| 1319 |
|
VOTING AND
CO-OPTION TO FILL CASUAL VACANCY OF PARISH COUNCILLOR. |
|
|
The Chairman
advised that one applicant, Keith Blackburn, had been unable to attend the
meeting due to a long-standing engagement. The Chairman introduced the other
two candidates who were Geoff Barrow and Charles Phillips. The Chairman then
asked each candidate to give a brief précis on their background, why
they want to join the Parish Council and what skills they could bring to the
Parish Council. The ballot papers were then distributed and the voting took
place. On the first round Charles Phillips was eliminated and on the second
round Geoff Barrow was eliminated. Keith Blackburn received the majority votes
so would therefore be co-opted onto the Parish Council. As Keith was not
present at the meeting it was agreed that he would be invited to the next
meeting in order that he could sign the relevant paperwork to join the Parish
Council. The Clerk handed the Chairman a folder containing all relevant
paperwork with regard to being a Parish Councillor and asked him to pass it
onto Keith Blackburn and ask him to return the Register of Members' Interests
to her within 28 days. |
| 1320. |
|
APOLOGIES
FOR ABSENCE. |
|
|
There were no
apologies. |
| 1321. |
|
MINUTES OF
THE MEETING HELD ON 5TH SEPTEMBER 2005. |
|
|
Cllr. Otter
advised that 'Article for' should read 'Article Four' in Minute 1305,
Application No. 05/01491/FUL. |
|
|
Cllr. Watling
advised that in Minute 1303., Grant from Essex County Council, it should read
'a LAN connection' not an internet connection' |
|
|
The Minutes of
the Meeting, having been previously circulated, were then duly signed as a true
record of events.
All agreed. |
| 1322 |
|
DATES OF
MEETINGS FOR 2005 AND 2006. |
|
|
Cllr. Elliott
advised that the dates were not in Stock Press. The Chairman said that he would
look into the matter. After discussion, it was agreed that there should be a
meeting in December and August. The Clerk therefore gave Cllr. Tully a list of
dates for 2006 to check against the Village Hall diary. Once the dates had been
organised it was agreed that the Clerk would circulate the list to all
Councillors. It was also agreed that Cllr. Tully should check to see whether
the Village Hall was available on the 19th December 2005 so that the Parish
Council could have a meeting. |
| 1323. |
|
MATTERS
ARISING FROM THE MINUTES. |
|
|
Tree Warden
Scheme - The Chairman read out an E-Mail that had been received from Keith
Blackburn regarding the proposal he had put together for planting in Brookmans
Road and at the junction of Swan Lane and the High Street. Keith had spoken to
Chelmsford Borough Council who can help him get a grant. Cllrs. Williams and
Johnson said that they would like an ornamental tree where the Christmas tree
normally stands. After discussion, it was agreed that the Clerk should speak to
Keith Blackburn about this request. It was agreed that the Parish Council would
not erect a Christmas tree and Cllr. Elliott said that she would speak to Mr
Harnett. The Chairman said that he would speak to Mr Fenwick to see whether he
would like to put up a Christmas tree outside the Hoop. |
|
|
The Larches
- The Chairman reported that he was meeting the lady from the planning
office next week to see if Chelmsford Borough Council would consider change of
use of the land. |
|
|
Noticeboards
- The Chairman advised that he had sent pictures of what the Parish Council
were proposing to the Planning Department but had not yet received a
response. |
|
|
Noticeboard
in Back Lane - The Chairman advised that the noticeboard was being built
and would be erected in October. |
|
|
Cleaning
Road Signs - The Chairman advised that he had chased Norman Robinson but he
was not in the office until next Monday. |
|
|
Grass Verges
- The Chairman advised that Chelmsford Borough Council would do the verges
as soon as possible. |
|
|
Bottom of
Well Lane - The Chairman advised that he had chased Norman Robinson but he
was not in the office until next Monday. |
|
|
Black and
White Posts in Smallgains Lane - The Chairman advised that he had chased
Norman Robinson but he was not in the office until next Monday. |
|
|
Level of
Traffic at the High Street End of Common Road - The Chairman advised that
he had chased Norman Robinson but he was not in the office until next
Monday. |
|
|
Grant from Essex County Council - Cllr. Watling explained
what he had found out about the equipment and advised that he had ordered a
laptop which the Clerk would draw a cheque for this evening. The Chairman
advised that he had written to John Stratford asking for agreement to have a
screen, shelf to mount the projector and to run a cable from the office to a
connector in the Village Hall. |
|
|
Roadside
Obstructions in the Village - The Chairman advised that he had chased
Norman Robinson but he was not in the office until next Monday. |
|
|
Re-tarring
and Stoning Common Lane, Common Road, The Square and Birch Lane - The
Chairman asked the Councillors to come up with a list of potholes in the
village by the next meeting. Cllr. Easton reported that Common Lane, Common
Road and The Square were full of potholes and that patching up was no longer
sufficient. It was agreed that the Clerk should write back to Essex County
Council asking them the timing and plan of when the work is going to be carried
out. |
|
|
Request for
Attention to Street Nameplate outside Almshouses - Nothing to report. Clerk
to chase. |
|
|
Sign at end
of Swan Lane - The Chairman asked the Councillors what was originally on
the arm that pointed to Wickford as Ingatestone Forge needed that information
to quote. It was agreed that it just read Wickford. The Chairman said he would
give this information to Ingatestone Forge in order that they could submit
their quotation. |
|
|
Streetlight No. 813154 opposite The Old Rectory - Cllr.
Elliott reported that the work had still not been carried out. |
|
|
Village
Policeman - It was reported that P.C. Adrian Elmer had been reassigned as
the village policeman. |
|
|
Doggy Bins
- Cllr. Elliott advised that the bins were due to be delivered next week.
It was agreed that the Chairman should ask Bob Hale about his public liability
insurance and ask him to quote to install the bins. |
|
|
Tree outside
the Almshouses - Cllr. Elliott advised that the tree does not need
cutting. |
|
|
Tree at the zebra crossing - The Chairman asked the Clerk to
chase Essex County Council regarding this matter. |
|
|
Speed
reduction sign from Well Lane to Smallgains Lane, which is covered up by a
hedge - It was reported that the work had been carried out. |
|
|
Church Car
Park - The Chairman advised that he was meeting S.D. Landscapes on
Wednesday to discuss an alternative. |
|
|
Drain
outside the Almshouses - The Chairman advised that he was meeting S.D.
Landscapes on Wednesday to discuss an alternative. |
|
|
Ditch Around
Common - The Chairman advised that Bob Hale would carry out the work in
October. |
|
|
Replacement
tree for the Common - The Clerk advised that she had contacted Keith
Blackburn about replacing the Hawthorn Tree on the common. |
|
|
Glass on the
top of the wall at Greenwoods - The Chairman advised that he had looked and
it would appear that the rest of the wall already has glass in at the top and
he felt that Greenwoods had just repaired the wall. Cllr. Otter said that it
was dangerous and of great concern. After discussion, the other Councillors
decided that no further action needed to be taken. |
| 1324. |
|
GENERAL
CORRESPONDENCE. |
|
a) |
The Chairman
read out a letter from Essex County Council regarding Leather Bottle Hill. In
order to avoid the risk of danger presented by the repair to the BT poles
Leather Bottle Hill will be closed to the public from its junction with Seamans
Lane to a point 30m north of that junction. The work will start on Monday 10th
October and will be complete within 5 days. The signed diversion route for
vehicular traffic will be via Mill Road and Mill Lane. |
|
b) |
The Chairman
read out a letter that had been received from CPRE regarding signing up to
receive free weekly e-mails and being kept informed of the public examination
of the controversial East of England Plan which starts on the 1st November
2005. The Chairman said that the document should be passed to all the
Councillors. Cllr. Otter declared an interest, which was not prejudicial. |
|
c) |
The Chairman
read out a letter that had been received from Stock United F.C. advising that
Billericay Town Boys were not going to use the field next season. Cllr. Grundy
said that they should seriously consider Stock boys. Stock United F.C. were
also asking for a follow up meeting with the Chairman to discuss the
possibility of other facilities. The Chairman said he would speak to Stock
United F.C. to arrange the meeting. |
|
d) |
The Chairman
read out a letter that had been received from Stock Cricket Club regarding
their concerns over the safety of children playing on the new play apparatus,
which had recently been sited on the Common. After discussion, it was agreed
that the Clerk should check with the insurance company to see if they required
any signage at the play area. It was also agreed that a letter should be sent
to the Cricket Club asking for confirmation of what level of liability
insurance they have for anyone being hit by a cricket ball around the Common in
general. The Cricket Club also expressed their dissatisfaction with the grass
cutting, which had been cut to a poor standard this year and sometimes had not
even been cut. |
|
e) |
The Chairman
read out a letter that had been received from Essex County Council regarding
Lower Stock Road. In order to avoid the risk of danger presented by the repair
to overhead lines Lower Stock Road will be closed to the public from a point
400m west of its junction with Kents Farm Lane to a point 1200m west of that
junction. The work will start at 9.30am on Monday 17th October and will be
complete within 5 days. The signed diversion route for vehicular traffic will
be via Kents Farm Lane, the B1007 Stock Road and Downham Road. |
|
f) |
The
Chairman read out a letter from Essex County Council enclosing a copy of the
Public Notice, relating to the Temporary Prohibition of Traffic Order in Lower
Stock Road, which would appear in the Brentwood Gazette on the 6th October
2005. The Order will be sealed on 13th October and the Orders will come into
effect on 17th October and the restriction will last for the duration of the
works |
|
g) |
The Chairman
read out a letter that had been received from Bakers Lane Action Group advising
that a disabled resident of Templeton Park had asked about the possibility of
having an asphalted path along a section of the Stock Road currently served
only by a mud track, which he finds it extremely difficult to negotiate in his
wheelchair. It was agreed that the Clerk should write back and advise them that
this came under West Hanningfield not Stock. |
|
h) |
The Chairman
read out a letter that had been received from Local Works regarding the
Campaign for the Sustainable Communities Bill. It was agreed that no further
action would be taken. |
|
i) |
Cllr. Otter
advised that she had received a letter from Essex County Council regarding a
new fund called 'Essex Communities Solutions Fund'. She advised that it had to
be for a need being met and had a lot of support from users in order to obtain
a grant. Cllr. Otter thought Stock Cares might be interested and handed the
document to the Chairman to pass onto them. |
|
j) |
Cllr. Otter
advised that she had been invited to the Parish Passenger Transport Meeting.
She advised that bus fares had increased by 10%. The Chairman asked Cllr. Otter
to take the output from the village plan meeting to the transport meeting. |
| 1325. |
|
PLANNING
MATTERS. |
|
|
The Clerk
advised that she had spoken to the Planning Department regarding Application
No. 05/01308/FUL, Brock Farm, Ingatestone Road for Creation of a coarse fishing
lake, raising of the polo pitch surface and the removal of part of a hedge. She
had been advised that the application had been withdrawn. |
|
|
The Chairman
read out a letter that had been received from Joy Thomas, Team Leader for Trees
and Procedures, at Chelmsford Borough Council regarding Tree Preservation Order
No. TPO 2005/40 at 11 Back Lane. Mrs Thomas advised that the Order was
confirmed without modification on the 12th October. |
|
|
The Chairman
read out a letter that had been received from Laura Percy, Planning Assistant,
at Chelmsford Borough Council regarding 57-59 Birch Lane. She advised that both
applications had been refused for the change of use of the agricultural land
into gardens (05/01215/FUL and 05/01232/FUL). The other application for the
change of use of the land at 41-49 Birch Lane had also now been refused
(05/01491/FUL). The Council advised that they are aware of the Parish Council's
concern for the land, but an Article Four Direction is only used in exceptionl
circumstances on land where a breach has not yet occurred. In this instance a
breach has already occurred and therefore an Article Four Direction cannot be
put on this agricultural land. However, as none of the above applications in
question have been approved for a change of use the Enforcement Team are on the
case, and appropriate action will be taken against the unauthorized change of
use which has occurred on this land. |
|
|
The Chairman
read out a letter that had been received from David Green at Chelmsford Borough
Council advising of the permission to carry out work on preserved trees at
Oakmore, 37 Birch Lane. It was agreed that the crown could be reduced by 30%
(approximately 5m) and crown lift over the highway on the Oak in the front
boundary. It was also agreed that the crown could be reduced by 30%
(approximately 6m) and crown lift over the highway on the Sycamore in the front
boundary. |
|
|
The Chairman
read out a letter that had been received from Roy Leavitt, Head of Planning
Development Control, at Essex County Council regarding Planning Service Group
Annual Report 004-2005 and Electronic Consultation on Planning Applications. It
was agreed that the Clerk should write back and advise them that the Parish
Council would not be ready for another six months. |
|
|
The Chairman
read out a letter that had been received from Cllr. Williams as a parishioner
rather than a Councillor. Cllr. Williams left the room while the matter was
discussed as she had a prejudicial interest. The letter was concerning
application no. 05/01491/FUL and the comments made by the Parish Council. The
Parish Council commented that they were trying to uphold the green belt policy
and based their comments on the refusal of 57-59 Birch Lane application and
also understands Chelmsford Borough Council's view that this is a change of use
as per the 57-59 application. The Parish Council acknowledged the fact that it
is probably not highly visible but only partially seen from the B1007 and the
footpath. After discussion, it was agreed that the Chairman would draft a
letter back to Cllr. Williams and circulate it to the other Councillors for
approval |
|
|
Applications: |
|
|
| Application No |
| Location: |
| Applicant: |
| Comments due by 16th September
2005. Under the Clerk's delegated power, and after consultation with Cllrs.
Johnson, Elliott and Williams, the Parish Council had no objections. |
|
|
|
| Application No |
| Location: |
| Applicant: |
| Cllr. Otter declared a prejudicial
interest and left the room. The Chairman advised that a letter of objection had
been received from Mrs Gallifant. The Parish Council unanimously objected to
this application. They commented that this application does not comply with CBC
Residential Design Guidance for roof and side extensions, Essex Design Guide
and Policies ENV 1, 27, 28 and 29. The proposed development is out of keeping
with the surrounding development. It is disproportionate in size and height in
a very prominent and elevated position. It would have severe adverse impact on
neighbouring property. It does not meet requirements for parking for a 6
bedroomed house. The Parish Council are aware of, but have not been notified,
of a landscaping plan which is not compatible with the proposed
development. |
|
|
|
| Application No |
| Location: |
| Applicant: |
| The Parish Council commented that
this is over development in the centre of a conservation area in the heart of
the village. The plans do not accurately reflect the footprint or roofline. The
access is onto an extremely busy and dangerous road at a very narrow point at
the zig zags of the zebra crossing, which is used by school children. The place
and space are part of the unique character of the village and would neither
respect nor enhance the character of the locality. Paragraph 10.5.3 of the
Local Plan says that parking in the centre of the village is detrimental to the
visual amenity of the conservation area and highway safety. There are
inadequate parking facilities. There is a line of trees adjacent to the wall
along the footpath that would be adversely impacted. |
|
|
|
| Application No |
| Location: |
| Applicant: |
| The Parish Council had no comments
to make. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Results:
| Application No |
| Location: |
| Applicant: |
| Refused |
|
|
|
| Application No |
| Location: |
| Applicant: |
| Approved |
|
|
|
| Application No |
| Location: |
| Applicant: |
| Approved |
|
| 1326 |
|
FINANCE.
|
|
|
The Clerk
advised that a VAT refund had been received for £2,940.92. |
|
|
Village Hall
Car Park - The Chairman said that he had still not been able to contact
Peter Bentley regarding the VAT issue |
Cheques to be Signed
-The following cheques were approved for payment and signed:
| 101078 |
£613.53 |
Mrs
L.J.Green |
Salary 1.9.05 - 30.9.05
|
| 101079 |
£104.82 |
Inland Revenue
Only |
PAYE and N.I. |
| 101080 |
£ 85.27 |
Mrs L.J. Green
|
Expenses |
| 101081 |
£293.75 |
Lubbock Fine |
Audit Fee for
2004/05 |
| 101082 |
£
25.00 |
Essex Playing Fields Association |
Annual
Subscription Renewal |
| 101083 |
£
25.00 |
CPRE |
Annual
Subscription Renewal |
| 101084 |
£974.56 |
Information Technology Clear Limited |
Laptop |
|
|
|
Transfer of
Funds - None carried out. |
| 1327 |
|
BEST VALUE
GROUP REPORT. |
|
|
Traffic
Management - The Chairman advised that he had been in discussions regarding
the sign. |
|
|
Playground
- The Chairman advised that he was going to have a meeting with the
planning lady next week. |
| 1328. |
|
GRASS
CUTTING. |
|
|
Nothing to
report. |
| 1329. |
|
BUS
SHELTERS. |
|
|
It
was reported that the bin at the Chelmsford bound bus shelter was too high and
that you could not see the bus coming. The Chairman said he would look at
trying to lower the bin. |
| 1330 |
|
MAINTENANCE |
|
|
Cllr. Elliott
reported that the post outside The Paddocks is bent. The Chairman said that he
would look into the matter. |
| 1331. |
|
OPEN SPACES. |
|
|
Cllr. Williams
reported the fencing that had been erected around what was Hermione Laing's
house. Cllr. Easton said that she had spoken to the Planning Department and
that an Enforcement Officer had been out who advised that a fence no greater
than 2m can be put up in the green belt. Cllr. Easton advised that aerial
photographs had been discovered from 1970 showing it all as one garden
therefore no case can be brought against the owners. |
| 1332. |
|
ROAD SIGNS
AND FOOTPATHS |
|
|
Cllr. Easton
said that the legislation should be looked into regarding footpaths being made
suitable for all fitness abilities. She advised that stiles have to be replaced
and thought the Parish Council should look into the matter to see what their
legal obligations are and whether there are any stiles that need replacing that
the Parish Council are unaware of. Cllr. Johnson agreed to look into the
matter. |
| 1333. |
|
VILLAGE HALL
REPORT. |
|
|
Cllr. Williams
gave a report. She advised that the finances look healthy with £42,594.00
in the bank. The floor in the large hall has been redone at a cost of
£2,720.00. A problem with tackiness had been reported, but a new buffer
machine was being supplied which it hoped will cure that. The car park
resurfacing was delayed but work has been carried out today. The carpet in the
small hall is being cleaned on 30th September. The heating will go on at the
end of this month. Donations amounting to £330.00 had been received.
There had been complaints reported in the village following a party. This was
booked as a 40th Birthday but turned out to be an 18th. Bookings are not taken
for 18th Birthdays. Keith Blackburn is being consulted regarding tree planting.
Trafalgar Day Exhibition is on 22nd October in the hall and the British Legion
hall. Also a fish stall in the car park and a professional photographer.
Conservative Quiz Night to be held on 18th November and Christmas Fayre on the
3rd December. |
| 1334. |
|
REPORT BY
CHELMSFORD BOROUGH COUNCILLOR IAN GRUNDY. |
|
|
Cllr. Grundy
advised that he would be attending a Crime Briefing Meeting. He reported that
the licence application for the Hoop would be held at a public meeting on
Wednesday evening. Cllr. Grundy advised that the Local Development Plan would
be open for public consultation at the end of October. |
| 1335 |
|
ESSE.X RURAL
HOUSING TRUST |
|
|
Nothing to
report. |
| 1336. |
|
STOCK
VILLAGE ACTION PLAN. |
|
|
The Chairman
advised that hopefully the sessions would be held middle to end of next week.
The Chairman was waiting to speak to Michelle Gardiner and hoped to meet with
her by the end of the week. If the meeting is going ahead next week the
Chairman said he would arrange to get the leaflets printed for distribution
this week. |
| 1337. |
|
DATE OF THE
NEXT MEETING. |
|
|
The next
Meeting of the Parish Council is on Monday 31st October 2005 at 7.30pm |
| 1338. |
|
CLOSED
MEETING FOR OPENING TENDERS. |
|
|
Posts on the
Common and new planks and paint for railway seat - Still awaiting quotation
from Bob Hale. |
|
|
Pond at
Thornton Place - The Chairman said he would speak to S.D. Landscapes. |
|
|
The Chairman
thanked everyone for coming; the meeting closed at 10.20pm. |