HEYBRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of a meeting of the
HEYBRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL
held on THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2008 at Plantation Hall,
Colchester Road, Heybridge
PRESENT
VICE-CHAIRMAN : COUNCILLOR PROF L E SCHNURR
(in the chair)
Councillors Mrs A M Beale, M R Edwards, J W Harrison, Kay Ryder,
Mrs V G Miller, Miss G A Tully and Miss L E Wiebe
167. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Chairman reported that he and other Councillors had attended a meeting the previous evening with representatives of the District Council to discuss youth facilities. A report on this would be taken later in the agenda.
168. CHAIRMAN OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
(a) Resignation
The Clerk formally reported the receipt of notice of the resignation of William Arthur Bownes as Chairman of the Parish Council and also as a Parish Councillor. Both resignations had taken effect. The Clerk was asked to write to Mr Bownes expressing the Parish Council’s appreciation for his past service.
(b) Election of Chairman
It was proposed by Councillor Miss L E Wiebe, and seconded by Councillor Miss G A Tully, that Councillor Mrs A M Beale be elected Chairman of the Parish Council for the remainder of the current municipal year. A separate proposition by Councillor J W Harrison that Councillor Prof L E Schnurr be elected fell for want of a seconder and on Councillor Prof Schnurr confirming that he did not wish to stand for election. There being no further nominations, it was
RESOLVED that Councillor Mrs A M Beale be elected Chairman of the Heybridge Parish Council for the remainder of the current municipal year.
IN THE CHAIR : COUNCILLOR MRS A M BEALE
Councillor Mrs A M Beale then made the statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office as Chairman.
169. CASUAL VACANCY AND VACANT SEATS
The Clerk reported that as a result of the advertisement of the casual vacancy arising from the resignation of Mr Bownes, sufficient requests had been made to the District Council for an election to be held to fill this vacant seat. In the event of the election being contested, the Parish Council was asked to indicate whether it would wish the Returning Officer to issue Official Poll Cards.
RESOLVED that the Returning Officer be requested to issue Official Poll Cards in the event of the election to fill the vacant seat for Heybridge East being contested.
Consideration was then given to the situation regarding the other vacant seats. The Clerk referred to the reaffirmations of interest received from Mr R McKay and Mrs P McNaughton-Muir and advised that the Parish Council should offer a response. In the discussion that followed, in which it was indicated that Miss E Cannom had also communicated with the Parish Council her continued interest, the conclusion was that neither Mr McKay nor Mrs McNaughton-Muir had satisfied that co-option criteria as set out in Standing Orders. It was agreed that the position should be communicated to them.
170. DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
No declarations of interest were received.
Mrs DeSouza of Broad Street Green Road raised the issue of a noise nuisance emanating from within the centre of Heybridge. The source was unknown, possibly Wyndeham Heron or otherwise premises in Bates Road, but the matter had been reported to the District Council.
Miss E Cannom expressed her concern at the prospect of nuisance associated with the proposed late opening hours at the Benbridge Hotel on New Year’s Eve.
171. MINUTES OF MEETING – 20 NOVEMBER 2008
RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 20 November 2008 be approved and confirmed.
172. DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
No District Councillors’ reports were received, and the Clerk reported Councillor B E Harker’s apology for absence.
173. POLICE AND OTHER EMERGENCY SERVICE REPORTS
An update report from WPC Sakallu on local activity was noted.
Reference was made to some recent incidents in Heybridge Basin and the public generally was encouraged to support the Neighbourhood Action Panel and its work.
174. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
A report on the meeting of the Property Management Committee held on 4 December 2008 was received, the Minutes having been circulated.
Further to Minute 163(b) – Elizabeth Way Play Area, consideration was given to the Committee’s recommendation on the proposed provision of a play area with equipment for age 5’s and under. This would incorporate two bucket swings, a slide, two springers (one with back support), two benches, safety matting and fencing the estimated cost of which could be approx £20k for supply and installation.
RESOLVED
(i) that subject to the consideration as necessary of any budget implications, the Parish Council agrees actively to progress this project with a view to possible commitment in the current financial year.
Further to Minute 163(d) – Garden/Allotment Plots, consideration was given to the Committee’s recommendation on the need to pursue with Moat Housing Association the possibility of suitable and available land for use as allotments. Councillor Mrs A M Beale had already established contact with Moat’s Community Development Officer and the Clerk had followed up in writing. A swift response was required in order to assist the Parish Council make appropriate budget provision for 2009/10 if required.
RESOLVED
(ii) that the Parish Council explores formally with Moat Housing Association the possible availability of the above sites for use as allotments;
(iii) that subject to the above decisions, the report of the meeting of the Property Management Committee held on 4 December 2008 be adopted.
175. PLANNING, HIGHWAYS AND ENVIRONMENT MATTERS
(a) Planning Applications
RESOLVED that the District Council be informed of the comments as set out below the following applications:-
FUL/MAL/08/01304 / Heybridge EastSingle storey extension to rear and porch extension to front and replacement 'bow' window to front.
21 Maple Avenue Heybridge Essex CM9 4BP - Mr Ashley Dixon
No comment
LDE/MAL/08/01108 / Heybridge East
Claim for a Certificate of Lawful Development: Existing outbuilding to rear of property and gazebo
Dovetails 22 Fir Tree Walk Heybridge Essex - Mr & Mrs McNaughton-Muir
No comment
FUL/MAL/08/01285 Heybridge East
Front porch
24 Wharf Road - Mr T Staab
No comment
FUL/MAL/08/01308 Heybridge East
First floor extension (amendment to planning permission FUL/MAL/07/00602)
28 Limbourne Drive - Mr A Girling
No comment
(b) Planning Appeal – Mr M Holoway – Land to rear of 17 Crescent Road
Notification had been received from the District Council of the above appeal.
RESOLVED that the Parish Council’s objection and District Council’s decision be endorsed.
(c) Street Naming
The District Council sought the Parish Council’s comments on the proposed street name Oyster Mews for the site of former 48 Crescent Road.
RESOLVED that the District Council be informed that the proposal is supported.
(d) Reports from Tree Warden and Public Rights of Way Liaison Officer
No reports were received.
176. PROPOSED YOUTH SHELTER PROJECT
The Parish Council considered the report prepared by Councillors M R Edwards and J W Harrison on the outcome of investigations into options and sites for the proposed youth shelter. Councillors Edwards and Harrison were thanked for their work on this.
Councillor Prof L E Schnurr reported on the meeting that had taken place the previous evening with representatives of the District Council and others including the police and local youngsters. He added that this project had budgetary implications for the Parish Council, and there were also issues relating to the preferred location. There was also a suggestion that a Youth Council/Forum be set up. If the Parish Council was to discharge its duties legally and responsibly, including the opportunity for proper consultation and debate on the proposal, a decision to proceed might not be arrived at in time to impact on the current year’s budget. In the meantime, and in order to utilise available budget provision, the Parish Council could proceed with the Elizabeth Way project (play equipment area) in the current year, subject to acceptance of the revised budget position. At the same time, in consideration of the budget for 2009/10, provision could be made and arrangements begun to enable an early start on the Youth Shelter project in the new financial year.
Discussion followed on alternative propositions as to how to move forward with this project, arising from which it was
RESOLVED
(i) that the report of Councillors Edwards and Harrison be received with thanks, and that its conclusion as to the provision of a youth shelter at the preferred location within King George V Playing Field be accepted;
(ii) that subject to confirmation of the revised budget position at the next meeting, the proposed play equipment project for Elizabeth Way be implemented in the current financial year;
(iii) that the Youth Shelter project be the subject of publicity and further consultation with a view to implementation in April 2009, subject to appropriate budgetary provision being made for 2009/2010.
177. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(a) Payments Schedule
The Schedule of Payments was received, from which the following invoices (inclusive of VAT) were presented for payment:
Mrs B Hughes (Reimburse. – job advert/county court fee - 4601) - £233.38
Mr S P Jennings (Use of home as office - 4801) - £300.00
AGH Engraving (Chain of Office engraving - 4601) - £20.00
D G Chinnery (Plantation Hall windows - 2401) - £45.00
RESOLVED that the Schedule of Payments including the above accounts be approved.
(b) Ad Hoc Working Group on Estimates and Budgetary Control
It was agreed that consideration of the report of the Ad Hoc Working Group incorporating an updated financial statement be deferred until the next meeting. It was noted that the Working Group would be meeting again before that date.
(c) Donations
It was agreed that consideration of this item be deferred until the next meeting.
178. REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES AND WORKING GROUPS
It was agreed that consideration of this item be deferred until the next meeting.
179. CONSULTATIONS/NOTIFICATIONS
(a) EALC training courses –
How to raise profile of Parish Council – 14 January 2009
Advanced Councillor Training Day 2 – 29 January 2009 (£52)
Minutes and Agenda – 4 February 2009 (£32)
Health and Safety – 26 February 2009 (£75)
Law and Procedures – 11 March 2009 (£52)
RESOLVED that places be reserved for Advanced Councillor Training Day 2 (Councillors Edwards and Harrison), and Law and Procedures (Councillor Wiebe).
The Chairman wished everyone present a happy Christmas and then closed the meeting at 8.25 pm.
Chairman
22 January 2009
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