Present: Cllrs Dyson (Chairman), Ruffle (Vice Chair), Hayward, Welsh, Slemmings, Holmes

There were no members of the public present.

Declaration of interest was recorded by Cllr Ruffle in respect of the Financial Statement.

Apologies were received from Cllr Hockley who was on fire brigade duty.

These were approved and signed as a true record of the meeting.

Fountain: Mrs Heppinstall, Technical Officer BDC, had written with her report following testing of the water. She confirmed there was no E.coli present, however total coliforms totalled 45 per 100ml. This level is not excessive but the standard is zero and these levels are often found in shallow ware supplies; recent heavy rain falls can lead to such contamination. She confirmed that healthy adults are unlikely to be harmed by drinking the water and that if boiled it would be perfectly safe for all. She will test again in spring 2010.

St Mary’s Villas – Site Meeting: (i) Tree Work. Following a request from Cllr Finbow, Abi St Aubyn (Snr. Tree and Landscape Officer BDC) had attended site and a detailed report had now been received, based on two scenarios. This was brought about following notification from Nathan Suppiah, Project Engineer at BDC, to give a view in respect of the possibility of constructing a 3 m wide road adjacent to the trees. The recommendations, therefore, provided details of work appropriate, with or without this road. (ii) Site Visit: Cllr Ruffle reported that Olive Cowell (ECC) felt that a drop kerb could not be provided, prior to the installation of any road, as it would create a vehicular right of way and cause more damage. Paul Chadwick (GCH) had some figures for the work, in the region of £100K – £150K, but said this was the budget for the whole of the District. However, the PC agreed that this level of expenditure could not be justified as only a service road was required. Cllr Walsh referred to an area in Little Bardfield where a service road had been created and the Clerk would contact UDC to investigate.

RCCE Visit: A letter of thanks had been received following the judges visit on 4 December.

Particular mention was made in regard to the Memorial Garden and the Clerk was asked to write to Mick Gell and pass on the judges’ comments.

Long Green: Cllr Hayward confirmed that the stock of plants had now been received and included the additional items ordered for the amenity land in the High Street.

Parish Support Grant: At the BDC Cabinet Meeting on 7 December, it was agreed to freeze the PSG – rather than withdraw this support. Cllr Walsh asked whether we should now consider increasing the Precept in preparation for the removal of the PSG – which appeared inevitable – so this could take place gradually rather than one large increase.

Closure of Causeway House/Changes in Parish Liaison: The Clerk confirmed she had written to BDC expressing concern about the proposed closure of Causeway House and other changes within the ‘cost cutting’ exercise that would affect the rural parishes in particular.

Hand Rail at Old Nursery / St Mary’s: Paul Chadwick (GCH) had inspected this and confirmed the work had been passed to the appropriate team.

Calor Village of the Year – National Results: As winner of the Communications category a cheque in the sum of £500 had been received. Members agreed to pay this into the Special Projects Account, to allocate to a particular project at some future date.

Tree work: 00296/TPOCON White Hart House – No objection.

Place House: Following concerns raised by residents, regarding work being carried out on this property by the new owners, the Clerk contacted Valerie Scott, the Senior Historic Buildings Advisor at ECC. She confirmed she had visited the house at the invitation of the owner earlier in the year and that he will be applying for listed building consent in respect of some alterations he wished to make. In the meantime it had been agreed that certain work, such as the removal of a modern book case, could go ahead. Nevertheless, the officer added, that continued vigilance would be appreciated.

Non Material Amendments: Since 1 October it has been possible for applicants to apply to make non-material amendments to existing planning permissions (not LBOs). The process has now been formalised so that applicants must submit details of the proposed amendment (e.g. change in roof materials) on an application form with accompanying plans where relevant.

Greenfield Community Housing CHIP Fund: The disappointment at the outcome of the application to this fund was discussed, with the main focus on the manner in which the Committee made its decision not to award any grants. In view of the apparent change in criteria at the 11th hour, despite the project being given support to go through to the second stage, it was agreed that an enquiry should be requested. Cllr Walsh suggested that a letter be sent to Alan Reid, Chief Executive of BDC, requesting a meeting with the Chairman, Cllr Finbow and himself.

It was agreed to wait until after this meeting, before publicising the up to date position, in order to be better informed.

Playground Inspection: The annual inspection will be undertaken in the next few weeks.

Bell Lane: The Chairman declared an interest in view of the proximity of her home to the site of proposed yellow lines. In response to the Council’s view that the length of the lines at 17 m was too long, the District Manager had advised that if they could not implement the full recommended extent of lining then there was no point in implementing any. Highways felt that the recommended length will assist larger vehicles in negotiating the junction without having to take offside manoeuvres, and therefore reduce the risk of hitting the adjacent property. The Clerk was asked to write confirming the Council’s opinion, that any lining should be at the legal minimum of 10m, and that any increase on this would have a detrimental effect on a significant number of residents.

Bridge Street: A copy of the final approved scheme, received from Highways, was circulated to members. Details were confirmed as those agreed following the recent site meeting namely: ‘no waiting at any time’ from (i) the boundary of house nos. 2 and 3 for approximately 32 metres (entrance Meadow View); (ii) 3 metres north of the building wall of ‘Our Home’ in north westerly direction for 26 meters; (iii) western side of the carriageway from ‘Our Home’ in north westerly direction for 171 metres and the Clerk was asked to respond accordingly.

For clarification of a point raised by a resident of Bridge Street, the Chairman wished to record that she had taken notes at the site meeting; minutes were only taken at parish council meetings.

Disabled Parking Bay – outside ‘Our Home’ Bridge Street: If this were no longer required for the purpose it was originally installed, it might be appropriate to have this removed, and thereby allow for additional parking.

Chicane Braintree Road: Cllr Ruffle reported that at the site meeting held at St Mary’s Villas, Olive Cowell – ECC Engineer – asked for views regarding its use. It was agreed that the benefit outweighed any problems, which were mainly caused by inappropriate parking or speeding drivers. There was a brief discussion about the possibility of a yellow line for a short length in Braintree Road to help reduce parking by non residents.

Community Speedwatch - An update was received from Chelmsford police, advising that ‘the papers’ had gone to the Chief Constable, and they were awaiting news of funding. A minimum of 8 volunteers has been requested but this has not been confirmed; we were asked not to pass on any names for the moment until the issue of funding was clarified.

Mobile Library: New service dates had been received which would be distributed

Audit & Risk Assessment Day – 12 February 2010: A letter had been received hoping to encourage both Chairmen and Internal Auditors to attend this course.

School Council: The Clerk was asked to invite members to attend the February Meeting.

Guidelines for Council Business: Further to recent discussions and for greater clarity the Council wish to confirm that (i) The Public Forum shall last from 8.00 pm to 8.15 pm, with an allotted speaking time of 3 minutes, at the discretion of the Chairman. This should be noted on the published ‘notice of meeting’. (ii) If an e mail (or letter) request is received regarding a complex matter that a resident wishes to be discussed by the Council, then the Clerk will respond with a holding e mail (or letter) and raise the matter with the PC. A copy of this Minute will be filed with the Standing Orders following approval of the December Minutes.

Cycle Path: The path near to the entrance to be Bardfield Centre is overgrown. This could be a job for the Localism Rangers and the Clerk would complete the appropriate forms.

Lord of the Manor: Cllr Hayward advised that the documentation was now lodged with the Essex Records Officer. The intention was also to store the older Minute books at the ERO.

This would be held on 13 January 2010

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.15 p.m.