Applicant: John H. Gailer.
The Parish Council had no comments to make.
Application No. 04/01314/FUL. Two and single-storey side at rear extensions to existing dwelling and alterations.
Location: Daylands Farm, Stock Road, Stock.
Applicant: Mr and Mrs M. Sood.
The Parish Council commented that this was not in the parish of Stock but in the parish of West Hanningfield.
Application No. 04/01331/OUT. Demolish existing bungalow and construct new detached bungalow and new house.
Location: 18 Birch Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Mr M. Tant.
The Parish Council made the following comments:-
1. Unacceptable increase in density which is out of character with the area. There are no similar examples of this type of development in the vicinity and it would set a dangerous precedent.
2. Importantly, this would create extra traffic on a small single-track lane, which is a no through road - there are too many accesses.
3. There is a tree preservation order on trees close to the access - it must be ensured that the trees are preserved.
4. The lane is already overdeveloped.
5. There are no pavements in the lane.
6. The development is overlooking the neighbours opposite and there would be no privacy.
7. The impact on the skyline should be considered
Results:
Application No. 04/00691/FUL. Detached garage.
Location: Fairfields, Marigold Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr K. Squibb. Refused.
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. Approved.
Application No. 04/00644/FUL. Proposed two storey rear extension.
Location: Meadow Croft, 21 Common Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs J. Tickel. Approved.
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. Refused.
Application No. 04/00674/FUL. First floor rear extension & rebuilding ex. Rear conservatory.
Location: 3 Dakyn Drive, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs J. Wade. Approved.
Application No. 04/00823/FUL. First floor side extension supported by columns.
Location: Branfill Tye, Smallgains Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs J. Wade. Approved.
Application No. 04/00842/FUL. Replacement garage with playroom over and rear conservatory.
Location: 16 Common Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr D. Lewis. Approved.
Application No. 04/00864/FUL. New first floor to existing single storey part of house with rear ground floor extensions.
Location: 26 Mill Road, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Pye. Approved.
Application No. 04/00902/FUL. Single storey rear extension to kitchen and living room.
Location: 46 Well Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mrs Michelle Ward. Approved.
Application No. 04/00477/FUL. Demolition of existing house (bungalow) and replacement with new bungalow.
Location: Sunrise, Furze Lane, Stock
Applicant: Bickenhall Investments. Approved.
1028 FINANCE.
Insurance - The Chairman apologised for forgetting the documents but advised that a cheaper quotation had been received. It was agreed that the Chairman and Clerk could be left to deal with the matter.
Audit of Accounts 2003/04 including Approval of Annual Return and Statement of Assurance for Accounts 2003/04. The Clerk advised that Peter Bentley had carried out the internal audit. The Chairman and Clerk were therefore authorised to sign the necessary documents in order that the Clerk could send them to Lubbock Fine for the external audit.
Transfer of Funds - The Clerk advised that on the 22nd June she had put on notice to transfer £2,000.00 from the Business Reserve Account to the Current Account which would take place on Tuesday 29th June 2004. The Clerk advised that she had put on notice to transfer £4,000.00 from the Business Reserve Account to the Current Account, which would take place on Monday 5th July 2004.
Cheques to be Signed - The following cheques were approved for payment and signed:
100971 £504.96 Mrs L.J.Green Salary 1.6.04 - 30.6.04
100972 £46.64 Inland Revenue Only PAYE and N.I.
100973 £88.36 Mrs L.J. Green Expenses
100974 £24.95 Mr N. Peacock Office Telephone
100975 £160.36 Glasdon U.K. Ltd Litter Bin
100976 £75.00 Mr M. Tant Painting Lampost opposite Post Office
100977 £3,525.00 W.G. & D.A. Keeling Ditch work on Common
100978 £50.00 Rural Community Council of Essex Annual Subscription
1029 PARISH COUNCILLORS' ALLOWANCES.
The Clerk had prepared the Members' Allowances Scheme and said that she would send a copy out to all Councillors in order that it could be approved at the next meeting.
1030 BEST VALUE GROUP REPORT.
Traffic Management - The Chairman advised that the traffic meeting was to be rescheduled.
Playground - The Clerk advised that she had written to Mr Tant asking him to provide a quotation for the repairs to the play equipment. To-date this had not been received.
Broadband - The Chairman advised that the rules had changed for getting Broadband into Stock. Cllr. Johnson asked Roger Watling how Broadband Now was working and he advised her that it was working well.
1031 GRASS CUTTING.
The Clerk advised that she had written to ELS with regard to removing the tree that was covered in brambles at the Weir Pond site. ELS had spoken to Cllr. Elliott regarding the matter. It was agreed that a tree surgeon should be asked to come and remove the tree.
The Clerk advised that she had written to ELS advising them of the Parish Council's dissatisfaction with the current service and advising that the work is not being carried out as specified. To-date a reply had not been received.
Cllr. Johnson advised that the parishioner who lives at 110 Mill Road has said that she would like the grass near her wall by the pond to be included in the grass cutting schedule. Cllr. Johnson advised that the parishioner had written to Moody Homes as the area is badly rutted and has asked them to reinstate it. Cllr. Johnson also reported that the posts have been taken out that the Parish Council put in. It was also reported that after ELS had cleared the pond they had left a pile of weed beside it. Cllr. Elliott said that she would contact ELS regarding the matters. Cllr. Johnson reported that a parishioner, Mr Penton, of Thornton Place had expressed his concern regarding the large tree right beside his wall. Mr Penton was concerned that the tree was too large and would fall down. He said that it shades his house and if it falls will fall onto his wall. The Chairman agreed to look at the tree and ask the tree specialist at Chelmsford Borough Council to take a look at it.
1032 STREET LIGHTING
Proposed Street Lighting on the Paved Dakyn Drive/Swan Lane Footpath - The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Mr Crossley of Chelmsford Borough Council. It was agreed that the second option should be taken which would be to replace the two existing 35w Low Pressure Sodium Lanterns (yellow light source) along the footpath with a new 50w High Pressure Sodium Lantern (whiter light source). Mr Crossley had agreed to replace the Lanterns at no expense to the parish provided the owner of 11 Swan Lane was asked to cut his tree back which overhangs the footpath and is obstructing most of the light spread towards Swan Lane. It was agreed that the Clerk should check with Mr Crossley that the new lights do not create a dark shadow area.
The Clerk advised that she had written to Mr Crossley reporting that the glass casing had come off of the streetlight on the footpath between Austen Drive and Dakyn Drive. To-date a reply had not been received. Cllr. Tully agreed to check to see if the work had been carried out.
1033 WAR ON WASTE.
Nothing to report.
1034 BUS SHELTERS.
The Clerk advised that the new litter bin had been delivered and it was agreed that she would ask Mr Tant to install it at the bus shelter opposite the Hoop Public House
It was agreed that Mr Tant should contact Cllr. Johnson in order that she could advise him of where the bin needed to go. The Clerk advised that a cheque for £36.48 had been received from Zurich in respect of the insurance claim.
1035 MAINTENANCE
Nothing to report.
1036 OPEN SPACES.
Nothing to report.
1037 ROAD SIGNS AND FOOTPATHS
Cllr. Williams reported that a dug ditch had appeared at the Mill Road end of the footpath that cuts across the corner of Mill Road/Downham Road, opposite Cobblers. She said that it was dangerous as someone could fall into the ditch. It was agreed that the Clerk should contact Mr Clark and ask him to inspect the site.
Cllr. Williams reported that on Footpath 29, along by the Catholic Church, the laurel hedge was encroaching onto the footpath and needed cutting back. Clerk to contact Mr Clark in this regard.
1038 VILLAGE HALL REPORT.
Cllr. Williams advised that the next meeting would be held on Tuesday 13th July which she would be unable to attend. Cllr. Elliott agreed to attend the meeting.
1039 REPORT BY CHELMSFORD BOROUGH COUNCILLOR IAN GRUNDY.
No report was given but Cllr. Grundy had advised the Chairman that he was aware of the concern of change of use at the hairdressers and was hopeful that it would be turned down.
1040 ESSEX RURAL HOUSING TRUST
Nothing to report.
1041 STOCK VILLAGE APPRAISAL.
The Chairman advised that a small group had met up and that he had spoken to Michelle Pye of RCCE. The date for the workshop had been set for Thursday 23rd September. The Chairman explained that there would be a pre-meeting before this date to get the information together and that he needed to find a suitable date in order that he could plan it with Michelle Pye. The Chairman said that Michelle Pye will help with publicity.
1042 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING.
The next Meeting of the Parish Council is on the 26th July 2004. It was agreed that the Annual Parish Meeting for 2005 would be held at 7.30pm on Monday 25th April followed by the normal meeting.
The Chairman thanked everyone for coming; the meeting closed at 9.57pm.
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