MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF ROXWELL PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 9 TH JANUARY 2008 AT 7.45PM IN ROXWELL SCHOOL PRESENT:- IN ATTENDANCE:- C. Pavitt, P.G. Evans, H. Hatcher, M. Page, C. Philpot, Mrs A. Gilkes, K. Brookes, M. Wallace and Mrs K. Howlett. Mrs L. Green (Clerk) 2 Parishioners Essex County Cllr. John Aldridge Chelmsford Borough Cllr. Mrs Nicolette Chambers PCSO Jon Cameron and PCSO Jo Harcourt Samir Pandya, Acting Area Highways Manager, and Ian Guntrip, Maintenance Officer, of Essex County Council 92. DEMOCRATIC 15 MINUTES AND PRESENTATION BY SAMIR PANDYA, ACTING HIGHWAYS MANAGER, AT ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL. The Chairman welcomed Samir Pandya and Ian Guntrip to the meeting. Mr Pandya gave some information on his background. Mr Pandya is a qualified Civil Engineer and previously worked as Tendring and Colchester Highways Manager. Robin Murray sent his apologies for not being able to attend the meeting. Mr Pandya discussed the Area Office functions, i.e. Maintenance, Traffic and Road Safety, Street Lighting, Development Control and Highway Inspection. The Chelmsford team covers Maldon, Braintree and Chelmsford. Ian Guntrip is the Maintenance Officer, Robin Murray is the Traffic and Road Safety Officer, Paul Stephen is the Street Lighting Officer, Chris Robinson is the Development Control Officer and Shirley Lucas is the Public Rights of Way Officer. Mr Pandya discussed the maintenance budgets, including revenue and capital and highway maintenance initiative schemes. The Chairman reported the sunken manhole covers and potholes in Church Green to Mr Pandya. The Chairman had reported the matter to Highways at the beginning of November 2007. Ian Guntrip and Samir Pandya agreed to look into the matter. Cllr. Evans advised that a footway should be put in in Green Lane outside the old Post Office for road safety. Mr Pandya had sent the Parish Council a letter regarding Proposed Traffic Schemes asking the Parish Council to identify works that they wished to be done. Mr Pandya to supply a list of outstanding works for the village. It was agreed that the Parish Council would then go through the list and state what is important and priority. This will be a three year rolling programme. Concerns had been received about the problems just past the pub in The Street where cars are parking on the tight bend. Parishioners feel that there should be something down to slow the traffic down at the bend. It was suggested that the speed limit be lowered. Essex County Council are currently looking at revising the criteria. Mr Pandya advised that his team monitor accident blackspots. If there are more than four accidents then they have a statutory obligation to do something. Mr Pandya advised that if the Parish Council, Essex County Councillor, Chelmsford Borough Councillor and Police support a speed limit it goes a long way when being discussed at Cabinet. A parishioner advised that it is becoming increasingly more difficult to pull out of Vicarage Road onto the B1007. He suggested extending the 40mph speed restriction. Mr Pandya said that this would be considered under the revised criteria. Cllr. Evans reported that when he had been a Borough Councillor he had fought to get the 40mph West of Boyton Cross and East of this junction but could not get the support of Chelmsford Borough Council. It was reported that a serious accident is waiting to happen at this junction. The Chairman said that this item would be put on the list of priorities and the Parish Council will look at the matter again and follow it up. As regards the parking situation in St. Michaels Drive, Mr Pandya advised that the way to go forward would be for parishioners to approach the relevant authorities to see if the work could be done. Cllr. Chambers said this is what is happening as she has started receiving enquiries. Mr Pandya advised that Robin Murray will do as much as he can if he can take the matter forward. Page 1
Cllr. Wallace enquired as to why the Council have tarmac that melts in the Sun and potholes that develop in the frost. This does not happen in the Continent. Mr Pandya advised that it is all to do with the binder that is used. Bitumen and material has to be used that is recognised criteria nationally. Mr Pandya agreed to report the matter to National. 93. APOLOGIES:- None. 94. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 14 TH NOVEMBER 2007 Cllr. Evans asked for the name Basilton to be changed to Bassington in Minute 77. Democratic 15 Minutes. Cllr. Hatcher asked for the second sentence in the sixth paragraph of Minute 77. Democratic 15 Minutes to read Kenneth Bassington had been nominated by the Reverend Barry Hobson. The minutes of the meeting held on 14 th authorised to sign them. November 2007 were taken as read and the Chairman was 95. CO-OPTION OF NEW COUNCILLOR FOLLOWING RESIGNATION OF CLLR. LEO BARTLE Two applications had been received for the Parish Councillor vacancy and after interviews and votes it was agreed that Katie Howlett should be Co-Opted. The Chairman proposed Katie Howlett which was seconded by Cllr. Evans. Katie Howlett was therefore Co-opted onto the Parish Council and she signed the necessary paperwork. 96. MATTERS ARISING:- Nothing to report. 97. POLICE MATTERS a) Speeding - Minute 8, 28, 46, 66, 86,110, 9,30,49,68,85,108, 8, 24,43,64,82,104,8,26,44, 61,77,90, 8,24,36,49,63,77,1138,63 & 82. PCSO Cameron advised that he had carried out speed checks in the village but there were not too many high speeds recorded. PCSO Cameron had also visited the village with the Mobile Police Bus. Cllr. Philpot said that the Speed Indicator Device at Boyton Cross was doing a good job. It was reported that Sgt. Neil Marshall has moved from Melbourne to Moulsham Lodge Police Station. At present the PCSO s do not have enough cars and arrangements are being made to try and get PCSO s more cars so they can get to their beats. Travelling by bus has proved very unsuccessful. Cllr. Philpot asked the Parish Council to write to the Chief Constable as PCSO Cameron cannot have a car as there are not enough vehicles. Bikes have been taken away from the Officers due to an accident. Cllr. Philpot advised that Chignal Parish Council had written a letter. It was agreed that the Chairman would also write in. b) St. Michaels Drive Parking Conditions Minute 24,43, 64,82,104,8, 26,44,61,77,90,8,24,36,49, 63,77,11,38,63 & 82. The Chairman reported that parishioners are going to follow the suggestions to make various enquiries with the authorities. It was agreed the item could be removed from the Agenda. Page 2
c) HGV s Through Village Minute 4,24,36,49,63,77,11,38,63 & 82. It was reported that there is a 7½ tonne weight restriction in place and that it is a matter for the Police and Trading Standards to deal with enforcement. It was agreed that it was not a problem at present so the item could be removed from the Agenda. d) Changing 30mph speed limit near Dukes Manor Minute 63,77,11,38,63 & 82. Robin Murray of Essex County Council had advised that the extent of the 30mph limit meets the DfT criteria in place at the time. This criteria has recently been updated and the policy team are arranging for all County Roads to be assessed against the revised criteria to see whether changes are required. Mr Murray will pass on the Parish Council concerns to them and keep the Parish Council advised of developments. e) Speed Indicator Devices Minute 77. The Chairman advised that he had contacted Writtle Parish Council who advised that they paid 3,000.00 for their Speed Indicator Device. Essex County Council contributed 1,000.00. It was agreed that the Parish Council could not afford to buy a device at present so the item would be removed from the Agenda. f) Parishioners Request for Consideration of Speed Calming Throughout The Street The matter was discussed under Democratic 15 Minutes. g) Any Other PCSO Cameron advised that the next Neighbourhood Action Panel Meeting would be held on 31 st January 2008 at Roxwell School. PCSO Cameron to speak to Dennis Revel of Neighbourhood Watch. PCSO Cameron hopes to deal with issues that were raised at the last meeting and have some answers. 98. FINANCIAL MATTERS a) Payments:- Essex County Council 10.00 Hire of Hall on 14/11/07 M.D. Landscapes (Anglia) Limited 179.78 Grass Cutting Recreation Field Evans Garden Maintenance 72.00 Grass Cutting Toddlers Play Area Simply Plants/Acorn Arboriculture 793.13 Tree Works at Recreation Field EALC 50.00 Councillor Training Day for Cllr. Wallace E.On 49.88 Electricity to Sports Pavilion Mrs B.M. Pavitt 65.44 Cleaning Pavilion December 2007 and January 2008 Mrs L.J. Green 429.04 Salary 01.12.07 to 31.01.07 ( 388.00) and Expenses From November to January Meeting ( 41.04) The above payments were approved by the Parish Council. b) Transfer of Funds 05.12.07 Transfer 1,000.00 from Business Premium Account to Current Account 12.12.07 Transfer 1,000.00 from Business Reserve Account to Business Premium Account 09.01.08 Transfer 500.00 from Business Premium Account to Current Account c) Bank Balances. Page 3
The bank balances were as follows:- Current Account - 1,451.31 Business Premium - 878.52 Business Reserve - 14,623.53 d) Any Other The Chairman advised that the Chelmsford Borough Council grant to fund the new play equipment had been unsuccessful. 99. PLANNING MATTERS & APPLICATIONS a) STANSTED/M11 CORRIDOR STUDY Nothing to report. b) 11 CHURCH GREEN Single storey side extension. No Objections. APPROVED. c) TYE HALL, TYE HALL CHASE Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of single storey side extension. No Objections. APPROVED.. d) TYE HALL, TYE HALL CHASE Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of single storey side extension (LBC). No Objections. LISTED BUILDING CONSENT APPROVED. e) WOODEND FARM, BISHOPS STORTFORD ROAD Farm Shop and Replacement Barn. This site has been growing steadily over a number of years. Has the current development been cleared through planning? Whilst noting the wording under the heading of Town Planning Considerations with the land shown under the ownership of the applicant being a large area of Metropolitan Green Belt and this application being deemed 'appropriate' within the 1997 Local Plan, is this application a tester for possible future enlargement of the business? Although this area is outside the main village area in open countryside, the Parish Council objects to the site being further developed from its present size be it legal or not within the Local Plan. It would be of advantage if the Parish Council were to know the legality of the present position and to find out the official view of the existing and proposed developments. It would appear that, at present, items not produced at the farm are sold there. This concerns the Parish Council, together with the prospect that further 'imports' may be received for sale on the enlarged site. REFUSED. Essex County Council had put in objections on highway matters. f) 8 GREEN LANE Single storey rear extension. ). No Objections. APPROVED. g) ELMS FARM, ELM LANE DIY Livery yard and associated uses, including tack and consumable storage, equipment, vehicle and trailer storage/parking, flood-lit manege. ). No Objections. APPROVED. h) BOYTON HALL FARM, BOYTON HALL LANE Retrospective change of use of buildings from agriculture to B1, B2 and B8 uses. No Objections. No Decision Yet. Cllr. Philpot declared an interest. i) 4 BRICK COTTAGES, COOKSMILL GREEN Two storey rear extension. No Objections. WITHDRAWN. j) BLOWS FARM, COOKSMILL GREEN Replacement single glazed windows and internal alterations. No Objections. No Decision Yet. k) THE REST, COOKSMILL GREEN Demolition of existing conservatory, erection of single storey rear extension. No Objections. WITHDRAWN. l) STONEHILL FARM, STONEHILL ROAD Change of use of building nos. B1 and B2 to livery stables. These buildings are situated in a dip which means entry/exits are blind on both approaches. Slow moving traffic using this site could be the cause of possible accidents. Highways Department may need some input. No other objections. APPROVED. m) ELMS FARM, ELM LANE Retrospective change of use of agricultural buildings to B8 storage use. No Objections. No Decision Yet. n) COSYCOT, THE STREET Demolish existing bungalow and erect single replacement dwelling with integral garage and re-apportion access to Red Gables. The character of the village is being changed considerably with yet another conversion of bungalow into a house. This "gratification" makes village properties less than attainable for "locals", whilst the Parish Council acknowledge that the only solution to the "Cosycot" problem is rebuilding. APPROVED. o) 34 ST. MICHAELS DRIVE Two storey side extension. No Objections. No Decision Yet. p) 4 BRICK COTTAGES, COOKSMILL GREEN Two storey rear extension. No Objections. No Decision Yet. 100. RECREATION FIELD/TODDLER PLAYAREA Page 4
a) Replacement of Play Equipment at Recreation Field and Toddlers Play Area. Minute 108,12,29,47,64,80,93,11,27,39, 52,66,80,14,41,66 & 85. The Parish Council had been unsuccessful in obtaining a grant from Chelmsford Borough Council for new play equipment at the Toddlers Play Area. The Chairman advised that there are other grants the Parish Council could apply for but it would delay implementation before the Summer. The total cost for the new equipment would be 4,846.00. It was agreed that the Chairman should place the order with Wicksteed. The Chairman reported that the double bay swing at the Toddlers Play Area had been vandalised. The bolts on the centre section had been cut off and the metal tubing frame opened up at one of the bolt holes. Wicksteed Leisure would be contacted so that a quotation could be submitted to the Insurers for the necessary repairs. b) Safety Inspection of Play Equipment Minute 47,93,11,27,39,52,66,80,14,41,66 & 85 The Chairman advised that Miracle Design and Play would be carrying out the first inspection free of charge on the play equipment at the Recreation Field. c) Skateboard Park Minute 76,93,11,27,39,52,66,80,14,41,66 & 85. Notification had not yet been received for this year. d) Ownership of land at the Recreation Field and Toddlers Play Area Minute 76,93,11,27,39, 52, 66,80,14,41,66 & 85. The matter was still ongoing. Chairman to arrange to get the paperwork back from Jonathan Chaplin if it was not near completion. e) Dog Fouling Minute 14,41,66 & 85. The Chairman advised that it was not too much of a problem. Cllr. Gilkes reported that the top of St. Michaels Drive is bad. The Chairman stated that the majority of people are now clearing up and it was agreed that the item could be removed from the Agenda. f) Best Kept Playing Field Competition Minute 41,66 & 85. Chairman to put a photocopy of the certificate in the noticeboard. g) Willow Trees in St. Michaels Drive at the back of the bungalows Minute 85. The Chairman advised that the trees had been felled and that one tree was totally rotten. h) Grass Cutting Quotes M.D. Landscapes was willing to continue cutting the grass at the Recreation Field and had given a three year quotation, which amounted to 47.00 per cut, a 4.00 increase. All agreed. The Parish Council were still awaiting a quotation from Evans Garden Maintenance for cutting the Toddlers Play Area but the Chairman stated it had been 18.00 per cut for many years. i) Any Other Nothing to report. 101. FOOTPATHS a) Any Other - Nothing to report. 102. BULK LITTER CONTAINERS Minute 97,116,18,35,52,66,82,95,13,29,41,54,68,82,12 & 43, 68 & 87. The Chairman advised that Chelmsford Borough Council would be sending the new dates in February. There were no collections in Roxwell for January, February or March. 103. CHELMSFORD POLICE AND COMMUNITY CONSULTATIVE GROUP PUBLIC MEETING - Minute 93,24,46,71 & 88. Page 5
The Clerk had contacted Leo Bartle but he could not find the paperwork. It was agreed that the item could be removed from the Agenda. 104. SLOW HORSES SIGNAGE EITHER SIDE OF LIGHTFOOTS, SKREENS PARK ROAD Minute 77,30,51,73 & 89. Robin Murray had advised that the signage should be installed by the end of the financial year. 105. REPLACING PLASTIC NO BALL GAMES SIGNS. Minute 52,74 & 90. The matter was in hand. 106. COUNCILLOR TRAINING DAY Minute 91. Cllr. Wallace to attend the next training session on 24 th January. The paperwork and cheque had been sent to the EALC. 107. HIGHWAY DRAINAGE MINUTE 77. Nothing further to report. MEETING CLOSED 9.13pm CHAIRMAN. DATE NEXT MEETING THURSDAY 13 TH MARCH 2008 AT 7.45pm IN ROXWELL SCHOOL Page 6