| 1138 |
|
ELECTION OF
CHAIRMAN. |
|
|
Cllr. Johnson
took the chair and asked for nominations for Chairman. Cllr. Tully proposed
Cllr. Peacock, which was seconded by Cllr. Lusty. Cllr. Peacock signed the
Declaration of Acceptance of Office form. |
| 1139 |
|
ELECTION OF
VICE-CHAIRMAN. |
|
|
The Chairman
asked for nominations for Vice-Chairman. The Chairman proposed Cllr. Johnson,
which was seconded by Cllr. Williams. Cllr. Johnson was therefore nominated and
she signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office form. |
| 1140 |
|
APPOINTMENT
OF INTERNAL AUDITOR. |
|
|
The Clerk
reported that she had already spoken to Peter Bentley who was happy to be
re-appointed as Internal Auditor. All agreed. The Chairman thanked Peter
Bentley in his absence. |
| 1141 |
|
APPOINTMENT
OF PARISH PASSENGER TRANSPORT REPRESENTATIVE. |
|
|
The matter was
discussed and Cllr. Peacock proposed Cllr. Otter, which was seconded by Cllr.
Lusty. Cllr. Otter agreed to be appointed as Parish Passenger Transport
Representative. The Chairman thanked Cllr. Otter for her input into this
matter. |
| 1142 |
|
APPOINTMENT
OF NEW TRUSTEES FOR TWEEDY CHARITY. |
|
|
The Chairman
reported that following Mr and Mrs Woodgate's resignation, Mr and Mrs Barker
had kindly offered to take over the position. The Chairman said that the Parish
Council were very grateful to Mr and Mrs Woodgate and Mr and Mrs Barker. |
| 1143 |
|
VACANCY FOR
A COUNCILLOR DECLARED ON 16TH MAY 2005 FOLLOWING RESIGNATION OF CLLR.
LEWIS. |
|
|
The Chairman
reported that Cllr. Lewis had handed in her resignation as Councillor and that
a notice had been put on the noticeboard advertising that a vacancy had arisen.
The Clerk had notified Chelmsford Borough Council of the vacancy and she was
now following the legal procedure. An Election to fill this vacancy will be
held within 60 days provided a request in writing for such an Election by ten
Electors is received by the Chief Executive at Chelmsford Borough Council
within fourteen days of the date of the notice. If no such notice is received
then the Parish Council will be able to proceed to fill the vacancy themselves
by Co-option. |
| 1144 |
|
APOLOGIES
FOR ABSENCE. |
|
|
Chelmsford
Borough Cllr. Ian Grundy sent his apologies due to the fact that he had a
meeting at Chelmsford Borough Council. Cllr. Lewis did not attend the
meeting. |
| 1145 |
|
MINUTES OF
THE MEETING HELD ON 25TH APRIL 2005 AND ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
HELD
ON 27TH APRIL 2005. |
|
|
Cllr. Williams
asked for the word 'door' to be replaced with 'dormer' in the second sentence
of Minute 1224. Planning Matters, Application No. 05/00741/FUL. |
|
|
Cllr. Williams
asked for the word 'hedge' to be replaced with 'bush' in the second sentence of
Minute 1227. Grass Cutting. |
|
|
The Minutes of
the Meetings, having been previously circulated, were then duly signed as a
true record of events. All agreed. |
| 1146 |
|
MATTERS
ARISING FROM THE MINUTES. |
|
|
Parish
Passenger Transport - Cllr. Otter reported that she had written a letter to
Essex County council regarding the deteriorating bus service and that more
buses were needed in the evening. She advised that the timetable had not been
changed and had been in operation since 1998. Cllr. Otter advised that she had
attended a transport meeting at which she had been advised that there was an
adequate evening service. The matter of expensive child fares was being looked
into but nothing would be done about it until September 2006. Cllr. Otter
reported that there was a new Sunday Saver Ticket, which was a trial scheme,
and she asked for a copy of the notice to go on the website and on the
noticeboard. Cllr. Otter reported that she had attended a workshop, which had
been interesting and useful. She advised that she had raised the matters of
poor service and child fares and was awaiting the outcome with interest. |
|
|
Tree Warden Scheme - Nothing to report. |
|
|
Village Pump
in Back Lane - The Chairman advised that the letter had now been sent to
the Enforcement Officer at Chelmsford Borough Council, together with a
photograph, confirming that the work had now been completed to restore the
pump. The Clerk advised that the work was now complete. |
|
|
The Larches
- The Chairman said that the Woodland Trust had contacted him about the
partnership and that he needed to return their call. |
|
|
Blackboard
Advertisement Boards - The Clerk advised that she had reported to the
Enforcement Officer that the Cock Inn had five boards on their forecourt.
To-date no reply had been received. |
|
|
Noticeboards
- The Chairman advised that the new noticeboard had been erected. Cllr.
Peacock still had to order the other noticeboards. The Chairman advised that he
had sent pictures of the potential noticeboards to Chelmsford Borough Council
for their approval. |
|
|
Ditch around the Common -. Cllr. Johnson reported that she
had left a message for Willben's but that they had not got back to her yet.
Cllr. Johnson felt that the work should be carried out in the Autumn but the
general feeling was that it should be done now. |
|
|
EALC -
County and Parish Working Together For the Future of Essex - Nothing
further to report. |
|
|
Street Light
No. 811009 in the High Street - Cllr. Elliott advised that the work had
been carried out. |
|
|
Cleaning
Road Signs - The Chairman advised that he had requested for the work to be
carried out. |
|
|
Churchyard - The Chairman reported that Mr Henderson was
dealing with the churchyard . He advised that he had spoken to the Church
Warden and told him to get the work done as required. |
|
|
Grass Verges
- The Clerk advised that she had written to Essex County Council requesting
a meeting and had enclosed photographs as evidence. To-date no reply had been
received. The Chairman advised that he had received a message from Mr Rackham
and that he would chase the matter up. |
|
|
Alan's
Driving School - The Chairman reported that there was more than one Alan's
Driving School so it was decided that the item should be removed from the
Agenda. |
|
|
The
Standards Board of England - A Code For The Future -.Nothing further to
report. Cllr. Otter advised that if you have an interest you have less rights
as a Parish Councillor than a private person. It was agreed that each
Councillor should complete a form and Cllr. Peacock agreed to get copies for
each individual. |
|
|
Bottom of
Well Lane - The Chairman advised that Mr Rackham was dealing with the
matter. |
|
|
Black and
White Posts in Smallgains Lane - The Chairman advised that he had reported
this matter to Mr Robinson and that he was going to come back to the
Chairman |
|
|
Level of
Traffic at the High Street End of Common Road - The Chairman advised that
he had reported this matter to Mr Robinson and that he was going to come back
to the Chairman. |
|
|
Grant from
Essex County Council - It was agreed to use the funds to obtain Broadband
for the Clerk and to buy a laptop and projector. It was agreed that the
Chairman and Clerk would liaise with Roger Watling about buying the laptop and
projector. |
|
|
Roadside
Obstructions in the Village - The Chairman advised that he had reported
this matter to Mr Robinson and that he was going to come back to the
Chairman. |
|
|
Erection of
large red brick wall on land adjacent to 20 The Square - The Chairman read
out a letter from the Enforcement Officer which advised that no breach of
planning control had taken place. This is because planning permission has
already been granted for this development under reference no. 03/01182/FUL.
There was permission granted for a 1.8 metre fence within this application, and
although the fence has been substituted by a wall, the Council would have no
objections to this minor amendment. |
|
|
The Draft
Municipal Waste Management Strategy for Essex - The Chairman read out Cllr.
Otter's comments on the document which were discussed. It was agreed that the
comments should be submitted and the Chairman thanked Cllr. Otter. |
|
|
Wide
Vehicles Using Common Lane - The Clerk advised that she had written to
Essex County Council requesting a width restriction sign. To-date no reply had
been received. |
|
|
Missing
Posts outside The Hoop - Cllr. Johnson said she was still awaiting to hear
from Wilben's and would chase the matter. |
|
|
Request for Attention to Street Nameplate outside Almshouses
- The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Essex County
Council who advised that items such as street nameplate provision and car
parking have been retained by Chelmsford Borough Council. Therefore the Parish
Council's request would be passed to CBC. |
|
|
Posts in
Middle of the Ditch Line at the Common - It was reported that the posts had
disappeared. Cllr. Elliott advised that she had had a meeting with the Cricket
Club and that they had took the posts out and that they were going to be moved
back to the hedge. |
|
|
New House at
Bakers Arms - The Clerk advised that she had written to Lord Petre and read
out his reply. Cllr. Williams advised that she had been to the planning office
and gone through the file. She read out some comments from the file, i.e. the
car park should be in equal size and number as it is now and there should be
retention of existing site features. It was agreed that once the work is
completed the vehicular access and car parking space should be monitored. |
|
|
Sign at end
of Swan Lane - The Chairman advised that Willben's were going to submit a
quotation. |
|
|
Missing
Posts around Cock Car Park - The Clerk advised that Mr Reid of the Cock
Public House had advised her that he was getting quotations to put up a fence
and gate for the car park. The work should be carried out in about 4
weeks. |
|
|
Footpath 26
- It was agreed that Chris Romer should be chased up on the matter. |
| 1147 |
|
GENERAL
CORRESPONDENCE. |
|
a) |
The Clerk
advised that she had passed the letter she had received from Alison Creed,
Community Sports Development Officer at Chelmsford Borough Council, regarding
the Parish Sports Programme, to Cllr. Tully. Cllr. Tully advised that she had
spoken to the school but major building works were being carried out in the
summer holidays and the toilets were going to be out of use. Therefore the
event would not take place this year. |
|
b) |
The Chairman
read out a letter that had been received from Chris Orme, Governor Services
Officer, from Essex County Council regarding the need to appoint School
Governors in many parts of Essex. The letter was passed to Roger Watling to put
on the website. |
|
c) |
The Chairman
read out a letter that had been received from Ms June Smith of 2 Vernon Corner
who apologised for not attending the Village Plan meeting in which she wanted
to raise the matter of maintenance of the land surrounding Vernons Corner. It
was agreed that the Clerk should write back to Ms Smith advising her to write
to Chelmsford Borough Council who the Parish Council believe are responsible
for the land. |
|
|
d) The Chairman
read out a letter that had been received from Malcolm Bartlett, Civic Services
Manager, inviting members of the Parish Council to the Annual Civic Service on
Sunday 12th June 2005 to be held at Chelmsford Cathedral at 11.15am. Nobody
wished to attend. |
|
f) |
The Chairman
read out a letter that had been received from The Brentwood Soccer Stars
regarding their Summer Soccer School 2005 which was being held from Monday 25th
to Friday 29th July. The letter was passed to Roger Watling to put on the
website. |
|
g) |
The Chairman
read out a letter that had been received from Stock United F.C. regarding the
usage of the field at Mill Lane by Stock United F.C. and asking the Parish
Council for some financial assistance. It was agreed that the Chairman would
sit down with the football club to look at their accounts and to discuss the
short term and long term position. The Chairman said that he would write to
Strutt and Parker advising them that the Parish Council were working in
partnership with the football club to find a solution for the short term/medium
term and ask them to give the football club until the end of July to come up
with a viable plan. The Chairman advised that Michelle Gardiner of RCCE and
Chelmsford Borough Council might be able to help. |
|
h) |
The Chairman
read out a letter that had been received from Stock United F.C. enclosing their
end of season report, charity match report and final league table. |
|
i) |
A parishioner,
Julian Whybra, has asked whether there had been any change in the footpath from
Buttsbury Farm to Whites Wood as it had been ploughed. Cllr. Elliott agreed to
look into the matter. |
| 1248 |
|
PLANNING
MATTERS. |
|
|
The Chairman
read out a letter that had been received from Chelmsford Borough Council's
Planning Department giving the owners of 35 Myln Meadow permission to remove
dead wood. Crown thin by removing broken branches, Crown lift to 1m above
existing crown bases to 7 Oak trees in the rear garden. On the largest Oak in
the centre of the group: cut back the broken branch to just below cut and
reduce the length of adjacent rubbing branch by approximately 2.5m. Balance on
the other side by approximately 2m. All cuts to be made to suitable growing
points and the tree surgeon to check the structural integrity of the
trees. |
|
|
The Chairman
read out a letter that had been received from Chelmsford Borough Council's
Planning Department giving the owners of Pear Tree Cottage, 2 Garden End,
permission for crown reduction by 25% (3m) maximum and balance, cutting back to
suitable growing points and to clean out deadwood, on the London Plane in the
rear garden. Permission was also granted to crown reduction by 20% (2m) maximum
and balance, cutting back to suitable growing points and to clean out deadwood
on the Horse Chestnut in the rear garden. Permission was also granted for crown
reduction by 20% (3.5-4m) maximum and balance, cutting back to suitable growing
points and clean out deadwood on the Oak in the rear garden. |
|
|
The Chairman
read out a letter that had been received from Chelmsford Borough Council's
Planning Department advising of the 'Notice of Intent' to carry out works to
trees located within the conservation area. Permission had been granted for the
owners of 34 Mill Road to reduce to 1m below services, cutting back to suitable
growing points on the Ilex in the rear garden. Permission had also been granted
to reduce the overhang to 1m below services, cutting back to suitable growing
points for the Prunus (various) in the rear garden |
|
|
The Chairman
read out a letter that had been received from Maggie Stanton advising that a
Tree Preservation Order had been made on the 16th May 2005 at 48,50 and 52 Well
Lane. The Order has been made because the Mature Oaks and the mature Birch and
Lime trees on the front boundary of these properties are an important visual
amenity in the street scene. These trees enhance the rural aspect of Well Lane
and are a habitat for wildlife. The Birch Tree is already protected by TPO
1989/25 but to make management easier it has been included in the new Order,
which once confirmed, will enable TPO 1989/25 to be revoked. |
|
|
Applications: |
|
|
| Application No |
| Location: |
| Applicant: |
| The Parish Council commented that
this urbanizes the rural aspect of the common. Its roof line is too high for
the location. This property overlooks the common. There is limited access for
contractor vehicles. This is effectively turning the original bungalow into a
two storey house. This is detrimental to the character of the common and the
lane. |
|
| Application No |
| Location: |
| Applicant: |
| The Parish Council commented that
this is totally out of keeping with the character of the lane. It is on the
edge of the development boundary going into countryside. This destroys the open
aspect into the green belt and rural environment at the edge of the village.
The developer has already destroyed a number of mature trees. Due to its
location on a hill, the aspect is further damaged by the size and height of the
development. There is no planting scheme in place. There is no plan for
retention of the ditch. There is no detail of materials to be used. This is an
extra house on an already dangerous lane. |
|
|
|
| Application No |
| Location: |
| Applicant: |
| The Parish Council commented that
they want to maintain the rural aspect of the lane and the setting of a listed
building. They said that they wanted to ensure that this complies with the
dormer guidelines and that a planting scheme is in place. There is no detail of
materials to be used. |
|
|
|
| Application No |
| Location: |
| Applicant: |
| The Parish Council commented that
the existing garage from application 01/00361/FUL is not shown on the site
plan. The Parish Council question the need for additional covered parking on
the site given that it is in the green belt. |
|
|
|
| Application No |
| Location: |
| Applicant: |
| The Chairman declared an interest.
The Parish Council commented that the roof would be visually intrusive. This is
over development of the plot. The massive size of this house will be
detrimental to the character of the area. The Parish Council want to see the
trees retained in an open aspect. |
|
|
|
| Application No |
| Location: |
| Applicant: |
| .The Parish Council commented that
they wished to see the character of this property retained. They also commented
that it would be useful in future to have lisitng particulars attached to the
application. |
|
|
|
Results:
| Application No |
| Location: |
| Applicant: |
| Approved. |
|
|
|
| Application No |
| Location: |
| Applicant: |
| Approved. |
|
| 1249 |
|
FINANCE.
|
|
|
Precept
- The Clerk advised that the first half of the Precept had been
received. |
|
|
Insurance
- The matter was discussed and as Allianz Cornhill had not submitted their
quotation it was agreed to take out Zurich Municipal's quotation of
£1,164.33 |
|
|
Approval of
Accounts for 2004/05 including Approval of Annual Return
and
Statement of Assurance for Accounts 2004/05. |
|
|
The Clerk had
prepared the accounts and circulated them to the Councillors. The Chairman and
Clerk were authorised to sign the accounts. The Chairman 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. The Chairman read out a
letter that Peter Bentley had written regarding the audit. Peter Bentley had
suggested checking the expenditure against the Budget mid way through the year.
It was agreed that this would be done at the first meeting in September. |
|
|
Audit of
Accounts for 2004/05 - The Clerk advised that the accounts were available
for inspection between 31st May and 28th June. The accounts had to be returned
to Lubbock Fine by 30th June 2005. |
| 101045 |
£56.00 |
Staples |
Photocopying and
Stationery |
| 101046 |
£51.36 |
The Four
Vintners |
Refreshments for APM and
Village Plan Meetings |
| 101047 |
£614.24 |
Mrs
L.J.Green |
Salary 1.5.05 - 31.5.05
|
| 101048 |
£104.11
|
Inland Revenue Only |
PAYE and
N.I. |
| 101049 |
£92.86 |
Mrs L.J. Green |
Expenses |
| 101050 |
£8.72 |
Mrs P.J. Johnson |
Snacks for APM
Meeting |
| 101051 |
£70.00 |
Essex County Council |
Hire of School
on 27/4/05 & 12/05/05 |
| 101052 |
£1,000.00 |
G.
Blackwell |
Work to Village
Pump |
| 101053 |
£482.00 |
Mr
P.H. Williams |
Grass Cutting
April |
| 101054 |
£54.50 |
British Telecommunications Plc |
Office
Telephone |
| 101055 |
£1,164.33 |
Zurich Insurance Company |
Annual
Insurance Premium |
|
|
|
Transfer of
Funds - On the 29th April £15,000.00 had been transferred from the
current account to the Base Rate Tracker account. On the 18th May 2005 notice
had been given to transfer £2,500.00 from the Business Reserve Account to
the Current account. Transfer due to take place on 25th May 2005. |
| 1250 |
|
BEST VALUE
GROUP REPORT. |
|
|
Traffic
Management - The Chairman reported that he had met with Norman Robinson who
had promised to put an order out to complete the gates at each end of the
village. Mr Robinson was getting reconfirmation on the new village sign. The
chairman had discussed the other outstanding matters raised in matters arising
with Mr Robinson. The Chairman reported that funding was not an issue as Essex
County Council had the funds to do the work. The Chairman advised that three
issues had been agreed: speed measurements, open dialogue with Essex County
Council on phase 2 and that they would participate in the working group
regarding the village plan traffic management. Cllrs. Williams and Elliott
reported that a resident at The Paddocks could not get her car out as people
were parking over her driveway. It was reported that where the road has been
widened it does not look like a driveway. It was also reported that posts are
missing. The Chairman suggested white lining the area concerned. Cllr. Otter
reported that people are parking on the gravel footpath along the High Street
between The Paddocks and Compass Green. It was agreed that the Clerk would
write to Lord Petre and ask him what the rights of access are across, and
parking along, the area. The Chairman advised that the work in Myln Meadow
would take 11 weeks. |
|
|
Playground
- The Chairman advised that the target date was early July. |
| 1251 |
|
GRASS
CUTTING. |
|
|
Cllr. Elliott
reported that the Common had not been cut on the 21st May 2005 |
| 1252 |
|
BUS
SHELTERS. |
|
|
Nothing to report. |
| 1253 |
|
MAINTENANCE |
|
|
Cllr. Elliott
reported that there was no shade on light number 813154, opposite the Old
Rectory, and that ivy was crawling over the lamp next to it, on the right hand
side of the High Street as you go towards Billericay. The Clerk sagreed to
contact Paul Crossley regarding the matters. |
| 1254 |
|
OPEN SPACES. |
|
|
Nothing to
report. |
| 1255 |
|
ROAD SIGNS
AND FOOTPATHS |
|
|
Nothing to
report. |
| 1256 |
|
VILLAGE HALL
REPORT. |
|
|
Cllr. Elliott
reported that the Farmers Markets are booked until 2006. The new floor is being
laid between 8th -13th August and the Village Hall will be closed. Cllr.
Elliott passed a copy of the financial report to the Chairman. Cllr. Elliott
reported that the Village Hall were having trouble with the drains and that it
would cost £8,000.00 to repair. The painting would cost £4,000.00.
Cllr. Elliott reported that the tenders had gone out for the car park. She also
advised that two traffic humps were going to be installed. Cllr. Elliott
reported that the Chairman of the Village Hall had been on a licence training
day and it was decided that the drama group would probably need 12 temporary
licences a year. Cllr. Williams advised that the AGM would be held on 25th May
2005. The Chairman advised that Mr Stratford had called him regarding the
Parish Council contributing towards the topping of the car park. Cllr. Elliott
advised that the approximate cost to the Parish Council would be
£4,000.00. It was agreed that as the Parish Council were not Trustees of
the Village Hall, after the work to the car park had been carried out the item
could be removed from the Agenda. It was agreed that a representative would
still attend the Village Hall meetings and would report back to the Parish
Council as and when necessary. |
| 1257 |
|
REPORT BY
CHELMSFORD BOROUGH COUNCILLOR IAN GRUNDY. |
|
|
The Chairman
read out the following report that Cllr. Grundy had written for the meeting.
Galleywood have very recently published their Design Statement and I will
procure a copy and pass on to the Chairman - it might be useful later on. |
|
|
Chelmsford has
a new Mayor; Duncan Lumley having taken over from Ian Wright .The Mayors
Charity raised £35k this past year all of which has been given to the
Farleigh Hospice and will be included in the funds for the new building at
Broomfield. The cheque was actually handed over at the Community Evening
attended by Mr & Mrs Perez. |
|
|
Following the
continual wall of earth at Brocks Farm in Stock Lane, CBC issued a Stop Notice
and we are currently in the 28 day period of consultation. CBC are also
checking out the lights at Crondon Park which have been an issue of contention
since installation. Especially from residents in Margaretting |
|
|
Everyone will
have heard about the travelers' site at Crays Hill. Basildon Council are
somewhat belatedly attempting to seek eviction. Notices have been served and we
are now in a period of consultation, which will last several weeks. CBC are in
constant touch with the officers at Basildon over this delicate issue. It is
very important everyone is aware of what is going on and remain vigilant at all
times. We had a scare Friday evening when activity was reported on Galleywood
Common but fortunately it was a false alarm. |
| 1258 |
|
ESSEX RURAL
HOUSING TRUST |
|
|
Nothing to
report. |
| 1259 |
|
STOCK
VILLAGE APPRAISAL. |
|
|
The Chairman
reported that he had been amazed by the amount of people who attended the
planning session. He advised that Michelle Gardiner from RCCE was now going to
gather the information from the meeting. The Chairman suggested breaking the
break-out groups into smaller working groups. Cllr. Easton asked for the
heading on the Minutes to now read Stock Village Action Plan rather than Stock
Village Appraisal. Cllr. Easton said that she was concerned that people are not
aware that they are signing up for the action plan and may just feel that it
was just for that meeting. The Chairman suggested that when the people who
participated are invited to the next meeting that they are given a chance to do
more than one thing. The Chairman said that he would liaise with Michelle
Gardiner. |
| 1260 |
|
DATE OF THE
NEXT MEETING. |
|
|
The next
Meeting of the Parish Council is on Monday 27th June 2005 at 7.30pm. |
| 1261 |
|
CLOSED
MEETING FOR OPENING TENDERS. |
|
|
Church Car
Park - The Clerk declared an interest. The quotations were discussed and it
was agreed that the contract should be given to Willben's. |
|
|
Road Outside
The Almshouses - The Clerk declared an interest. The quotations were
discussed and it was agreed that the contract should be given to
Willben's. |
|
|
The
Chairman thanked everyone for coming; the meeting closed at 10.15pm. |