STOCK PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON
MONDAY 5TH JANUARY 2004 AT STOCK VILLAGE HALL AT 7.30PM.

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

889 DEMOCRATIC TIME.
A parishioner, Mrs Henderson, advised that Smallgains Lane had been very quiet over Christmas but that traffic was now back to speeding and that the road was in a bad state. Cllr. Peacock said that he would chase up the matter of a speed loop being installed in Smallgains Lane. The Chairman said that articulated lorries are back using the lane. The problem of stimulating a better interest in the work of the Parish Council was discussed. It was agreed that dates of the meetings should be sent to Stock Press and possibly a leaflet drop to each householder at the commencement of the Parish Council year stating the type of subjects to be put before the Council. Cllr. Peacock agreed to take on the job of communications to both the Parish Council and the Essex Chronicle.
890 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
Cllr. Easton sent her apologies.
891 MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING.
Cllr. Williams asked for the word 'outside' to be replaced with 'opposite' on the sixth line of Minute 874. Finance, Precept and Budget 2004/05.
Cllr. Elliott asked for the work 'Road' to be inserted in between 'Common side' on the sixteenth line of Minute 871. Matters Arising From The Minutes, Minute 850, 827, 806, 784. Matters Arising For The Minutes and Minute 775. General Correspondence, item b.
Under Minute 873. Planning Matters, Planning Application No. 03/01901/FUL, White Tyrrells, Stock Lane, Cllr. Otter asked for the following sentence to be inserted. 'Cllr. Otter commented that it was agricultural green belt and a tennis court should not be permitted in the field'.
Under Minute 873. Planning Matters, Planning Application No.03/02074/FUL, Land South of Woodholme, Goatsmoor Lane, Cllr. Otter asked for the following sentence to be inserted 'Mrs Otter suggested the Parish Council writes to Chelmsford Borough Council supporting the Tree Preservation Orders'.
Cllr. Otter asked for the words 'at the commencement of the meeting' to be inserted at the end of the first sentence of Minute 874. Finance, Precept and Budget 2004/05.
Cllr. Otter asked for the word 'some' to be inserted before 'free' on the second line of Minute 880. Bus Shelters. Cllr. Otter also asked for the words 'only single or return tickets' to be deleted from the sentence.
The Minutes of the last Meeting, having been previously circulated, were then duly signed as a true record of events. All agreed.
892 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.
Minute 871, 850, 827, 806, 784 & 765. Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 751. Maintenance.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Mr Smith of Timbertec enclosing a copy of Chelmsford Borough Council's decision with regard to the Willow trees in Mill Road. Chelmsford Borough Council had no objections to felling the middle tree and re- pollarding the remaining two trees. The Parish Council agreed with the decision and the Clerk said that she would contact Mr Smith and instruct him to carry out the work.
Minute 871, 850, 827, 806, 784. Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 775. General Correspondence Item b.
Cllr. Elliott reported that the drainage work on the Common had not started and that she had telephoned Mr Northwood with regard to the matter. She advised that the ditch had flooded and was not flowing. Cllr. Elliott reported that Mr Northwood and Mr Lewis, who lives in the bungalow behind the swings, are going to rod the ditch through and then work would be able to commence.
Minute 871, 850, 827 Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 812. Maintenance.
Cllr. Peacock advised that no cars appear to be parking on the corner of Birch Lane/Myln Meadow and that the matter should be put on hold. Cllr. Peacock advised that Chelmsford Borough Council would not carry out a safety audit and had advised Cllr. Peacock that it was a matter for the police if cars were parking too close to the corner.
Minute 871, 850. Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 829. Planning Matters.
The Clerk advised that she had reported the vehicle with a vertical notice advertising the restaurant behind the wall in the car park of Crondon Park Golf Course to Wayne Jewell, the Enforcement Officer, at Chelmsford Borough Council. Cllr. Otter advised that the vehicle had now disappeared.
Minute 871, 850 Matters Arising From The Minutes and Minute 841. Road Signs and Footpaths.
The Clerk advised that she had still not received a reply from Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the right hand arm that had been knocked off of the signpost at Mill Road/Downham Road junction. Cllr. Peacock said that he would bring the matter up at the next traffic meeting.
Minute 860. Maintenance.
Cllr. Williams advised that the overhanging privet hedge outside Miss Fox's house had been cut back satisfactorily.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the salt bins in the village. Cllr. Peacock felt that it was an unsatisfactory reply and wanted to know what the plans are for gritting Stock Hill. The Clerk handed the letter to Cllr. Peacock in order that he could draft a reply
It was agreed that the Clerk should send a donation of £20.00 to Mr Bishop for the use of his electricity for the Christmas tree lights. It was also agreed that the Clerk should write a thank you letter to Mr Harnett for donating the Christmas tree. Cllr. Elliott said that the Parish Council should pursue with the plan to put a permanent tree in The Square. Cllr. Lewis agreed to look at The Easters to get a price for a tree approximately 8ft high.
Minute 876. Best Value Group Report.
The Clerk advised that she had written a letter of thanks to the Art Society.
Minute 887. Stock Village Appraisal.
The Clerk advised that she had sent a letter of thanks to Gary Stringer
893 GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE.
a) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the Tree Warden Scheme Project Plan. It was agreed that the document should be circulated amongst the Councillors and commented on at the next meeting.
b) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Lynn Constable of Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the proposed house names for Plots 2,3 and 4 of the new Countryside development in Honeypot Lane. The Parish Council agreed with the proposed names which were as follows:-
Plot 2 - Fitzwilliam House
Plot 3 - Pembroke House
Plot 4 - Templeton House
c) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Essex Air Ambulance thanking the Parish Council for their generous donation of £200.00.
d) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Lynn Constable of Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to the proposed house name change of Garden Fields in Downham Road to Gardenfields House. The Parish Council agreed with this change.
e) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Stock Press thanking the Parish Council for their kind and supportive donation.
f) The Chairman advised that she had received a letter from DEFRA with regard to Equine Issues. The Chairman reported that all horse owners will need to obtain a passport for their horse by the 30th June 2004.
894 PLANNING MATTERS.
The Clerk advised that a Notification of Appeal had been received for Mericot, Marigold Lane. The Clerk advised that the hearing was to be held at the Civic Centre on the 14th January 2004 at 10.00am. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the Planning Inspectorate and ask for a copy of the Appeal Decision.
The Clerk advised that a Notification of an Enforcement Appeal had been received for Land South of Woodholme, Goatsmoor Lane. The matter was discussed and it was decided that the Parish Council had no further comments to make but that the Clerk would write to the Planning Inspectorate and ask for a copy of the Appeal Decision.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Lynn Cameron, Arboricultural Support 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. (2003/71) at Foxborough Chase, West Hanningfield had been confirmed without modification on 11th December 2003.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Dean Harris, Planner/Urban Designer at Chelmsford Borough Council enclosing a draft copy of new planning guidance regarding Residential Design Guidance - Roof Alterations. Comments were due in by 12th January 2004 but it was decided that the Clerk should contact Mr Harris and ask for an extension of time in order that the Parish Council could make their comments. Cllr. Grundy agreed to get extra copies of the document for distribution amongst the Councillors.
Applications:
Application No. 03/02071/FUL. Erection of conservatory at the rear.
Location: 17 Back Lane, Stock
Applicant: C. Campbell.
Comments by 24th December 2003, under the Clerk's delegated power this had been passed to Cllrs. Johnson, Elliott & Williams who said that they had no comments to make.
Application No. 03/02289/OUT. Demolish existing dwelling and construct 2 dwellings (chalet and house) with garages.
Location: 18 Birch Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr M. Tant.
Comments by 22nd December 2003, under the Clerk's delegated power this had been discussed with the Parish Council who made the following comments:-
1. It is undesirable back land development.
2. Unacceptable increase in density which is out of character with the area. There are no similar examples of back land development in the vicinity and it would set a dangerous precedent.
3. Importantly, this would create extra traffic on a small single-track lane, which is a no through road - there are too many accesses.
4. There is a tree preservation order on trees close to the access - it must be ensured that the trees are preserved.
5. The lane is already overdeveloped.
6. There are no pavements in the lane.
7. The development is overlooking the neighbours opposite and there would be no privacy.
8. The impact on the skyline should be considered.
Application No. 03/02280/FUL. Single storey garage and granny annexe building.
Location: Daylands Farm, Stock Road, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs M. Sood.
The Parish Council said that they were unable to comment on this application, as the property was not in the Parish of Stock but West Hanningfield.
Application No. 03/02311/FUL. Remove existing double-pitched roof and insert new roof over, containing second floor bedroom with dormers to rear.
Location: 23 Back Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs A. McGurren.
The Parish Council commented that it was in a conservation area, it was out of character and that there would be a loss of symmetry with No. 25 due to the higher roofline. They also said that it does not fit in with the street scene and will be very imposing.
Application No. 03/02447/FUL. Demolition of existing dwelling and residential ancillary buildings and erect new replacement dwelling and detached garage.
Location: Thrift, Madles Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr A. Andrew.
Cllr. Otter asked if anyone had a prejudicial interest. She then asked if being a neighbour was a prejudicial interest. Cllr Lewis declared an interest and then Cllr. Otter said she thought if you had a prejudicial interest that you should leave the room. Cllr. Lusty agreed with Cllr. Otter and said that it was stated in the Standing Orders that anyone with a prejudicial interest should leave the room. Cllr. Lewis was then asked to leave the room. Cllr. Lewis then announced that she was leaving the meeting, as she did not think she had been treated fairly. The application was then discussed and the majority vote was that the Parish Council had no comments to make.
Application No. 03/02435/FUL. Demolition of existing dormer and erection of new dormers and roof areas.
Location: 6 Peter Street, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs K. Stevens.
The Parish Council had no comments to make.
Application No. 03/01760/FUL. Installation of a 22m slimline mast, 3 no. dual polar antenna, 2 no. dishes and equipment cabinets.
Location: Greenwoods Farm, Crondon Park Lane, Stock
Applicant: Orange PCS. Approved.
Application No. 03/01851/FUL. First floot front extension and dormer.
Location: Kauri Cottage, Stock Road, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs A.C. Norman. Approved.
Application No. 03/05141/TPO. Works to T20 - English Oak (TPO 2001/117)
Location: The Oaks, Common Road, Stock. Approved.
Application No. 03/01887/FUL. Re-instatement of pre-existing low wall and picket fence.
Location: Bellmans, Stock Road, Stock.
Applicant: Mr & Mrs P. Fenwick. Approved.
Application No. 03/02063/FUL. Proposed side extensions and internal remodelling.
Location: Lane End, 59 Birch Lane, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs B. Radley. Approved.
Application No. 03/02054/FUL. Demolition of garden room and replacement with a two storey rear extension and first floor side extension.
Location: The Old School House, Stock Road, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs G. Stringer. Approved.
Application No. 03/02106/REM. Erection of four detached dwellings (reserved matters for design, external appearance and landscaping). (Plots 13,14,16 &17).
Location: Former SmithKline Beecham Research Complex, Honeypot Lane, Stock
Applicant: Countryside Residential (North Thames) Limited. Approved.
Application No. 03/01614/FUL. Erection of new dwelling.
Location: Land Adjacent Bakers Arms, Common Road, Stock.
Applicant: Mr E. Southgate. Unilateral Undertaking.
Application No. 03/02015/FUL. Proposed replacement outbuilding.
Location: Scriveners Farm, Madles Lane, Stock
Applicant: IPE Properties Ltd. Approved.
Application No. 03/02016/FUL. Take down existing pole barn and stables and erect new barn and stables including forming courtyard.
Location: Scriveners Farm, Madles Lane, Stock
Applicant: IPE Properties Ltd. Refused.
895 FINANCE.
Cheques to be Signed - The following cheques were approved for payment and signed:
100928 £502.87 Mrs L.J.Green Salary 1.12.03 - 31.12.03
100929 £49.89 Inland Revenue Only PAYE and N.I.
100930 £40.00 E.A.L.C. Planning Course for Cllr. Otter
100931 £107.14 Mrs L.J. Green Expenses
100932 £293.75 Lubbock Fine Audit Fee for 2002/03
100933 £20.00 Mr J. Bishop Donation for use of electricity for Christmas Tree lights.
100934 £337.28 Mr M. Tant Donation for use of electricity for Christmas Tree lights. 100934 £337.28 Mr M. Tant Erecting and Decorating Christmas Tree, concreting in 7 new posts at Common Car Park, preparing and painting street light at top of Birch Lane plus materials and buying new lights.
Transfer of Funds - The Clerk advised that on the 1st January 2004 she had put on notice to transfer £1,000.00 from the Business Reserve Account to the Current Account which was due to take place on the 8th January 2004.
Audit of Accounts for 2002/03 - The Clerk advised that the external audit had been completed and that a notice advertising the audit closure had been put on the noticeboard.
896 BEST VALUE GROUP REPORT.
Traffic Management - Cllr. Peacock reported that a meeting had been held with Essex County Council and Chelmsford Borough Council on the 13th December 2003 in which Smallgains Lane and Well Lane had been discussed. Cllr. Peacock said that the practical solution to solve the traffic 'rat-running' problem was to either close the road half way down or try a temporary closure. Cllr. Peacock said that he was going to draft a questionnaire and send it to residents in the vicinity to get their views on a temporary or total closure of the Lanes to discourage speeding. Cllr. Otter asked if residents of The Lindens, Marigold Lane and anyone else affected by the closure would be consulted on the matter. Cllr. Elliott suggested road narrowing similar to that that had been carried out at Shotgate. Cllr. Peacock advised that another speed survey had been carried out and at the next meeting with the Councils the Parish Council will find out if there has been a reduction in speed. Cllr. Peacock reported that Furze Lane and Goatsmoor Lane were being considered for a quiet lanes scheme in the Chelmsford area. Cllr. Peacock advised that the traffic survey had been postponed due to the roadworks but that it would be carried out when the clocks change. Cllr. Peacock reported that in February the village gateways and reduce speed signs should be erected. Cllr. Peacock advised that the white lines were still to be done at The Paddocks. Cllr. Tully reported that cars were parking over the edge. Cllr. Elliott reported that a stand pipe had been left by the War Memorial. Cllr. Elliott agreed to contact Chelmsford Borough Council in this regard. Cllr. Peacock reported that 16,000 vehicles a day use the B1007. Cllr. Peacock advised that there had been no discernable change since the A130 opened. Cllr. Peacock advised that actions for the coming year would focus on reducing traffic volume and minimizing HGVs
Playground - The Clerk advised that Mr Tant's quotation to carry out the maintenance work on the playground would be £150.00 plus materials. It was agreed that this quotation should be accepted and the Clerk should contact Mr Tant.
Broadband - Cllr. Peacock advised that Roger Watling had carried out the leaflet drop. Cllr. Peacock had spoken to the Regional Manager of B.T. who had advised him that they had set the Stock trigger levels using new rules that were equivalent to exchanges with similar total number of connections. Cllr. Peacock had been put in touch with a department in B.T. that could help with the matter. Cllr. Peacock advised that he had sent a note to Roger Watling regarding the matter.
897 GRASS CUTTING.
It was agreed that the grass cutting contract for 2004 would be discussed at the next meeting.
898 STREET LIGHTING
Nothing to report.
899 WAR ON WASTE.
Cllr. Elliott reported that Mr Murphy of 23 The Square had still not removed the building materials from outside his property. Cllr. Elliott asked the Clerk to write to Mr Murphy advising him that if he did not remove the building materials then the Parish Council would contact Chelmsford Borough Council and ask them to remove it If this action was taken Mr Murphy would be liable for the costs involved.
900 BUS SHELTERS.
Cllr. Elliott reported that the window was broken at one end of the brick bus shelter. It was agreed that the Clerk should contact Mr Tant and ask him to remove the window glass.
901 MAINTENANCE
The Clerk advised that Mr Vale of Chelmsford Borough Council had suggested concreting in wooden posts with white reflector strips on in Mill Lane rather than erecting plastic reflector posts. Mr Vale felt that this was more in keeping with the area and more sturdy. It was agreed that the Clerk should advise Mr Vale to proceed with his suggestion.
Cllr. Elliott reported that the churchyard was looking untidy. Cllr. Peacock said that he would speak to the Churchwarden about the matter.
Cllr. Elliott reported that one of the white chains at the back of the War Memorial had been tied up with string. It was agreed that the Clerk should contact Mr Tant and ask him to put in a new link.
Cllr. Elliott reported that there is a large pot hole outside the hairdressers, which is dangerous. The Chairman reported that there is also a pot hole outside the newsagents. It was agreed that the Clerk should contact Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to these matters.
Cllr. Elliott said that she felt the village pump should be refurbished and maintained. Cllr. Tully advised that it was on her land and that she had wanted to give the pump back to the village working. Cllr. Tully advised that Mr Andrews had looked at the pump a while ago but due to personal commitments she had been unable to pursue the matter any further. Cllr. Tully advised that the pump was grade 2 listed.
It was agreed that the Clerk should write to English Heritage informing them that the Parish Council were interested in restoring the pump and enquiring as to whether any grants were available.
Chelmsford Borough Cllr. Grundy reported that there were a lot of leaves in drains and ditches, particularly in Common Road and around the Common. It was agreed that the Clerk should contact ELS to provide a quotation and ask them to meet Cllr. Elliott in order that she could show them the sites that needed clearing.
902 OPEN SPACES.
Nothing to report.
903 ROAD SIGNS AND FOOTPATHS
Nothing to report.
904 VILLAGE HALL REPORT.
Cllr. Williams advised that no meeting had been held.
905 REPORT BY CHELMSFORD BOROUGH COUNCILLOR IAN GRUNDY.
Cllr. Grundy reported that the new Broomfield Hospital development was beginning to take- off. He said that the public plans had been displayed pre-Christmas and that there were various displays going on. Cllr. Grundy reported that the contract was down to two bidders and that a decision would be made next month. The project will start in May 2005 and should be finished by 2008.
Cllr. Grundy advised that Chelmsford Borough Council had been given money to set up park and ride schemes in Chelmsford. Cllr. Grundy reported that Mr Brown had given approximately £60,000.00 to Chelmsford in the Autumn Budget.
Cllr. Grundy advised that the Chief Executive was taking early retirement and that a couple of senior officers were leaving. Cllr. Otter asked Cllr. Grundy to find out their names for her.
Cllr. Grundy reported that he had attended a small presentation at the police station. He advised that Chelmsford currently has two community police but that they are encouraging Chelmsford Borough Council to get more. Cllr. Grundy advised that Stock is classed as a very safe area and the police only tend to be called when there are traffic accidents. The Parish Council felt that it would be nice to see their local policeman from time to time around the village. P.C. Gilchrist's Mobile Telephone No. is 079775 12062.
906 ESSEX RURAL HOUSING TRUST
The Chairman reported that the matter is progressing rather slowly. The Chairman advised that letters that had been received from Essex Rural Housing Trust. The Trust had found a site on Mark Thomasin-Foster's land which they were considering. The Chairman advised that notices had been put up around the village and an article had gone in Stock Press for people to register to see if there is sufficient interest to proceed with the project.
907 STOCK VILLAGE APPRAISAL.
Cllr. Peacock advised that Cllr. Easton and himself were arranging to have a meeting with Essex Rural Community Council.
908 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING.
The next meeting of the Parish Council is on the 26th January 2004.
Cllr. Elliott advised that the oldest resident, Mrs Gertrude Allen, had died at the age of 103 years.
The Chairman thanked everyone for coming; the meeting closed at 9.48pm.
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