ARDLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD ON 6 th April 2009 AT THE VILLAGE HALL AT 7.30PM

Transcription

1 ARDLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL 496 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD ON 6 th April 2009 AT THE VILLAGE HALL AT 7.30PM Public and Police participation Present: Mrs J Banks, Mrs C Atkins, Mrs R Hill and Mr C Benest Prior to the meeting a letter had been received from Mrs Atkins regarding a footpath to the side of White House, Crockleford Heath that appeared to be in the wrong location. Mrs Atkins suggested that the footpath was dangerous and had been in the wrong location for ten to twelve years. Essex County Council had been to view the footpath and would be contacting the owners of White House. The Chairman advised Mrs Atkins that the Council would await the outcome of Essex County Council s investigations. PC Deba reported the following incidents during March 2009: o Nuisance youths (Colchester Road), Suspicious males (Station Road), Domestic assault (Gernon Road), Domestic disturbance (Travel Inn, Ipswich Road) o Burglary cigarettes and cash taken from Ardleigh Service station (2 nd incident at these premises), Criminal damage to a gate (Wivenhoe Road), Burglaries x 2 (Harts Lane), Break in (St Mary s Church) o Theft from unattended motor vehicle (Ardleigh Hall), Theft of catalytic converters (Haddocks, Fox Street), Criminal damage to car transporter (Fox Street), Making off without payment for fuel (Texaco Garage, A120), Broken down vehicle x 3 (A120) o Remains of cannabis factory found at a rented house (Colchester Road) o Alarm activation x 2 (Old Ipswich Road), Criminal Damage at boot fair site (Old Ipswich Road) o Flytipping (Spring Valley Lane, Wick Lane, Fen Lane), Asbestos found discarded (Harts Lane) o Hare coursing in Ardleigh area o Trespass by travellers (Old Ipswich Road) Pc Deba reported that there had been an overall increase in crime over the whole area, with the percentage greater in the Ardleigh area. He reported that patrols were being increased in Ardleigh, including patrols from Colchester. The police are looking at using covert surveillance to assist in crime prevention and detection. PC Deba left the meeting at 7.45 pm. District and County Councillors Apologies and a written report had been received from Cllr Stock. The Audit Commission has just published its Annual Audit and Inspection Letter in respect of Tendring District Council and it states under the heading Key Messages: "External perception of the governance arrangements of the planning service and the appropriateness of some councillor behaviour is negative and threatens the effectiveness of the regeneration agenda." As part of the Local Development Framework (LDF) process a "Core Strategy Discussion Document" has been published by the Council, which lists Issues and Possible Options, Two of the four Spatial Strategy options proposed in the document see massive development in the parish of Ardleigh. Option 3 puts 800 homes and 1300 jobs into Ardleigh, immediately abutting Colchester. Option 4 has 1300 jobs without the housing. Question 36 of the document talks about the eastern fringe of Colchester expanding and lists four options: Option 1 - Expansion into Ardleigh near Plains Farm; Option 2 - Expansion in the vicinity of Crockleford Heath; Option 3 - Growth in the vicinity of the University of Essex; or Option 4 - A combination of options 1 to 3 Question 37 of the document brings back the spectre of a new town at Frating / Hare Green and suggests five possible locations along the A120 for large scale development. They are: Location 1 - Crown Interchange Location 2 - Hare Green Location 3 - Horsley Cross Location 4 - Wix

2 497 Location 5 - Harwich These locations are proposed on the basis that the Bathside Bay container terminal development will demand massive expansion of port related facilities. However the fact is that it is extremely unlikely that Bathside Bay will be developed in the next 15 years and the planning consent it has is dependent on the A120 being upgraded which will be both massively expensive and highly contentious as dualling the A120 will require a new route for the road (similar to the newly dualled A120 from Stansted to Braintree which is up to 2 miles away from the old road) So if and when the A120 is upgraded it will almost certainly take a different route and therefore any attempt to develop along the existing A120 corridor would be premature and frankly irresponsible. I believe that any large-scale development as suggested in this document in or around Ardleigh will not benefit the district of Tendring in any way, and will also be detrimental to Colchester's already struggling transport infrastructure. I also learn that Colchester has not even been consulted with about this idea!! Tendring suffers from extreme deprivation and poverty in certain areas, which could be addressed by a concerted effort through this new LDF process. Clacton is the largest town by far in the district with 47% of the population but with terrible statistics relating to income and quality of life. I feel that Clacton needs to be reinvented as the seaside capital of East Anglia with the proper infrastructure put in place to make it a viable and sustainable destination. This could be achieved through the planning process, as demonstrated in Colchester where housing around the new football stadium has generated enough money through section 106 agreements to fund a new junction onto the A12. PRESENT: Cllr Barrott (Chairman) Cllrs Talbot, Halsey, Thompson, Josselyn, Harris, Smith, Chase-Gardener, Andrews and Watson In attendance: Clerk Mrs J Taylor 114 Apologies for absence None 115 Declaration of Interests None 116 Minutes of the last meeting The Clerk highlighted an error under the accounts for payment. The mileage should have read 40p. With this amendment, the Minutes of 9 th March 2009 were approved and signed by the Chairman as a true record. 117 Progress report on the last Minutes Planning application 09/00009/FUL 5 Vale View Business Units Crown Lane South: The Chairman reported that originally the Council had supported this application. The Council had now received letters and phone calls from local residents objecting to the application. Enquiries revealed that there were possible enforcement issues with work outside of permitted hours. TDC were awaiting a report from the Environment Office and a noise survey. Highway issues highlighted with a previous application were still relevant. Having circulated Councillors, the comments to TDC on this application were revised to read The view of Ardleigh Parish Council is that we strongly object to the application. The proposed building will substantially over-dominate the adjoining residential premises and as such represents an unwelcome intrusion into the residential amenity and visual amenity of those properties. There is substantial local opposition to the proposed development and the Parish Council fully supports that opposition. The Parish. Council understands that TDC s Enforcement Officer has had cause to visit the existing development on a number of occasions in connection with the use of the site and with the fact that the existing premises are sometimes being used outside the permitted hours. The Parish Council would welcome a full investigation by TDC into the current use of the site and the premises that are on it and whether certain of the buildings are lawfully there. The Parish Council is concerned at the size of vehicles that visit the site on a regular basis, because Crown Lane South is not capable of accommodating those vehicles (the largest that are

3 because Crown Lane South is not capable of accommodating those vehicles (the largest that are on the highway) and ask that a weight limit for the road is considered, to avoid use of the road by over-large articulated vehicles. The Parish Council also asks that measures are taken to prevent those vehicles from parking on the roadside verges and pavements, because this obstructs the road and causes damage to the pavement, the verge and the services located below ground. If TDC is mindful to grant consent for this application, then given the strength of local opposition, Ardleigh Parish Council insists that the application be referred to the Development Control Committee, to enable a full investigation into the matter and into the current use of the site, instead of being dealt with by delegated powers. 118 Planning /00248/FUL 09/00210/TCA 09/00242/TPO 09/00289/TCA 09/00249/FUL Cherrytree Farm, Harwich Road Single storey extension to form additional living accommodation and annexe (following demolition of existing building). Erection of detached double cart lodge Ardleigh Parish Council supports the application as it stands. There is concern that in future an application may be made to split the property into two. Ardleigh Parish Council would like a condition imposed to ensure that this cannot happen. Lynton The Street Line of conifers and 1 Judas Tree reduce by 5ft Trefoil Crown Lane North 1 no Oak crown lift and reduction and removal of branches to give clearance of 2-3 metres from the ground 3 Church View 1 no Blackthorn fell. 1 no Silver Birch reduce by 35%. 1 no Willow reduce by 40%. 1 no Laburnum fell. 1 no Silver Birch reduce by 20%. Blue Barns Depot, Old Ipswich Road Erection of two storey office buildings with single storey link & associated hard standing and car parking Approvals:- 09/00020/FUL 09/00112/TCA 09/00114/TPO 09/00054/Ful Ellenward Green Lane Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of chalet bungalow Holmesdale The Street 1 Holly tree in side garden fell. Acacia in middle of lawn remove small branch in middle of tree to shorten branch spur on side of tree Elm Park Station Road Avenue of Limes at old entrance pollard where previously pollarded. 2 dead Sycamores and 1 dead Pine and 1 Chestnut to be felled Mandeville Green Lane Erection of detached garage following demolition of existing garage (revised garage design to that approved under planning permission 08/01527/FUL) Applications withdrawn:- None

4 Refusals:- 07/01900/FUL 19 Harwich Road Continued use of land from paddock land to the storage machinery and plant equipment, and the continued use of part of stable block building for the storage of machinery and plant equipment Correspondence: TDC Correspondence Core Strategy Workshops for Parish Councils and Core Strategy Discussion document-issues and possible options. Comments by 1 st May The Chairman reported that he had attended the workshop held at Thorrington Village Hall on Thursday 2 nd April. There was a presentation by Gary Guiver of TDC planning department detailing four possible options for development. A public exhibition of these options to be held in Ardleigh Village Hall Wednesday 8 th April Two of the options directly affect Ardleigh with an increase in homes and jobs in Plains Farm Close and Crockleford Heath areas. The Chairman commented that the B1029 had been omitted from Tendring District Council s map and there was no mention of the planning permission for a new Ardleigh Reservoir. Cllr Chase- Gardener commented that it could be useful to compare the document with the Haven Gateway strategy. It was agreed to include the TDC Core Strategy Discussion document in the Annual Assembly on 27 th April. A TDC representative would be asked to attend. It was agreed to hold a separate meeting of the Council to discuss this issue Monday 20 th April, The Clerk to circulate the link to the document beforehand. Cllr Chase-Gardener proposed that a professional view be sought. It was agreed to approach Mr E Gittins. Chairman to action. Nursery View, Station Road: Possible breach of planning control. The Clerk had been advised that the extension was being erected under permitted development rights but a possible breach of building regulations may result from the materials used. Gambling Act Review of Statement of Licensing Policy. Comments by 3 rd July 2009 Minutes of Development Control Committee 10 th March Nothing relating to Ardleigh. Forward Plan 90. Nothing relating to Ardleigh. Essex CC Correspondence East Essex Area Forum: Copy of presentations of 18 th March 2009 Consultation exercise: Parking Standards Design and Good Practice. Comments by 24 th April Making the Links March Nothing relating to Ardleigh. Other Correspondence Planning Inspectorate: Decision on appeal by Mr M Moorcroft 3 New Cottages, Bromley Road, Crockleford Heath. Appeal allowed and planning permission granted. 09/ Vale View Business Units, Crown Lane South: Copy of objection letter by MSS Garden Machinery 120 Amenities and Administration:

5 1. Churchyard and Cemetery Risk assessment received from Cllr Andrews. The headstone for Plot B42, Francis Sparrow, has had to be laid down as dangerous but keeps being re-erected. The Clerk has been unable to locate the owner. It was agreed to place a notice on the headstone. Cllr Andrews was concerned about the state of the cemetery and it was agreed that the working group would meet at the cemetery and review the problems, including rubbish, rabbits, wreaths and inappropriate decorations. The Clerk reported that, where possible, owners had been contacted regarding overgrown bushes and inappropriate decorations. A complaint had been received regarding the rabbits in the cemetery and a hole adjacent to Plot B242. Cllr Halsey reported that positions for rose bowls had been provided in the new sections of the Garden of Rest. There was concern that these could get filled with leaves etc and Cllr Halsey investigated the possibility of supplying rose bowls, which would prevent this happening. They are an unusual size but could be purchased at 5.00 each. Cllr Harris suggested that he might be able to get these at wholesale prices. 75 would be required. Cllr Halsey proposed that the cost of the rose bowl be included in the price when the plot purchased. Approved. Cllr Halsey had reviewed the Cemetery Regulations and the Clerk had circulated revised ones, without costs. The Regulations were approved, with the addition of an entry to cover the new Garden of Rest. Clerk to provide a copy for the Cemetery notice board. Memorial Application for B L Jaggard B179 (Co-operative Memorials). Approved The burial of Doris Ellen Nunn, Plot B231, took place on 24 th March The interment of the ashes of Vera Merchant, Plot B58, took place on 11 th March Recreation, Play and Open spaces Colchester Road play area Risk assessment received from Cllr Josselyn for Colchester Road play area and from Cllr Harris for the Recreation Ground and Millennium Green. Tugboat in need of weeding before sand can be topped up. Clerk to contact Phil Bland. Problems with the BMX track and Play Tower. Clerk to contact Andrew Bruce. 3. Environment and maintenance Quotations had been requested for inspections of the trees within the ownership of Ardleigh Parish Council. This inspection will include establishing the condition of each tree, highlighting remedial works, plotting the locations on a map and recommending future management of the trees. Mr John Fryer quoted at 200 per day, with completion in approximately two days. Mr Ian Allston had advised that his public liability did not include this type of work. Cllr Talbot proposed that Mr Fryer s quotation be accepted. Seconded by Cllr Halsey. Approved. Clerk to action and confirm public liability. Various highway issues were reported Uneven path between Aveline Road and the Old Police House, Colchester Road. Holes along the edge of Spring Valley Lane, which is separate to the earlier problem, now repaired. Green Lane still a problem with potholes. Outstanding issues 30/40 mph speed limit sign Ardleigh road sign Lighting Sharp Bend sign Clerk to report new issues and chase up previously reported issues. 500

6 501 Further fly tipping had taken place in Wick Lane. This had been reported to TDC. 4. Public Rights of Way - Nothing to report. 5. Village Hall The monthly accounts to the 31 st March 2009 had previously been circulated. The Clerk advised that income had exceeded expenditure by approximately This will be put towards improving village hall facilities. There were no questions. The Clerk had circulated proposed increase in hire charges, with effect 1 st May Cllr Watson proposed rounding up/down to the nearest 50 pence. Seconded by Cllr Chase-Gardener. Increases approved. The Council approved a continuing reduction of 10% in the fees paid by Ardleigh Pre- School. Verbal Quotations had been received for a Type 2 Asbestos Survey, with up to 6 minor samples. Walther Environmental Ltd, Colchester: VAT AC Environmental, Colchester area: VAT Ipswich Insulations Ltd, Bentley: VAT Cllr Chase-Gardener proposed that the quotation by Walther Environmental Ltd be accepted. Seconded Cllr Halsey. Approved Payments: Chubb Payment was for replacement of two pins on the fire extinguishers, but took Chubb six weeks to deal with, despite many phone calls. Cllr Talbot to contact Chubb for explanation. Cllr Talbot reported that a letter reporting an accident had been received. It was felt the hirers not turning the lights on, despite many reminders, had caused this. The letter had been forwarded to the village hall insurers and to the hirers. Clerk to ask the Hirers for a copy of their Public Liability and to ask the Insurers for an update. The Chairman advised that he was awaiting details of design/costs for upgrading the kitchen, but the job was proving to not be of interest to local kitchen fitters as it was really a commercial fit-out that was required, and the job was too small to be of interest to commercial fitters.. 6. Finance Report The monthly accounts to the 31 st March 2009 had previously been circulated. The Clerk advised that these did not represent the final accounts for the year as bank and interest statements had not been received. There were no questions. Membership Renewal CPRE Proposed Cllr Andrews. Seconded Cllr Halsey. Approved. Subscription Renewal EALC Proposed Cllr Andrews. Seconded Cllr Halsey. Approved. Letter received with details of the 2008/09 National Final Salary Award for Local Council Clerks, w.e.f. 1 st April [Clerk s current salary p.a., Final Salary Award p.a.] Approval proposed by Cllr Halsey. Seconded by Cllr Talbot. Approved. 7. TDALC Cllr Halsey reported that Cllr Talbot (TDC) had advised that he stood by his comments, as reported in the minutes of TDALC meeting of the 28 th January 2009, with the amendment of could instead of should. Cllr Halsey had circulated Freedom of Information briefing notes at the Council meeting of 9 th March. The Council did not consider any further training on this subject was necessary. Training on Health & Safety and Data Protection was still being reviewed.

7 502 Cllr Halsey provided a leaflet on Personal safety for Councillors. Clerk to scan and circulate. 8. To receive and consider any quotations received as appropriate. See under headings Environment and Maintenance and Village Hall. 121 Accounts for payment Cheques to be approved for payment and signed: Additional March Payment TDC (Rates) April Payments A Nind (Ground worker) Bland Landscapes (GoR & MG) A Smithers (Replacement cheque) J Taylor Salary Plus Back Pay Less PAYE* Postage 7.93 Mileage 40p Cemetery Fees (B231:D E Nunn) Office Allowance STO Gratuity Clerk *Cheque Inland Revenue Future meeting dates: 27 th April 2009 (Annual Assembly), 11 th May 2009 (Annual Meeting), 8 th June 2009, 13 th July Information for the attention of the Clerk for the next meeting Apologies from Cllrs Andrews and Thompson. Apologies from Cllr Chase-Gardener for the Annual Assembly. Mrs J Banks, Mrs C Atkins, Mrs R Hill and Mr C Benest left the meeting at 9.25 pm. The meeting closed at 9.25 p.m. Signed as a true record of the meeting Chairman Date..