Minutes of thePARISH COUNCILMEETING held on THURSDAY 22nd JANUARY 2015 in the Main Hall, Plantation Hall, Colchester Road, Heybridge.
PRESENT
Chairman:Michael Edwards
Vice-Chairman:Prof. Lew Schnurr
Councillors:John Harrison Stephen Jennings
Gary DaviesRichard Perry
Dr. Michael BlythIan Dobson
Keith Lawson
Officers:Laurie Wiebe
Members of Public: 2
District Councillors: None
Police: None
Other Representatives:None
In the Chair: Michael Edwards
14/342Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received fromGary Young (co-option candidate), Councillor Burmby, District Councillors Bryan Harker and Alan Cheshire.
RESOLVED that the apologies be accepted.
14/343Chairman’s Announcements
The Chairman thanked Cllrs. Prof Schnurr and Lawson for preparing and attending and representing the Parish Council at the Local Development Plan Examination in Public Hearings.
14/344Minutes
The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 15thDecember2014 were received.
The minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 8th January 2015 were received.
The minutes of the Events Committee meeting held on 15thJanuary 2015 were received.
It was RESOLVED that the:-
i)Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 15th December 2014 be approved and confirmed.
14/345Declarations of Discloseable Pecuniary Interests, Other Registerable Pecuniary Interests, Registerable Non-Pecuniary Interests
None.
14/346Public Participation Session
Simon Burwood expressed his interest in co-option.
14/347District Councillors’ and Emergency Services Report
Cllr. Bryan Harker reported that:-
- Those residents that have been affected by flooding between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2014 can file a claim through the District Council environment services team.
- Essex County Council is not carrying out a survey or planning to make changes to Bus Service 73.
- Maintenance work at Wagtail Ditch is scheduled to take place on 19th January 2015 for 3 weeks by the County Council Flood Team.
- Requested that the District Council publish Bus Service 288 on their website.
- Cllr. Harker has made representation that the Heybridge Chapel in the Cemetery be considered for a Men’s Shed project.
- Cllr. Harker has raised concerns about the obstruction to the flow of water in the Ditch opposite Drapers Farm.
Cllr. Alan Cheshire reported that:-
- The underpass by Tesco has been investigated by the Community Safety Development Team. With help from the Chelmsford Community Safety Team, there is a proposal to revamp the underpass with art and lighting. MDC are looking into funding to cover the cost of the paint as well as permission from Highways. An artist who has been involved in similar street art projects has volunteered their services. The Parish Council may be asked to help with the funding of the project.
- The Planning Performance and Special Measures have been calculated for the third quarter. It appears that MDC will meet the central government targets with the exception of appeal decisions.
A general discussion took place regarding the planning performance thresholds.
Cllr. Lawson left the meeting at 7:13pm.
Cllr. Dobson left the meeting at 7:15pm.
Cllr. Lawson returned to the meeting at 7:16pm.
Cllr. Dobson returned to the meeting at 7:16pm.
14/348Co-option
The Chairman reported that Gary Young continues to express his interest in co-option.
Simon Burwood expressed his interest in co-option. The Chairman noted that the Elections will take place on the 7th May 2015 and suggested that Mr. Burwood may wish to stand.
14/349Planning
(a)Planning applications
RESOLVED that the District Council be informed of the comments as set out below the following applications:-
i) Application No:FUL/MAL/14/01026
Proposal:Rationalisation of hard standing and internal roadways.
Location:Mill Beach Resorts Limited, Mill Beach Caravan Park, Goldhanger Road, Heybridge
SUPPORT
Application No:FUL/MAL/14/01031
Proposal:Alterations to clubhouse including new decking area.
Location:Mill Beach Resorts Limited, Mill Beach Caravan Park, Goldhanger Road, Heybridge
SUPPORT
Application No:HOUSE/MAL/14/01236
Proposal:First floor rear extension.
Location:36 Redshank Drive, Heybridge
SUPPORT
Application No:HOUSE/MAL/14/01278
Proposal:Proposed rear single storey extension.
Location:13 Ash Grove, Heybridge
SUPPORT
Application No:FUL/MAL/15/00001 PP-03836948
Proposal:Extension of existing unit 3. Demolition of units 4,5,6,7 and erection of new 2 storey industrial units for form new units 4,5,6,7,8. Retention of steel frame structure only of existing units 8,9,10 and the extension and alteration of the existing steel framed structure of existing units 8,9,10 to form proposed new units 9,10,11,12.
Location: Moat Lodge Industrial Estate, Stock Chase, Heybridge
SUPPORT. The Parish Council wishes to see improvement to site access.
Application No:HOUSE/MAL/14/01217
Proposal:Proposed two storey side extension and front porch extension.
Location:39 Rowan Drive, Heybridge
SUPPORT
(b)LDP Update
Cllr. Lawson reported that the three days of Examination in Public Hearings had taken place. The Inspector was concerned of the traffic junctions located both in Danbury and Hatfield Peverel. Chelmsford City Council had submitted an objection to the Plan based on the increase in traffic. Traffic consultants would be dealing with this matter and they are scheduled to report back to the Inspector on the 4th February 2015.
The Inspector questioned the policy that the developer of North Heybridge Garden Suburb should provide for an alleviation scheme of existing flood problems on the land. The Inspector indicated that the proposal goes against current Planning Law. The District Council are expected to report back to the Inspector. The main concern for the Parish Council is that the District Council would remove the flood alleviation clause and do something else with the section106 monies. The developer could then submit plans that would only include flood alleviation for the proposed development.
It was noted that the planning application for 100 houses on Holloway Road would not be heard at MDC meeting to be held on 22nd January 2015.
Cllr. Lawson also indicated that the Inspector was concerned of other legal policies.
14/350Report from the Clerk
A report was received by Members.
It was noted that the Clerk signed the ACRE/RCCE/CPRE funding e-petition on behalf of the Council.
The Clerk updated Members (Minute 14/312) that the District Council have agreed to remove the ‘dogs on lead’ signs from King George V Playing Field.
It was noted that the works to replace the kitchen floor had been delayed due to the cooker. Consequently there would be an additional cost.
The Clerk updated Members (Minute 14/313) that the current Bus Schedule 288 was published in the Heybridge Herald. It was noted that there was no free bus service from Bentall’s Centre to Tesco. Passengers travelling from Bentall’s to Tesco (only) can travel for free by showing their Tesco Clubcard on Bus 90.
Members considered:-
i)Seeking quotes to paint the Main Hall, Meeting Room, toilets and internal doors.
ii)The Clerk proceeding with completing the planning application for works to the Laurel hedge located at the entrance to Daisy Meadow Car Park within the Conservation Area.
iii)Approving the draft meeting schedule for 2015-2016;
iv)Further investigating producing a local map showing location of dropped kerbs for people with mobility problems.
v)Approving Fire Marshal training for three members of staff at a cost of £110 + VAT per person;
vi)The cost of £3000 + VAT for a feasibility study on Plantation Hall extension. Cllr. Prof Schnurr reported that the Parish Council could apply for a loan (Public Works and Loan Board) and reassured Members that the cost of an extension should not be daunting. Cllr. Davies suggested that a small business plan should be generated.
It was RESOLVED that:-
i)Quotes be sought to paint the Main Hall, Meeting Room, toilets and internal doors;
ii)The Clerk proceed with completing the planning application for works to the Laurel hedge located at the entrance to Daisy Meadow Car Park be approved;
iii)The meeting schedule for 2015-2016 be approved;
iv)The production of a local map to include location of dropped kerbs be further investigated;
v)Fire marshal training for three staff be approved;
vi)The cost of £3000 + VAT for a feasibility study on Plantation Hall extension be approved.
14/351Consultations and Policies
Members considered:-
a)Adopting the amended Freedom of Information policy;
b)Adopting the Complaints Committee Terms of Reference;
c)Adopting the Appeals Committee Terms of Reference;
d)Registering expression of interest for the DCLG pilot on new ways to publicise statutory notices. The Clerk had contacted MDC Monitoring Officer for advice on forming a partnership with MDC for the pilot. Cllr. Blyth noted that the document was confusing. Cllr. Prof. Schnurr indicated that the Parish Council does not have the manpower at the moment to take on board a new initiative.
e)Adopting the amended Planning Committee Terms of Reference.
It was RESOLVED that:-
i)The amended Freedom of Information policy be adopted;
ii)The Complaints Committee Terms of Reference be adopted;
iii)The Appeals Committee Terms of Reference be adopted;
iv) The Parish Council will not register an expression of interest for the DCLG pilot;
v)The amended Planning Committee Terms of Reference be adopted.
14/352Amenity Light – Green Lane
Members considered the request from Cllr. Jennings to install a third amenity light at Green Lane.
It was noted that Green Lane used to have five amenity lights and now only has two lights. The three missing lights had been vandalised some time ago. Cllr. Jennings indicated that he had been approached by two residents requesting further amenity lighting in Green Lane.
The Clerk reported on the estimated costs to install a new amenity light.
It was RESOLVED that this item be deferred to the next Parish Council meeting to allow Members the opportunity to view the area.
14/353Powerpoint audio/visual system for Parish Council meetings
Members considered the request from Cllr. Jennings of the viability of a Powerpoint audio/visual system for Parish Council meetings. It was noted that this would be useful when discussing planning applications.
It was RESOLVED that powerpoint audio/visual system for Parish Council meetings be further investigated.
14/354Parish Council Roundabout
Members considered the request from Cllr. Jennings to include a large floral display on the Roundabout.
It was noted that the existing plants had been chosen for low maintenance.
It was RESOLVED that a large floral display on the roundabout would not take place.
14/355Parish Council assets/events/publications/projects
(a)Heybridge Herald – Leading Councillor – Cllr. Edwards
Cllr. Edwards reported that the Herald was near completion and should be ready for delivery in two weeks.
(b)Basin Matters–Leading Councillor–Prof LewSchnurr
Cllr. Lawson reported that the former URC Chapel windows have been boarded up. There has also been a problem of human excrement in Daisy Meadow Car Park.
(c)Projects (including 5 year project plan) and Grants Working Group – leading Councillor – Cllr. Dobson
Deferred to next meeting.
(d) Doorstep Youth Club – leading Councillor – Cllr. Dobson
i) The lead Councillor reported that the Club was closed for the winter period. A meeting with the organisers will take place on the 11th February 2015.
(e)Neighbourhood Planning Working Group
The working group will meet on 5th February 2015.
Cllr. Dobson left the meeting at 8:24pm.
14/356Financial Matters
(a)Accounts for Payment
The Parish Council received the following accounts (inclusive of VAT) for payment as set out in the payments schedule circulated at the meeting –
CPRE / £36.00 / Annual Membership / 3301Elms Farm Park Conservation Group / £300.00 / Donation towards bat boxes / 3301
L Wiebe / £9.00 / Reimbursement re monthly travel costs / 4201
Mr P Cook / £20.00 / Hire deposit refund re 14/12/14 / 2301
Blackman & White Ltd / £50.00 / Hire deposit refund re 18/12/14 / 2301
I Mason / £25.00 / Reduced hire deposit refund re 9/1/15 / 2301
L Ives / £50.00 / Hire deposit refund re 18/1/15 / 2301
Able Group / £453.60 / Replacement broken window Main Hall / 2401
A & J Lighting Solutions / £456.84 / Annual Maintenance re Street Lighting / 3601
Danbury Electrical Services Ltd. / £367.96 / Flood lights repair at Plantation Hall / 2401
Water for Work & Home / £7.80 / Water provision at Plantation Hall / 2501
Essex Supplies (UK) Ltd / £94.26 / Washroom supplies at Plantation Hall / 2501
Office Is Ltd. / £289.03 / Stationery for Plantation Hall / 4601
Pralet Heating Ltd. / £78.00 / Switch off heating at Plantation Hall / 2401
Simply Sanding Ltd / £2209.92 / Sand & Lacquer Main Hall / 2401
Stephensons of Essex Ltd. / £575.00 / Bus services re month Dec 2014 / 1375
Viking / £149.53 / Postage stamps / 4601
The Window Cleaner / £45.00 / Window cleaning at Plantation Hall on 12/1/15 / 2401
Essex Contract Flooring / £897.60 / Install kitchen flooring at Plantation Hall / 2401
Essex & Suffolk Water / £70.15 / Monthly payment re water supply at P Hall / 2201
Maldon District Council / £1791.44 / Park Ranger Service for quarter Oct-Dec 2014 / 1210
C Rae / £537.00 / Alterations to gas connection, moving and reconnecting cooker / 2401
Maldon District Council / £565.00 / Rates re Daisy Meadow Car Park Jan 2015 / 3201
Maldon District Council / £382.00 / Rates re P Hall Jan 2015 / 2201
Southern Electric / £118.15 / Monthly payment re Street Lightning / 3601
Green Recycling Ltd / £53.08 / Waste collection month December 2014 / 2201
Southern Electric / £1208.60 / Quarterly Gas at Plantation Hall / 2201
Southern Electric / £462.28 / Quarterly Electric at Plantation Hall / 2201
British Telecoms / £91.80 / Quarterly Telephone at Plantation Hall / 2201
RESOLVED that the above accounts be approved for payment.
(b)Statement of Accounts
Members received an updated statement of accounts.
(c)Bank Reconciliation
Members received the monthly bank reconciliation for December2014.
Cllr. Dobson returned to the meeting at 8:26pm.
(d)Maldon Cricket Club Donation
Members considered the donation request from Maldon Cricket Club for a matchball and advert in the season handbook for £105.00.
It was RESOLVED that a donation of £105.00 to Maldon Cricket Club beapproved.
(e)CPRE Membership Renewal
Members considered renewing the annual membership to Campaign to Protect Rural England for £35.
It was RESOLVED that the CPRE membership renewal for £35 be approved.
(f)PCC Heybridge and Langford
Members considered the donation request from PCC Heybridge and Langford magazine for £100.00.
It was RESOLVED that the donation request for £100.00 towards the PCC Heybridge and Langford Magazine be approved.
14/357Highways and Environment Matters
(a)Report from the Tree Warden
This position is vacant.
The Clerk reported on works to be carried out on the trees located at Plantation Hall/Playing Field, The Roothings and Elizabeth Way.
(b)Public Rights of Way Warden
This position is vacant.
(c)Emergency Parish Co-ordinator
Nothing to report.
(d)Top three areas of flooding within the Parish
Members discussed the top three areas of flooding within the Parish where homes are at risk of flooding to be submitted to Essex County Council.
Cllr. Dr. Blyth noted the potential for flooding should problems develop with the Canal or Blackwater River.
Some of the areas discussed included:-
- Colchester Road at Stock Chase (however it was noted that houses were not affected);
- Coopers Avenue and Wagtail Drive
- Holloway Road, Crescent Road and Elizabeth Way
- Spicketts Brook (Goldhanger Road at Basin Road)
- Hall Road (near Hall Cottages)
It was RESOLVED that the following flood areas be submitted to Essex County Council:
i)Wagtail Drive and Coopers Avenue
ii)Spicketts Brook
iii)Hall Road near Hall Cottages.
14/358Reports from Committees
a)Planning Committee
i)Members received a report from the Chairman.
Cllr. Prof Schnurr noted that the newly adopted amended Planning Committee Terms of Reference allowed for representatives from outside organisations can join as non-voting members.
ii)There were no recommendations.
iii)Members considered moving the meeting scheduled for 5th March 2015 to 26th February 2015.
It was RESOLVED that the Planning Committee date scheduled for the 5th March 2015 would move to the 26th February 2015.
Cllr. Dobson left the meeting at 8:50pm.
b)Events Committee
i)Members received a report from the Chairman of the Committee. The Christmas Drinks Reception went well. The Council paid to cater for 80 people, however only 66 attended.
The Committee reviewed the 2014 Community Festival extensively and started to plan for 2015 Festival. The Committee hopes to involve Andy Potts and Saint FM.
The Quiz Night is booked for 21st March 2015 at 7:30pm. The teams will be by invitation.
Cllr. Edwards noted that the Mayor of Maldon will be setting up a team for the quiz night. Cllr. Edwards has also contacted Maldon Carnival.
Cllr. Dr. Blyth thanked Cllr. Perry for organising the fundraising event dinner. Cllr. Perry noted that he would be holding the next fundraising event after the Elections.
c)Budget Committee
i) Members received a report from the Chairman of the Committee.
14/359Reports from Outside Committees and Training
a)(i) Transportation Representatives Meeting
(Rep Cllr. Prof Schnurr).
The next Transport Meeting will be held in May 2015.
Cllr. Davies left the meeting at 9:00pm.
The Bus Service 288 numbers for December 2014 were 121.
(ii)Elms Farm Park Friends Group & Oak Tree Meadow
(Rep Cllr. Dobson)
Cllr. Dobson will be attending a meeting next week.
(iii)Health Matters (Rep Cllr. Dr. Blyth)
It was noted the Cllr. Prof Schnurr would add Cllr. Dr. Blyth to the health matters email lists.
14/360Training Notifications
Members received training notifications from EALC.
Members received training notifications from RCCE.
It was RESOLVED that:-
i)Cllr. Prof Schnurr and Cllr. Dr. Blyth attend the Spring Coffee Morning on 26th February 2015 at Manuden Village Hall;
ii)Cllr. Harrison will attend the Neighbourhood Planning Guide on 21st March 2015 at £25 per delegate.
14/361Future meetings
The next meeting of the Planning Committee of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday 8thJanuary2015 at 7.00pm.
The next meeting of the Events Committee of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday 15thJanuary 2015 at 7.30pm.
The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on Thursday 22nd January 2015 at 7:00pm.
The meeting closed at9:07pm.
Chairman
19 February 2015
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