Minutes of a Meeting of Earls Colne Parish Council held in the Council Chamber
on Wednesday15thAugust 2012
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PRESENT: Cllrs: Mr. R. Austing, Mr. J. Bendall (Chairman), Mr. W. Bennett, Mr. R. Curtis, Mr. C. Hazell, Mr. K. Shipp, Mr. I. Sparks and Mr. F. Williams.
Mrs. V. Holmes was present in her capacity as Clerk together with District Councillors, C. Siddall and Gabrielle Spray. In addition three members of the public were present, Mr. & Mrs. Evason and Mrs. Coote, all of Tey Road and Mrs. Stephen Wenlock, Landscape Services, Braintree District Council.
1.APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
No apologies received.
2.DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None.
3.PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION
Mrs. Coote spoke on behalf of herself and Mr. & Mrs. Evason regarding Planning Application 12/00171/FUL – appeal against conditions imposed following granting of planning permission – 21 Tey Road. The Chairman noted correspondence received from Mrs. Coote and Mr. & Mrs. Evason. Both parties strongly oppose the Appeal on the grounds that permission was granted for change of use from agricultural to garden and that if the conditions were lifted this would allow the occupier to erect further buildings. Mr. Evason also noted that the occupier had been reported to Environmental Health for lighting bonfires close to no. 17 Tey Road and leaving them unattended. The Chairman thanked Mrs. Coote for her comments and confirmed that these, together with the correspondence, would be taken into account when members considered the application under Item 6.
Following a letter received from Mr. Wenlock, Landscape Architect, Braintree District Council dated 9th July, members had invited him to attend the public participation session to assist them in understanding the requirements for the Open Spaces Action Plan. Mr. Wenlock explained that unless the Parish Council complete the Open Space Action Plan that identifies a public open space need, it was unlikely that the Parish Council would receive Section 106 funds in the event of a development. If the Parish’s public open space needs are recorded in the Open Spaces Action Plan (OSAP) and a residential development was proposed within the Parish, the Local Planning Authority will normally seek a S106 contribution in lieu of open space provision or enhancement. However, if there was nothing listed in the OSAP for the Parish, then there would be no reason to seek S106 contributions for the Parish in the future. Mr. Wenlock requested members check the current entries and report back to him any amendments necessary. Mr. Wenlock confirmed that he would be happy to extend the deadline for completion of the action plan beyond 31st August to allow members to respond. His aim is to have a District wide document in place by the new year.
4.TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS:
The Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 18th July 2012 were approved and signed.
5.CLERK`S REPORT:
a)Village Inspection – the Clerk noted that the last village inspection had been in March 2012 and asked members if they wished to continue with the quarterly inspections. Members agreed to continue with these and the Clerk would circulate a revised schedule. Cllrs. Williams and Austing would carry out an inspection in early September and report back to members.
b)Photocopier – the Clerk reported that she had been unable to proceed with the lease for a replacement photocopier due to a Service Agreement termination clause. The Clerk therefore noted that the current machine would remain until the expiry of the lease in 18 months time.
c)Sustainable Drainage Systems – the Clerk informed members that she had received information on a Consultation Exercise – Sustainable Drainage Systems Design and Adoption Guide – Wednesday 1st August until Wednesday 12th September 2012. The information was in the Parish office should members wish to respond.
d)Annual Leave – the Clerk reported that she would be on annual leave between 20th and 27th August.
6. PLANNING
a)Decisions reached:
12/00142/TPO – 19 Kemsley Road – works to trees protected by TPO – Application Permitted.
12/00154/TPOCON – 7-8 Halstead Road – works to trees in conservation area – Application Granted.
12/00747/LBC – Priory Cottage, 35 Upper Holt Street – strip and re-tile roof and replace 1 no. oak pillar to match existing – Application Permitted.
12/00879/FUL – 6 Homefield Way – erection of two storey side extension – Application Refused.
12/00935/FUL – 21 Nonancourt Way – erection of garden room, conversion of garage and provision of new parking space – Application Withdrawn.
b)Current applications: Cllr. Bendall reported on the following applications:
12/00198/TPOCON – to carry out works to trees affected by Conservation Area – Colne Place
Members had no objections to this application.
12/00164/DAC – Application to discharge conditions 3,4 & 6 of approved application 11/00539/FUL – 2 Park Lane.
Members had no objections to this application.
12/00155/DAC - Application to discharge condition no. 3 of approved application 12/00696/LBC – Chandlers, Upper Holt Street
Members had no objections to this application.
12/00762/FUL – 203A West and East Block Elevation – Additional Plans – Harold Sims House
Members had no objections to this application.
12/00209/TPOCON- To carry out works to trees affected by Conservation Area – 16 Swallow Field
Members had no objections to this application.
12/00171/FUL – Change of use of agricultural land to domestic garden – appeal lodged against condition imposed following granting of planning application – 21 Tey Road
Members objected to the removal of any conditions imposed as they would consider the building of any structure in this area to be unacceptable as it would be beyond the line of the existing gardens.
7.MEMBERS` REPORTS
a)War Memorial - Cllr. Sparks reported that he had received funding application from the War Memorials Trust which he would complete and submit. Cllr. Sparks informed members that the Parish may be eligible for 50% of the cost of the repairs. Cllr. Sparks to update members once the Trust has considered the application and a survey has been carried out.
b)2014 Remembrance Day Parade - Cllr. Sparksreported that arrangements for the 2014 Remembrance Day celebrations were underway. Cllr. Sparks would be inviting the Colchester Pipe Band to lead the parade to the War Memorial, with involvement from the Emergency Services, Servicemen and Servicewomen and Veterans, Guides, and Scouts. Cllr. Sparks has asked the Clerk to contact the Police regarding closure of the High Street for the parade and he would be discussing service arrangements with Rev. Brooks. Members were in agreement with the arrangements so far.
c)Annual Parish Meeting – Members discussed Cllr. Austing’s proposals for a different format to the Annual Parish meeting to encourage more members of the local community. Cllr. Bennett was in favour of a ‘Question Time’. Members suggested contacting other Parish Councils to see how they encouraged members of the community to attend the annual meeting. Cllr. Shipp thought a modern day approach was needed with the meeting being advertised electronically. Cllrs. Shipp and Howorth to discuss this when reviewing the Annual report. Cllr. Shipp also felt that members should consider social media. It was agreed that Cllr. Shipp would investigate further and report back to members.
d)Essex Youth Bus – Cllrs. Bendall and Curtis had both visited the Youth Bus in De Vere Road and reported that a number of youth were visiting the bus and the facility seemed to be working well. Cllr. Austing reported that he had gone to De Vere Road on Wednesday 8th August but the Bus was not there. The Clerk would investigate this. Cllr. Bendall had requested Braintree District Council reported attendance figures to Parish Council and the Clerk would follow this up.
8.ESSEXCOUNTY COUNCIL
a)Highways – Following a Highways meeting Cllr. Bendall reported that the procedure for submitting a request for highways/traffic regulation orders had now changed. A ‘Scheme Request Template’ should now be used. Traffic regulation orders should now be directed to the North Essex Parking Partnership and Highways issues to Rob Macdonald, Highways Liaison Officer, Essex County Council. Cllr. Bendall informed members that there were several outstanding highways issues and members agreed to submit these as follows:
Tey Road – parking restrictions – submitted 2010.
High Street – waiting restrictions.
Headwall to Culvert – Church Hill
Speed limit – Coggeshall Road
Bus shelter – opposite Green Court (this would need to be supported by statistics from bus companies.
Bus shelter – Upper Holt Street – this is currently on the highways list for future consideration.
Members requested that the access to the Millennium Green form part of the village inspection, to be reported back to members.
b)Street Lighting – Members considered the new street lighting proposals by Essex County Council to reduce the burning hours of its street lighting, turning the lights off between midnight and 5 a.m. Members agreed in principal to this proposal and accepted that this scheme would modernise and improve the management of street lights, as well as significantly reducing energy consumption and light pollution. Members, however, agreed to respond to Essex County Council with the following comments:
1.Street lighting on Atlas Works Site has now been officially adopted
and therefore should be included.
2.Lighting on the main A1124 should be ALL NIGHT lighting at the
following locations, which are currently shown as Part Night Lighting:
(a) Church Corner (accident black spot)
(b) Coggeshall Road mini roundabout (conflict site)
(c) Junction with Station Road (conflict site)
9.BRAINTREE DISTRICT COUNCIL:
a)Tey Road Playground – Cllrs. Bendall and Hazell reported on a site meeting with Alvin Mann, Braintree District Council held on 19th July at Twelve Acres play area off Tey Road. Two new self closing gates have recently been erected and it was agreed that a third similar gate would be erected to ensure the area was dog proof, together with a ‘no dogs allowed’ sign. Safety surfacing was present under all equipment and Mr. Mann was asked to ensure that the programme of grass cutting was adhered to, currently every 10 days. Cllrs. Bendall and Hazell reported that the play area was now in good condition. Mr. Mann also confirmed that remedial works to fencing at the De Vere Road playground were imminent.
b)Car Park, Public Conveniences, Allotments, Queens Road – Cllr. Bendall reported on a site meeting in Queens Road held on 8th August with representatives of Braintree District Council. Cllr. Bendall impressed upon those present that the Parish Council would not be prepared to take over responsibility for the car park until it was considered to be in a satisfactory condition. Matters to be addressed included: drainage, resurfacing/relining, fencing, lighting, trees as well as any other liability relating to rates and maintenance. Members agreed that resurfacing of the car park would be essential prior to any agreement being made to take over.
c)Improvements to Public Open Spaces – following Mr. Wenlock’s report to members during the public participation sessions, members agreed to defer the matter of the Open Space Action Plan to a Planning Meeting to be held at 7.00 p.m. on 6th September.
d)Essex and Hearts Air Ambulance – Cllr. Spray presented her report to members on current matters regarding the Essex Air Ambulance and the Airfield. She reminded members that the Airfield Liaison Group is not a formal committee but acts in an advisory capacity between local residents, the Airfield operators and – since 2010 – the Essex & Hearts Air Ambulance and Braintree District Council.
Cllr. Spray reported on two issues that had arisen:
1. The weight of aircraft using the Airfield.
This issue was raised by a local resident. Cllr. Spray confirmed that there was no intention to use larger craft; any breach of the 106 Agreement would be investigated but no such breach had been reported.
`2. The flight paths and landing methods used by the Air Ambulance.
This matter refers to the direction the helicopter takes when approaching the Airfield and also the manner in which it lands, following a complaint that return flights cause severe disruption and this was a safety concern to local residents. The Essex & Hearts Air Ambulance use the ‘random approach’ system as agreed after consultation with the Liaison Group and prior to the Air Ambulance commencing activities. As much as possible, they approach over the golf course but there are occasions when weather/wind conditions dictate that they have to come in over the northern section. Cliff Gale of the Air Ambulance confirmed they do this as little as possible and the helicopter will come into land in the quickest manner possible and with the least disruption to residents. They are well aware of the need to avoid Newhouse Road and Curds Road unless absolutely necessary.
10.VILLAGE HALL CENTENARY:
Cllr. Howorth reported on arrangements for the Village Hall Centenary. Following a meeting of the working group on 10th August there was now a full programme of events planned. Members agreed that Mr. Bradford should be contacted to quote for a centenary plaque to be mounted in the Village Hall.
11.VILLAGE HALL: Nothing to report.
12.130thFOUR COLNES SHOW
The Chairman reminded members that the Parish Council would be in attendance at the Four Colnes Show and requested volunteers to be available during the afternoon at the Parish Council gazebo. Members agreed that the Millennium Green would also share the Parish Council stand. The First Responders will also share the Parish Council stand to promote their activities and their proposed training day.
13.FINANCE:
a)Payment of Accounts – For schedule of payments see Appendix 1.
b)Conclusion of Audit 2011/12 – Cllr. Williams reported that the Certified Annual Return for the financial year 2011/12 had now been received.
The meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.
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Chairman
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