LITTLE WALTHAM PARISH COUNCIL Minutes of the Meeting held on 7 February 2017 at 7:30pm in the Tufnell Hall Present: Councillors Edith Robertson (Chair) Peter Brown Tony Campen Malcolm Taylor Jackie Ketley Clerk Suzanne Walker City Councillor Councillor Raven County Councillor Councillor Aldridge No members of the public were present Meeting commenced at 7.30pm 17/18 Apologies Received from Councillors Weir and Goff. 17/19 Declarations of Interest None. 17/20 Consideration and approval of Minutes 3 January 2017 The minutes of the meeting held on 3 January 2017 were formally approved by Councillors as a correct record and were signed by the Chair. 17/21 Public Forum- to receive any representations from the public Councillor Raven reported that the Local Plan process has been delayed pending various reports being received but will progress again in March moving to a further public consultation. He further reported that he had been involved in a meeting with the NHS in relation to proposals for the A&E departments at Broomfield, Basildon and Southend hospitals. None of the options would result in the closure of Broomfield A&E but there were proposals in relation to the sharing of staff and the restriction of hours of certain A&E departments. It is anticipated that Broomfield will retain the walk-in centre and the A&E department. Further meetings will be taking place between the NHS and the City Council. Councillor Aldridge reported that some houses at the Channels development have been constructed without access to fibre broadband and that negotiations continue between the developer and BT to remedy the situation. The budget for the County Council will rise by 3% due to the rising cost of social care and there will be an expansion of the capital budget in relation to schools. A new Police commander, Ronnie Egan, has been appointed and Councillor Aldridge is looking to convene a meeting between her and local Parishes which may take place later this year. 17/22 Parish Watch and Policing Report No reports in relation to this Parish. Councillor Campen mentioned that there had been a burglary of the general stores in Great Waltham. 17/23 New Planning Applications 17/23.1 16/02196/FUL - Land north south and east of Channels Drive - Variation of Condition 16 of outline planning permission reference 10/01976/OUT to allow dwellings within Phase 5 with a facade within 100m of (i) the eastern boundary of the site (adjacent Bulls Lodge Quarry (Park Farm)) or (ii) the western boundary of the minerals extraction area if further away to be occupied subject to the implementation of a mitigation scheme as detailed within the RSK Environment Ltd report ref: 660810 01 (rev 02, dated 9 December 2016) or an alternative approved scheme. Councillors noted that the Public Health department had commented on issues surrounding air quality and recommended that the Environment agency should be 1706
consulted in relation to the application. Councillors agreed to endorse this suggestion to enable issues of air quality to be properly considered. 17/23.2 16/02194/REM - Land North South and East of Channels Drive - Details pursuant to Condition 1 of outline planning permission (Ref: 10/01976/OUT) comprising the access, appearance, layout, scale and landscaping for Phases 3c, 3d and 5 of the Channels Golf Club scheme to provide 240 dwellings, open space, hard and soft landscaping and associated highways and infrastructure works Councillors noted that the SUDS department at Essex County Council were at present not able to comment in relation to drainage issues. As this is an important issue in relation to the development Councillors agreed to comment that they wish to be assured that matters in relation to drainage are properly considered and that the relevant information is provided to the SUDS department. 17/23.3 17/00010/FUL - The White Hart, 107 The Street, Little Waltham Additional car parking It was noted that it is unclear how much additional parking provision if any will be provided. It was further noted that the Conservation officer has stated that the proposed car park would diminish the landscape setting and as no explanation had been provided as to why the car park is required he recommends that the application be rejected. Councillors agreed to support the comments of the conservation officer. 17/23.4 16/02151/FUL - Hallfield House, Back Lane, Little Waltham Two storey side extension and alteration to garage No comments or observations. 17/23.5 17/00015/FUL - Barn East of Channels Lodge, Belsteads Farm Lane, Little Waltham - Conversion of barn to dwelling including two single storey side extensions and construction of detached garage with associated landscaping works Councillors noted that the conservation officer suggests a number of minor alterations and adjustments to the design. Councillors agreed to support the comments of the conservation officer. 17/23.6 17/00016/LBC - Barn East of Channels Lodge, Belsteads Farm Lane, Little Waltham - Conversion of barn to dwelling including two single storey side extensions, internal alterations including new windows and doors, internal walls, first floor and alterations to the exterior of barn. 17/23.7 17/00124/FUL - Greenways, Main Road, Little Waltham two storey rear extension, single storey side extension No comments or observations 17/24 Planning Results The following planning results were noted - 17/24.1 CC/CHL/71/15 Little Waltham School - Construction of a single storey extension to provide 2no. new classbases and associated ancillary facilities. The provision of 2 additional car parking spaces within the school site condition 3 details of brick and slate granted condtion 4 details for doors and windows granted condition 6 scheme and programme of archaeological investigation granted 17/24.2 16/01552/FUL - 80 The Street, Little Waltham Single storey side and rear extensions approved 17/24.3 16/01501/OUT - Walnelter, Belsteads Farm Lane, Little Waltham demolition of existing dwelling and construction of three new dwellings Permitted 17/24.4 16/02075/FUL - Power s Farm, Cranham Road, Little Waltham conversion of Dutch barn into ancilliary accommodation approved 17/24.5 13/01823/MAT - Ash Tree Stud Farm, Main Road, Little Waltham - Removal of Condition 4 of planning permission 13/01823/FUL (Construction of 1no. replacement dwelling) in relation to Code for Sustainable Homes permitted 17/24.6 16/02121/FUL - Dorham, Chatham Green, Little Waltham - Raising of roof to create first floor accommodation with front and rear dormers. Proposed single storey side and rear extensions with rear facing balcony above, new external chimney stack and conversion of existing detached garage into an annexe permitted 17/25 Chelmsford City Council Local Plan It was noted that issues will not progress until March 2017. It was noted that there are forthcoming meetings of the Development Committee at Chelmsford City Council and issues of green wedges and corridors will be considered. Councillor Robertson will be attending the next meeting of the North-West Parishes group and will report back to Councillors. 1707
17/26 Correspondence 17/26.1 Essex County Council Correspondence 7 December 2016 Notice of Waiting Loading and Parking restriction order 4 January 2017 email regarding number 51 bus service 6 January 2017 Notification of modification consultation to replacement Waste and Mineral plan 31 January 2017 Notice of Road Closure Waltham Road. 17/26.2 Chelmsford City Council Correspondence none 17/26.3 General Correspondence in addition to the usual bulletins - 4 January 2017 Information from RCCE regarding community agents scheme 16 January 2017 Invitation to Essex Rivers Hub conference 17/27 Amenities Working Party Report 17.27.1 To discuss progress in relation to climbing frame project It was confirmed that the contractors are on site this week to install the equipment. 17/27.2 To discuss signage at play area It was noted that the signage is a little old. Councillors agreed that the Clerk obtain quotes to update the signage in the area. 17/27.3 To discuss repair issues in relation to Tennis Court fencing and basketball unit Councillors agreed to order the replacement basketball hoop from the company who supplied the unit and to ask Terry Payne to continue to patch up the tennis court fencing and deal with loose bolts. 17/27.4 To decide on participation in the Play in the Park scheme It was agreed to request the basic package with no add ons and to book the afternoon of 10 April 2017 and two sessions during the summer break one morning and one afternoon. 17/28 Affordable Housing Project The Clerk reported that she had received an update from RCCE who have stated following on from the pre-planning advice given to CHP, we understand that the architect has revised the scheme layout taking on board the advice given. The revised layout is currently being costed to see if it is viable and how much grant may be required to bring the development forward. Councillors requested that the Clerk ask for a copy of the updated plans. 17/29 Financial Matters 17/29.1 Payments for approval The following payments were approved Payee Item VAT Total S Walker Salary (Jan. 2017) 375.90 0.00 375.90 HMRC PAYE (Jan. 2017) 89.60 0.00 89.60 Essex Pension fund pension contribution (Jan.) 107.37 0.00 107.37 S Walker Clerk s expenses 71.60 0.00 71.60 DW Maintenance Gardening and litter picking 337.15 0.00 337.15 Terry Payne Raising bus shelter seat height 185.00 0.00 185.00 Fenland Leisure Products Ltd Paint for play equipment and New seat for swings 172.00 34.40 206.40 Adamson Conservation Ltd. Cleaning of War Memorial 350.00 70.00 420.00 Big Game Hunters replacement basketball hoop 16.62 3.32 19.94 DW Maintenance litter picking and gardening 229.16 0.00 229.16 Total 1,934.40 107.72 2,042.12 1708
17/29.2 Current account balance to be reported at the meeting. The Clerk confirmed that the balance of the current account as at today s date is 28,823.12 17/29.3 Update on conditions of current account The Clerk reported that the Co-op bank will no longer be paying interest on any business accounts so there will no longer be any interest payments in relation to the Parish Council account. 17/29.4 To receive quarterly report The Quarterly report calculated to 31 December 2016 was presented and accepted by Councillors. 17/29.5 To review annual financial risk assessment The Financial Risk Assessment had been circulated to Councillors for consideration and was formally approved. 17/29.6 To confirm increase in Clerk s salary Following the Clerk s appraisal Councillors agreed to increase her salary by one scale point to point 23 as from 5 January 2017. 17/30 Clerk s Report The Clerk reported as follows 1. The cleaning of the War Memorial has been completed and I have submitted the relevant report to the War Memorials Trust so that the grant may be paid. 2. The work to increase the height of the bus shelter seat has been carried out. 3. The vast majority of allotment holders have signed the new agreement and paid the increased rent for 2017. I just need to chase up a couple of outstanding accounts. I will keep you advised. 4. On 18 January 2017 I attended a free Pension workshop event organised by the Local Government Pension scheme to make sure I am up to date of end of year requirements so the Parish Council may meet its obligations to the scheme. 5. Each month I will keep you updated with matters that do not require action at this point in time by the Parish Council but need to be noted as ongoing. This month I can advise Local Highway Panel application for dropped kerbs/tactile paving in six locations within the Parish at a cost of 20,000.00 has been added to the list of matters to be considered for approval for financial year 2016/17. Installation of Picnic Table Local Highway Panel application for car park signage Chelmsford City Council lease of playing fields Speed survey (next financial year) LHP application for speed limit in Chatham Green The report was accepted by Councillors. 17/31 To consider quotes for replacement bin As the Parish Council bin at the bus stop by the Cricket pitch had broken the Clerk presented quotations to replace the bin. Councillors decided that they wish to purchase a steel bin, as it cannot be set alight, which is wall mounted and agreed to purchase the valley open to bin from the Bin Store. 17/32 To consider the issue of parking in the Parish Councillors discussed concerns raised by a resident as a result of cars parking on the grass verge. It was noted that cars are queuing on the main road and that the bus is being held up. In order to try and find a way forward it was agreed that Councillor Robertson will contact the head teacher and that the Clerk will contact the Police and the Local Highway Panel for advice. 1709
17/33 To discuss the potential car park extension A meeting had taken place attended by Councillors Brown and Campen and the Clerk and representatives from the GP surgery and a planning officer from Chelmsford City Council. The surgery wish to expand by a further 3 consulting rooms and to have parking provision at the rear of the surgery. The planning officer had raised a concern that parking at the rear would have an adverse effect on neighbours and made it clear that adequate parking provision would be required. In relation to parking generally as well as additional parking generated by the GP surgery the possibility of extending the car park behind the Memorial Hall was discussed. Arrangements were made for 3 contractors to meet with the Clerk and Councillor Campen to provide quotes which are currently awaited. There are issues to be addressed including the trees on site and funding generally. It was agreed that this matter should be put on the March agenda for further consideration by which time the quotations should be available. 17/34 To consider issues in relation to the route of the hospital shuttle bus As a result of correspondence with Essex County Council arrangements were made for the bus to avoid the village centre between 9am and 4pm. It was noted that the drivers appear to be complying with this arrangement. It was agreed to keep the issue under review. 17/35 To consider production of Parish Council newsletter Discussions took place in relation to any potential format and size of a newsletter and whether it should be a Parish Council newsletter or a Parish magazine with contributions from village organisations. Issues surrounding distribution including costs were discussed. It was agreed to continue discussing options and to aim for the first edition to be published at the end of June 2017. The matter will be placed on the next agenda and the Clerk will obtain more information for Councillors to consider. 17/36 Matters to be raised by members for the next agenda. Car park, Newsletter, Parking, affordable housing. Meeting concluded at 9pm 1710