HIGH EASTER PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL held in High Easter Village Hall Monday 1 st September 2014

Transcription

1 80 HIGH EASTER PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL held in High Easter Village Hall Monday 1 st September 2014 Present: Cllr Robert Lodge (Chairman), Cllrs Margaret Beer, Roy Boreham, Rob Millard Janet Robinson, Barry Withers and the Clerk Allison Ward District Cllr Eric Hicks County Cllr Susan Barker (8.00pm to 8.20pm) Emma Hardwick (Dunmow Broadcast 8.00pm to 8.50pm) 14 Members of the Public (3 remain for the entire meeting) 14/68 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Cllr Paul Sutton and accepted by the Parish Council. 14/69 DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS FOR THIS MEETING Cllr Lodge declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in agenda item 14/82 as a Director of Lodge Coaches; owners of the premises in which the Post Office operates. 14/70 PUBLIC FORUM A resident spoke in support of planning application UTT/14/2239/OP for a single new self-build dwelling and community use astronomical observatory on land south of Ramseys. The new home would allow the resident to remain in the village as current arrangements within the family home are unsustainable and there are limited opportunities to purchase affordable housing. The house would be a 3 bedroom timber frame property built to environmental standards in keeping with the surroundings and with a high degree of hedge screening. The proposed site includes an observatory which would be available for use by the wider community, this has been discussed in public forums and there are approx 150 comments of support. Cllr Lodge asked if the observatory was for professional use or just a hobby; the resident confirmed it was a hobby. Cllr Beer questioned whether any comments had been received from neighbours on the appearance of the building in the countryside setting; the resident commented generally people were supportive although near neighbours are objecting; it is noted the nearest neighbours to the north are family with the south border being adjacent to an industrial unit. The resident stated that Uttlesford had given pre application advice and commented that the application conflicts with Policy S7 of the Uttlesford Local Plan which seeks to protect the character of the countryside and recognise the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside respectively. 14/71 MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 7 th July 2014 were approved and signed as a true record by the Chairman. 14/72 DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORTS Cllr Hicks confirmed Uttlesford s financial position is sound. Cllr Barker added Uttlesford Cabinet meets in mid September and the proposal is to continue with the Local Council Tax Support. When this was introduced two years ago the effect reduced the taxbase used to determine the annual precept received by Parish Councils. Uttlesford provide a discretionary subsidy to all town and parish councils to compensate them for the loss of taxbase; it is anticipated this will continue and have no impact on next year s funding. The Local Plan is now proceeding through the Planning Inspectorate and early reports are encouraging in terms of the initial questions raised. Cllr Barker continued that if this plan is adopted it protects communities from speculative development as it outlines the sites for housing until 2031; there is a current application for 700 homes in Little Easton which is not in the plan. Cllr Barker also commented that the plan allows for small numbers of new homes up to 50 per year in unspecified locations, e.g. 14 new homes in Aythorpe Roding. The Cabinet is considering renaming and numbering of routes to the B184 now that the by-pass has opened; this allows traffic options including weight restrictions to be considered for Dunmow town centre. There has been a drop in the recycling to c.45% of household waste. Residents contributed to the debate suggesting it is timely to re-issue publicity reminding residents of what can and cannot be recycled. Cllr Lodge commented

2 that for commercial businesses who generate a lot of cardboard waste there is no recycling facility, information to be forwarded to Cllr Barker. Cllr Millard commented on the lack of feedback and delays in Uttlesford collecting fly tipping, giving the example of the fridges left at the village hall, details to be forwarded to Cllr Barker. Cllr Barker confirmed she had been asked to stand as the Uttlesford District Council election candidate for High Easter and The Rodings and Cllr Hicks confirmed he would be standing for Barnston and Dunmow. Cllr Barker leaves the meeting Cllr Hicks advised that he had 1,000 of New Homes Bonus to be used in the village and asked the Parish Council to consider suitable projects; to include on next agenda. 14/73 NATS CONSULTATION ON ROUTES DEPARTING STANSTED Cllr Hicks opened the discussion with an update on Uttlesford s potential response to the consultation. It is understood they will be requesting no change to the status quo as there are too many factors including lack of information on what the Phase 2 LAMPS changes will entail that suggests it is inappropriate to make any changes at this stage. Furthermore on balance there is no significant advantage for Uttlesford residents. Cllr Lodge opened the debate to the public requesting they contribute to the discussion and the Parish Council began by responding to a question on clarifying the impact of the proposal for High Easter residents. Some of the key points discussed were, 81 (i) (ii) (iii) Aircraft are c.5000ft at Aythorpe Roding sometimes lower and in a sparsely populated area this level has a big impact on noise, NATS recognises that it is not the noise but the annoyance factor that needs to be considered. Cllr Beer commented that a further consideration point is airlines currently do not choose to use the Clacton route, this proposal would formalise the routes and require them to use Clacton; if there were savings the budget airlines would surely be using the routes now. A resident commented on the current differing routes, aircraft on the Dover route climb quickly and then disperse whilst aircraft on the Clacton route have to take a sharp left turn when leaving the runway; this diminishes their ability to climb and then stay at lower heights for longer not vectoring off until post High Easer. Felsted Parish Council has forwarded their detailed response which strongly opposes the proposals. SSE has followed their initial guidance with a further update proposing the changes are not implemented and are considered as part of the future LAMPS consultation due to negligible benefits, adverse impact on local residents and lack of clarity on phase 2 of LAMPS. A proposal was made and the Parish Council were unanimous in agreeing to respond to the consultation strongly opposing the proposals. Cllr Beer has produced a detailed response as a resident and agreed to work with the Clerk in producing a response for High Easter Parish Council which focuses on the specific issues for the village and considering the analysis produced by Felsted Parish Council and SSE. A draft will be circulated for Cllrs to agree by the end of this week. The Clerk was asked to produce a further note with guidance on the key points and how to respond for issue to residents on the distribution list encouraging them to respond. Residents leave the meeting 14/74 CLERKS PROGRESS UPDATE Cllrs Lodge and Withers have re-instated the village sign; Cllr Boreham was thanked for the loan of a cherry picker. The cost of the re-paint was 90, see agenda item 14/77. Clerk continues to chase Essex Highways for an update on the VAS sign and the new pole and deer sign for the Barnston Road.

3 82 During August, Uttlesford consulted on a review of polling places and polling districts which for High Easter proposes no change. The Clerk responded in support of the proposal after consulting Cllrs and confirming the only suitable public venue is the village hall. Essex Probation Service are looking for community projects, Cllr Lodge proposed we ask if they are able to carry out the ad-hoc maintenance; strimming, gardening, hedge trimming required around the playing field, Clerk to progress. The issues with the blocked drains in The Street has been escalated and engineers have been out to jet and assess the site in the last week, although flooding remains. We are awaiting further engineers to visit the site in the next few weeks. 14/75 COUNCILLORS REPORT Cllr Robinson has inspected the playground and signed the log for August; there are no new issues. Cllr Boreham confirmed the circular bench has been re-treated only and returned to its position on Pump Green. The contractor carried out the work free of charge, Clerk to write a letter of thanks. A decision was taken to purchase top soil and grass seed to repair the area around the seat, an invoice is pending; this was retrospectively supported by the Parish Council. Cllr Beer updated on superfast broadband and confirmed Uttlesford are in discussions with Essex County Council regarding the Rural Challenge Programme rollout and funding; this is a program aimed at rural communities where the Fibreoptic rollout will not reach. Uttlesford has confirmed they will not make a decision on which service provider to work with until they have this information. Due to the timescales involved in the Uttlesford decision process, the Parochial Church Council will make an independent decision on which wireless broadband provider to progress with at their meeting next week. Cllr Beer attended the SSE Parish and Town Council Liaison Meeting in July where the NATS consultation was discussed. Notes from the meeting were circulated to Cllrs. Cllr Withers proposed that the Parish Council produces a welcome pack to include the village map and a copy of Parish News for residents moving into the village. This was unanimously supported, Clerk to draft for approval. Cllr Withers added that some residents find the bi-weekly garden waste collection difficult and would prefer a weekly collection. The 2014 decision to move to a bi-weekly service was made by the Parish Council based on the removal of previous subsidies and the significant increase in cost. The view of some residents was noted and will be considered when the annual service options for 2015 are issued. Cllr Millard added that some residents leave garden waste rather than wait for the waste vehicle, the Clerk was asked to remind residents in Parish News of the requirement to place waste in the vehicle. Cllr Lodge to chase for an update on the agreed drainage works at Bellhouse Villas. 14/76 PLANNING Applications UTT/14/2239/OP A single new self-build dwelling and community use astronomical observatory. Land South Of Ramseys High Easter Road Further to the comments presented in the public forum Cllr Millard added that whilst he understands the issues with buying affordable housing in the village this application is for a new build away from the centre and building in fields goes against protecting the countryside. Cllr Beer suggested that the Parish Council should make no comment, whilst Cllr Withers added that he could not support the application as the issues with developing on this site were similar to those the Parish Council has been opposing at Two Willows.

4 Cllr Millard proposed, Cllr Withers seconded that the Parish Council objects to this application for a new dwelling in the countryside. It is outside the settlement boundary and permitting such a development would set a precedent. This proposal was put to the vote; there were four in support with two against. Clerk to support response. 83 UTT/14/2257/HHF & UTT/14/2258/LB Demolish modern flat roof, relocate external wall back with recess and add new pitched roof with 4no. Conservation roof lights. Rebuild conservatory roof, block up existing porch doorway and replace with window. Add new doorway to south elevation of porch. Replace timber casements, remove render and re-render. Infill existing access and create new access. Greens Farm Cllr Millard proposed, Cllr Beer seconded with all in favour that the Parish Council has no objection. UTT/14/2420/HHF Demolition of single storey rear extension and erection of single storey and two storey rear extensions 4 Stagden Cross Villas Cllr Lodge proposed, Cllr Boreham seconded with all in favour that the Parish Council has no objection. UTT/14/2465/TCA Remove lower laterals and deadwood 1 no. Sycamore; Thin out by 25% and deadwood 1 no. Common Ash 3 Parsonage Farm Barns The Parish Council has no issues with this application Decisions UTT/14/1756/TPO Raise to 2.5m over pavement and 5.2m over road 1 no. Elm. Reduce back from house 1 no. Apple. Reduce height by approx. 2m and clear back from house 1 no. Pear. Reduce height by 1.5m-2m and clear from house 1 no. Apple. Clear back from garage to give 1.5m clearance 1 no. Greengage 1 Chapel Fields, The Street Decision No objections Decision UTT/14/1871/HHF Enlargement of existing first floor dormer to provide larger en-suite bathroom to master bedroom. Briar Bank, Clatterford End Conditional Approval A letter has been received from Uttlesford regarding an alleged breach of planning conditions on UTT/2036/11/FUL, The Twin Willows confirming that whilst the condition relating to the parking of commercial vehicles at the site was being breached it is considered that at this stage it is not of sufficient harm to warrant enforcement action being taken. The Parish Council agreed not to pursue this decision. 14/77 VILLAGE SIGN The post supporting the village sign has some rot at its base and a replacement post is proposed, a quote for 890 to carry out this work has been received. A second contractor has proposed that the damage to the existing post is removed and the existing post replaced in a metal spike for 300 with a plate and bitumen at the base to protect from future decay. Cllr Lodge proposed, Cllr Robinson seconded with all in favour that the quote for 300 is accepted, Cllr Lodge to arrange. Cllr Withers to inform the first contractor of the decision.

5 84 14/78 MAINTENANCE OF WAR MEMORIAL A quote of 1,852 ( 800 cleaning, re-black 1,052) has been received for the maintenance of the village war memorial; a second quote is pending. Cllr Lodge confirmed he would look at cleaning the war memorial and proposed engaging a contractor to re-black the lettering only. The Parish Council agreed to this proposal and will await the second quote before making a decision on contractors, Clerk to chase. 14/79 MAINTENANCE OF HENRY MARRIAGE MEMORIAL MEADOW A resident provided an alternative proposal for maintenance of the meadow whereby the mulch around each tree would be increased to c.1m and with the exception of a path to the central seat the area would be left to grow with wild grasses and meadow flowers. Cllr Lodge commented that one of the original aims of the meadow was to allow people to wander through the area. Further to the contractor costs to cut the meadow provided for the May meeting, (c. 2k for 10 cuts) an additional quote to cut the ad-hoc areas around the sportsfield and village hall has been received at 75. Cllr Lodge proposed that for next year the Parish Council organises a contractor to maintain the meadow and ad-hoc grounds maintenance and that no equipment is purchased by the Parish Council, this was unanimously agreed and will be put on the agenda for January For the remainder of this year the area will continue to be maintained by Cllrs and volunteers. 14/80 SPEED MANAGEMENT ISSUES IN THE VILLAGE In addition to the decisions made previously to request reduction of speed limits on the approaches to the village, the Parish Council discussed other speed reducing options including chicanes, Clerk to obtain further information on requirements for these, e.g. distance, width of road. It was agreed there are no defining points which alert drivers to the approach to the village. The red road markings and rumble strips have worn away on all three approaches to the village centre, Clerk to notify Essex Highways and Clerk to investigate the cost of village gateways. A draft working proposal on speed restrictions and other measures to be prepared by the Clerk and circulated. 14/81 PLAYGROUND and PLAYING FIELD REQUESTS A quote for 652 ex VAT to make repairs to the wooden climbing frame has been received. Cllr Lodge proposed, Cllr Robinson seconded with all in favour that this quote is accepted, Clerk to arrange. The annual playground inspection with Wicksteed at a cost of 45 has been booked for mid-september. The work to put weed killer on the playing field did not take place due to suitable dates and weather conditions not coinciding; deferred to Spring A request has been received from a resident to consider putting a small picket fence around the playground area to prevent animals from using this space. Cllr Boreham agreed to look into the costs of the fence for further discussion; it was noted that fencing this area off would require additional maintenance costs as the grass could not be cut alongside the current field cutting. Costings for new portable football posts remain outstanding, action Clerk. 14/82 HIGH EASTER POST OFFICE/CAFE Cllr Lodge remained in the room but took no part in the discussion for this item. In the absence of the Vice Chairman, the Clerk chaired for this item. Lodge Coaches responded to the Parish Council letter confirming the intention is to revamp and reopen the cafe and work is under way. They confirmed their intention is to continue to support the Post Office and further added that there are no allocated parking spaces in front of the Post Office, this area is used by Lodge Coaches and their customers. The Clerk had submitted an advert for the Post Office to Parish News and surrounding villages in order to promote this community service.

6 A discussion took place on whether to register the cafe as an Asset of Community Value. The debate included consideration to the views of some residents who had previously written in support of the cafe and concerns that this is a private commercial business. Cllr Millard proposed, Cllr Withers seconded that the cafe is not listed as an Asset of Community Value. This was voted on with 3 in favour and 2 in objection; the cafe will not be listed. Cllr Lodge resumed the chair. 14/83 REPAIRS TO VILLAGE HALL CAR PARK 14/84 HESI Cllr Millard confirmed a successful grant application for 3,500 from Uttlesford Community Project Grant Scheme to assist in funding the repairs to the bridge parapets into the village hall car park; the monies must be spent by March A discussion took place on whether the repair should be completed in Asphalt (initial quotes 13k) or the cheaper solution concrete (initial quotes 8.5k). Clerk and Cllr Millard to obtain further quotes for both materials to allow a decision to be made. Cllr Lodge confirmed there had been little progress since the public meeting in November A flyer needs to be issued to every resident to gauge views on whether this project should continue; if there is not enough support it can be then be closed and decisions taken regarding the accumulated funds. Cllr Lodge to progress with the HESI committee. 14/85 EXTERNAL LIGHTING AT THE VILLAGE HALL AND CAR PARK It was agreed the Clerk would obtain quotes for low level bollard lighting in the car park. 14/86 FINANCE Cheques for approval 85 PAYMENT TO VALUE Allison Ward - Parish Clerk July & August Information Commissioner Annual Subs Perry Contracting 2 nd Cut 1, A Frost Painting Village Sign Funding of 400 from the Community Games Grant has been fully received. It was unanimously agreed to forward the balance of the grant allocated for the fete to the Village Hall Committee, Clerk was asked to confirm whether the village hall has purchased a TV following the funded forwarded in 2013/14. 14/87 ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA To include a. Projects for New Homes Bonus b. Affordable Housing consider process to identify if there is a need c. Quarterly finance update d. One off events for gentle folks 14/88 DATE OF NEXT MEETING Monday 6 th October 2014 in the Village Hall. TIME AND CLOSE OF MEETING 10.07pm