HEYBRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of a meeting of the PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
of the Parish Council held on THURSDAY 1 MAY 2008
at Plantation Hall, Colchester Road, Heybridge
PRESENT
CHAIRMAN : COUNCILLOR PROF L E SCHNURR
Councillors Mrs A M Beale, W A Bownes, J W Harrison, Kay Ryder and
Miss L-E Wiebe
234. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M R Edwards and
Mrs V G Miller.
Members expressed their concern for Councillor M R Edwards following his recent accident and sent good wishes for a speedy recovery.
235. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
The Committee received the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 3 April 2008.
RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 3 April 2008 be approved and confirmed.
236. DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND INDICATIONS OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
There were no declarations of interest and no members of the public present.
237. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF LAST MEETING AND
PROGRESS REPORT
There were no matters arising from the Minutes of the last meeting. The Committee then considered the following matters arising and received the updated Programme of Works.
(a) Plantation Hall Car Park Gates
The Administrator reported that she had met with a representative of T J Evers Ltd who, following inspection of the pillars by himself (and earlier by his colleague), had explained that in his opinion the cracks in the brickwork and mortar on the gate pillars were not indicative of the imminent collapse of the pillars. He advised to continue visual monitoring and if there were any further concerns to contact him again. The Committee agreed that a letter of thanks be sent to the firm for their advice.
Minute 237 continued
(b) King George V Field Play Area
The Administrator reported that a small area of the safety surface had lifted by the roundabout and following consultation with the Chairman, a verbal quotation of £125.00 from Bannister Safety Surfacing had been accepted so that the repair could proceed urgently as a matter of public safety. The Committee endorsed this action.
(c) King George V Playing Field Bollards
The Administrator reported that drop down bollards had been installed last year along part of the eastern and western boundary of Plantation Hall to deter unauthorised vehicles from accessing the field. These had been vandalised on the day they were installed before the concrete used had properly set and six of the eight bollards had been pulled out. A quotation had now been received for the bollards reinstatement to a higher specification in the sum of £1,640 for materials and labour. A quotation had also been received for the installation of gates instead of bollards in the sum of £2,460.00. These sums were considerably higher than the original installation costs and the Committee therefore agreed that the incidence of unauthorised access and any resultant damage to the field, be monitored over the summer. The matter would be reconsidered at the October 2008 meeting unless required sooner.
Programme of Works for 2007/08 and 2008/09
(d) The Programme of works for 2008/09
The Committee agreed that outstanding items on the current 2007/08 schedule be carried forward to 2008/09 with new completion dates, and that provision of Pre-teen Play equipment be added, the location of which is yet to be determined, the lead being Councillor Kay Ryder and completion dates for projects were added to the schedule.
(e) Youth Shelter
Councillor J W Harrison reported that he and Councillor M R Edwards had on a recent Saturday undertaken further public consultation (approx 30 persons) outside the Colchester Road boundary of King George V Playing Field and as people left the Plantation Hall. Arising from this there had been no specific objections for the siting of the proposed youth shelter in the south east corner of the field.
The Committee agreed that the provision of a youth shelter was a matter for decision by the Parish Council and that this should be fully considered at its next meeting.
Minute 237 continued
(f) Elizabeth Way Play Area
Councillor Kay Ryder expressed concerns that there was currently no rubbish bin on the area. The Administrator stated that as reported at the last meeting a new bin to replace that previously damaged and removed, had been ordered from Maldon Parks DSO. Councillor Kay Ryder also stated that there were two Tesco shopping trolleys padlocked to the gates adjacent to the area and Councillor J W Harrison stated that Tesco had already been informed of this and arrangements were in hand for their collection.
(g) Garden/Allotment Plots
The Administrator reported that she had written to Moat Housing Association and its response was awaited.
(h) Proposed Decorative Village Sign
Councillor Mrs A M Beale reported that the contractor she had been in contact with was unable to continue for personal reasons and she was now seeking an alternative contractor for costings /designs.
238. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
RESOLVED that the District Council be informed of the Parish Council’s comments as set out below the following planning applications:-
FUL/MAL/08/00454 HEYBRIDGE EAST
Two storey side extension
8 Kingfisher Close
Ms C Francis
NO OBJECTION
FUL/MAL/08/00467 HEYBRIDGE WEST
Convert one of two single garages to form part of sitting room and add first floor over garage
100 Abbotsmead
Mr R Large and Ms C Breen
NO OBJECTION
TPO/MAL/08/00443 HEYBRIDGE EAST
TPO 21/91 T10 Cedar - Prune back by 60cm to clear telephone cable
89 Cedar Chase
Mr A Alani
NO OBJECTION subject to strict adherence to the maximum 60cm prune back.
Minute 238 continued
FUL/MAL/08/00459 HEYBRIDGE EAST (BASIN)
Extend existing kiosk to store additional rowing boats and relevant equipment and to enable sales of ligh refreshments
Ticket Office and Kiosk adjacent to Chelmer and Blackwater Canal, Basin Road
Mr M Coverly
SUPPORT
FUL/MAL/08/00481 HEYBRIDGE EAST (BASIN)
Mixed development comprising 13 dwellings, commercial, car parking and landscapingChelmer & Blackwater Navigation Ltd Lock Hill Heybridge Essex
Melodian Ltd
OBJECT for the reason that the proposed development is considered to be inappropriate and over-intensive for this location within a Conservation Area. A development that seeks to introduce a significant element of housing along a frontage to a working canal, and located at a point with no proper road access would be out of character with this part of the conservation area. Concern is also expressed on potential flood risk. The Parish Council remains concerned at the proposed relationship of the proposed development with existing development, and the resultant impact on the street scene.
ADV/MAL/08/00480 HEYBRIDGE EAST
Replacement of Entrance Sign
Osea Leisure Park, Goldhanger Road
Mrs S J Robinson
OBJECT as the proposal appears to contradict the terms of the Outdoor Advertisement and Signs guidelines issued by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in1995.
239. ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
The Schedule of Payments was received from which the following invoices (including VAT) were presented for payment:-
M&G Fire Protection (Essex) Ltd (Phall Fire Alarm service – 2401) - £70.50
OCS Group UK Ltd t/a Cannon (PHall Hygiene Services – 2201) - £414.96
AtoZ Supplies (Pl.Hall cleaning materials – 2501) - £25.32
Keith Locke (Gardening April – 3001) - £138.50
RESOLVED that the Schedule of Payments including the above accounts be approved.
240. PLANTATION HALL DIARY QUERIES
The Administrator reported receipt of the following:-
Minute 240 continued
Proposed Hire Friday 16 May 2008 - A request to hire the main hall for a Childs Disco Party 7pm – 9.00pm with disco, snacks and soft drinks for approx 30 guests. The Committee agreed to the hiring subject to the usual interview with the hirer prior to the event, to go over the Conditions of Booking & Hire and General Rules for Use of the Premises.
Use of Football Facilities 2008/09
A letter from Heybridge Social FC stating they would not be running a Reserve Team for 2008/09 and requesting use of facilities on Sundays for their 1st team for the coming football season. The Committee agreed to the request.
The Administrator stated that in previous years the Committee had agreed that no football hirings be accepted for June, July or August to give the pitch a rest. It was agreed that no football hirings be accepted for matches between 1 June and 31 August 2008 inclusive.
The Administrator also reported on the following:-
Santus Circus would be arriving on 5 May and that she was to meet with Mr Santus on 2 May to go over conditions of use of King George V playing field.
Buzz Kids Club - In November 2007 the Committee had agreed to the use of the Plantation Hall premises outside normal operating hours for a before and after school and all day holiday Club subject to certain conditions and the hirer obtaining OFSTED approval for such use. In February this year the Administrator was informed verbally that they wished only to use the premises after school commencing 14 April 2008. As they had failed to confirm in writing their revised intentions, as previously requested, regarding the proposed use of the Plantation Hall premises, and no OFSTED consent had been obtained, the Administrator had at the beginning of April withdrawn the offer to allow the hire the premises. The Committee endorsed this action.
There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.21pm.
CHAIRMAN
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