ARDLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD ON 10 th JANUARY 2011 AT THE VILLAGE HALL AT 7.30PM

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1 ARDLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL 644 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD ON 10 th JANUARY 2011 AT THE VILLAGE HALL AT 7.30PM Public and Police participation Present: Mr R Rendall (Peake Fruit Farms) Mr Rendall came to provide an update on the plans for providing better accommodation for the seasonal fruitpickers at Peake Fruit Farms (Home Farm Lane). Plans had been drawn up two years previously but due to the economic downturn had not been submitted to TDC. They were now in a position to resubmit plans for a new accommodation block. This would house up to 160 workers, starting with 20 in April to a peak in May/June and reducing to winter when the site is normally closed. The proposed development would include laundry and eating facilities. This would provide a warm, dry environment for the workers and would be more environmentally friendly, less traffic on roads (bussing from Boxford) and less loss of heat (caravans). Mr Rendall advised that the Ardleigh site is used for soft fruits, which can only be picked by hand. Labour accounted for 60%-80% of all business costs. The company has invested about 3m in the business over the last 3years, including new harvesting rigs. He hoped that building would start in the summer ready for the 2012 season and was looking to Ardleigh Parish Council to support his development. It was agreed that a visit to site would be arranged to enable Councillors to see where it is proposed to locate the new accommodation. Cllr Talbot asked about the problem with vehicles driving on the highway with unprotected prongs. Mr Rendall explained that the person concerned, who has been spoken to, had been moving tunnels, which were incorrectly loaded. A Health & Safety Manager had now been appointed in an effort to stop any further problems. Mr Rendall advised that the steel rings are temporary and do not need planning permission. He has, however, been asked by TDC to submit plans for review. Mr Rendall left the meeting at 7.50 p.m. The Parish Council agreed that in general they were in support of the business. Police The Police were not in attendance. The Chairman reported that the total crimes committed during December 2010 were 4, compared to 5 in No details were available. District and County Councillors Neither County Cllr Candy nor District Cllr Stock was present; nor were any reports received. PRESENT: Cllr Barrott (Chairman) Cllrs Talbot, Josselyn, Thompson, Sinclair, Andrews, Harris, Chase-Gardener, Blyth and Halsey In attendance: Clerk Mrs J Taylor 82 Apologies for absence Cllr Smith Action 83 Declaration of Interests Cllr Barrott declared an interest in planning application 10/01443/TPO (3 The Limes) 84 Minutes of the last meeting The Minutes of 13 th December 2010 were approved and signed by the Chairman as a true record. 85 Progress report on the last Minutes Village Design Statement (VDS): The Clerk reported that Mr Hamblin, VDS Chairman, had submitted the draft VDS to TDC prior to Christmas, having first supplied the Chairman with a copy.

2 645 Green Lane trees: The Clerk reported that the property concerned was outside the conservation area and, as such, did not need permission from TDC before cutting down any trees. Woodland Spring Valley Lane: The Clerk reported that the refusal was to do with a change in the curtilage. This was still with TDC. Esther-Lee Stables Crockleford Heath: The Chairman reported that a copy of the TDC Statement of Case had now been received, although it had not yet been published on TDC website. A meeting of the Steering Group had taken place and it was felt that the TDC defence was robust, answering every point in the appeal. Mr Mike Sarling will speak at the hearing as an independent expert drainage witness. Mr Andrew Marsden will represent the Parish Council and Mr Ray Ricks some of the Crockleford Heath Residents. TDC will be represented by Mr John Peecock. If the appeal fails, the applicant could go for a judicial review, but only on a point of law. The hearing takes place on Tuesday 18 th January 2011, a.m., at the Council Offices Weeley. Any Councillor free to attend was encouraged to be there to support the opposition. Dead Lane: Cllr Talbot reported that he had been to visit the property, opposite the end of Dead Lane, which has been causing problems with a very bright light. Tenants occupy the house and the owner is unwell. However, Cllr Talbot had got confirmation that the light would be dealt with once the owner s health has improved. Colchester Road: Cllr Halsey confirmed that the lamppost outside his house had now been repaired. 86 Planning 10/01411/FUL COMMENTS 10/01443/TPO COMMENTS Tall Trees Station Road First floor rear extension and new pitched roofs to existing front porch and dormer window. Ardleigh Parish Council supports this application 3 The Limes 2 No. Tree of Heaven - fell Ardleigh Parish Council supports this application Approvals: 10/01344/TCA 10/01340/TPO 10/01110/FUL St Marys Church The Street T69 - Horse chestnut - reduce crown by approx 4-5 metres (25%) to suitable points 2 & 3 The Limes T1 - Birch - reduce by 50%. T2 - Oak - reduce by 50%. T3, T4, T5 (2 The Limes) - reduce by 50%. T6 x2 - reduce by 30%. Downlong Malting Farm Lane Variation of condition 6 of 10/00704/FUL to allow retention of existing garage, reduced in height to 3.9m as shown on drawing number 785/11. Applications withdrawn: None Refusals: 10/01210/LUEX Blue Barns Farm Old Ipswich Road Residential use of caravan. It was agreed that the Clerk would investigate if enforcement action would take place.

3 87 Correspondence: TDC Correspondence Minutes of Development Control Committee 8 th December Nothing relating to Ardleigh. Forward Plan 111. Nothing relating to Ardleigh. Essex CC Correspondence Bus Service X22 Clacton to Stansted. Advice that service to be operated by TGM Stansted from Colchester w.e.f. 9 th January Service no longer serving Clacton. Mobile Library Services Revised timetable w.e.f. 4 th January Other Correspondence NHS White Paper, Healthy Lives, Healthy People. Consultation documents, see Responses to be submitted by 8 th March Digital UK Anglia TV changeover 2011, Information and Outreach Grant Programme LCR Winter 2010 Magazine Royal British Legion: Great Poppy Weekend Party 10 th 12 th June NHS North East Essex: Board Meeting 11.00a.m. 25 th January Colchester Primary Care Centre, Turner Road, Colchester Clerks & Councils Direct: January 2011 Magazine ERHA: Winter 2010 Bulletin EALC County Update December 2010 Diary dates- 2 nd February Insurance Workshop 15 th February How to raise the profile of your Parish Council 88 Amenities and Administration: 1. Churchyard and Cemetery A risk assessment was received from Cllr Andrews. The wall by the war memorial had not yet been repaired. The beading at the base of the Roll of Honour was coming away from the main frame. It was agreed that this should be left untouched until dried out and then revisited. The majority of people now appear to be complying with the burial ground regulations. Evidence of rabbits and moles. 646 Cllr Blyth suggested that the best way to deal with the rabbits was ferrets, to ensure the rabbit runs were empty, and then a machine, which would clear and collapse the runs. It was agreed that the Clerk would ascertain costs. It was agreed that the Chairman would place a piece in the Ardleigh Advertiser showing appreciation to all who had complied with the Cemetery Regulations. TB Memorial Application additional inscription. D23 Ashley Hunt (Hunnaball Memorials). Approved 2. Recreation, Play and Open spaces Colchester Road play area Risk assessments were received from Cllrs Josselyn and Harris. The only problem was signs of rabbits in sand of the tugboat. The Clerk advised that this matter was in hand.

4 3. Environment and maintenance The Chairman reported that the panelling in the front of the bus shelter, centre of the village, had been extensively damaged. It was agreed that this should be repaired. Cllr Chase-Gardener to find original shelter provider. Clerk to get costs of repair. May be possible to appeal to Garside Sands for donation towards this. Garside Sands donated the original shelter. 647 LCG, Cllr Talbot asked for an update on the bus shelter by Oak Tree Corner. The Clerk advised that Highways were not prepared to move the shelter. Cllr Talbot asked for progress on the uneven surface under the bridge leading to the A12. The Clerk reported that Highways had been approached again and a response was awaited. The Chairman reported a large pothole in Colchester Road, opposite the school by the central reservation. Clerk to contact Highways. Cllr Andrews reported a large pothole in Spring Valley Lane, at the corner near to the mill. Clerk to contact Highways. Cllr Andrews had received a request from the owner of Wheatsheaf House for assistance with rubbish. The 70 year old lady has to wheel her rubbish up to Bromley Road for collection. Clerk to approach Veolia for help. Cllr Halsey commented on the excellent collection service over the Christmas/New Year period. Cllr Sinclair had been approached regarding the lack of information available about the Ardleigh Parochial Charity. The Clerk advised that Mr Tootal, Charity Chairman, had been approached about placing a piece in the Ardleigh Advertiser. The Chairman reported that take up on the charity funds had always been difficult to achieve. Aveline Road: Further discussions were held about the potential development of land off Aveline Road. The Ardleigh Parish Council response to the TDC Local Plan in 2004 was as follows: If Ardleigh has to accept additional housing, then this is the most appropriate position, being already on the edge of the existing Village Envelope. However, we would wish that the density should be less than the usually accepted standard and that any development should contain a varied mix of property sizes. Although accepting that this site would be the most appropriate, we have grave concerns on two aspects 1. The access through Aveline Road is on to a busy road, near the primary school and the effect on road safety of the additional traffic, all having to exit onto the A137 at this one point. We would suggest another exit might be provided onto the A137 further towards Colchester. 2. The capacity of the Primary school may not be sufficient to cope with the anticipated number of pupils. It was felt that the concerns expressed were still relevant. Other comments: The development is outside the village envelope. Agreement to the development would set a precedent for future developments. The school could possibly expand to accommodate extra pupils. Funding would have to be available for this but this would not be considered by County until the pupil numbers had increased. Proposal showed a large area of recreational land, which would need maintaining. The Council could refuse to accept this responsibility. Highways would not agree to access for development anywhere except through Aveline Road. It was agreed that allowing alternative access could open up other areas for development, although there were doubts about where such access could be created without creating serious highway issues. No need has been highlighted in the TDC Local Development Framework for new housing in Ardleigh, apart from infill build. If there were a need, would the land off Aveline Road be the most suitable location. If the area were to be developed, a buffer strip would need to be provided between the MG, the existing housing and the new development. It was agreed that no further discussion need take place until a firm proposal is submitted.

5 Ardleigh Rail Site: The Chairman reminded the Council about the exhibition regarding the Essex CC Minerals Development Document: Preferred Approach. The exhibition will take place in Ardleigh Village Hall, 21 st January 2011, 1-30 to 7-30 pm. Comments to be submitted by 17 February The Chairman reported that a local landowner had been approached by a developer who offered to develop their land, whilst developing the Ardleigh Rail site. 5 Station Road: Cllr Sinclair reported that revised plans had been submitted for 5 Station Road. These plans were not on the TDC website and no notification had been received by the local residents. The Chairman confirmed that the plans would be sent to relevant people, allowing them the opportunity for comment. The Chairman advised that Mr Pegrum had had a skip delivered to help clear the site but the skip was still in situ and the back of the site no better than before. 4. Public Rights of Way Nothing to report. 5. Village Hall The monthly accounts to the 31 st December 2010 had previously been circulated. The Clerk advised that a subsidy from the Parish Council to cover the Village Hall expenses was till considered necessary. There were no questions. Cllr Talbot reported that the Bowls Club had confirmed that the floor had levelled out. Jane Burton had recommended that the heating be kept on permanently, as well as the dehumidifier. 6. Finance Report The monthly accounts to the 31 st December 2010 had previously been circulated. There were no questions. The Clerk reported that a General Reserves account had been opened with a deposit of This account is to be used for funding the extension to Ardleigh Cemetery. 7. TDALC No meeting had been held. 8. To receive and consider any quotations received as appropriate. None 89 Accounts for payment Cheques to be approved for payment and signed: A Nind (Ground worker) EON Bruce Landscapes J Taylor Salary Less PAYE Postage 3.84 Mileage 40@ 40p Cemetery Fees 0.00 Office Allowance STO Gratuity Clerk *Cheque Inland Revenue Future meeting dates: February 14 th, March 14 th, April 11 th

6 Information for the attention of the Clerk for the next meeting. None The meeting closed at 9.05 p.m. Signed as a true record of the meeting Chairman Date..