Great Bardfield Parish Council  

'ESSEX VILLAGE OF THE YEAR 2009'

There were no members of the public present.

(i) Cllr Ruffle – Agenda item 5 – Finance.

(ii) Cllr Walsh – Agenda item 8 – Stansted Airport

There were no apologies for absence.

These were approved and signed as a true record of the meeting, proposed Cllr Hayward, seconded Cllr Ruffle.

(a) Post Office Transport: So far only two volunteers have come forward and ideally we would like at least four. BDC have confirmed they will carry out training under the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme and application forms have been provided for this purpose.

(b) SID: Awaiting details of a manufacturer from whom this can be purchased. Clerk will prepare a rota for approval by Three Fields.

(c) Spinney Cottage: There was surprise that this application had been refused by Planning Officers as the applicants had been very thorough in addressing points under Policy RLP 26. Cllr Walsh said he would investigate the matter; this Council had raised no objections.

(d) Dunmow Road Panthers: Cllr Hockley reported that Mr Holmes was happy with the terms and conditions of pitch hire and would be responding to the Clerk’s letter shortly.

(e) Housing Estate Inspections: A response had been received in respect of the two mature lime trees on the green opposite nos. 47-53, in that they were considered safe, were last pruned in summer 2003 when they were crown raised and no further pruning was recommended at present. Regarding the untaxed vehicle, this was still being investigated. Further inspections would be taking place in Bardfield on 10 April, 7 August and 4 December 2007 at 10.00 am and Council members were welcome to attend.

(f) Highways: Obstruction Braintree Road. ECC have responded to the effect that there was little that could be done in view of the resulting displacement of vehicles in an area with restricted parking.

(a) Annual Audit: This has been completed and signed off by Lubbock Fine. They have recommended an increase in Fidelity Cover in light of the balances the Council holds and Allianz Cornhill will be sending proposals forms but cover of £25K (£15K) would mean an additional £17 per annum. It was proposed Cllr Walsh, seconded Cllr Hockley, that this be accepted and the Clerk would make the necessary arrangements.

00205/COU Hillcrest, amended application. Mr & Mrs Webber had submitted this fresh application in the light of discussions with and comments by the Parish Council and their neighbour. It was agreed that the new design fitted better within the footprint of the existing property, was less imposing in regard to their neighbour and was more suited to the street scene.

(a) Playground Inspection Report: Cllrs Ruffle, Slemmings, and Hockley met to discuss a programme of work and a schedule was provided at the meeting. After a long discussion it was agreed that Mr Ruffle and Mr Fox meet to discuss the works and push ahead with the High Priority areas, hopefully to be completed by the end of April 2007.

(b) Pavilion Project: The Clerk had liaised with the architect who said that he would be ready to proceed with a full application within a week or two and requested supported documentation from the Council. The Clerk would prepare a letter providing date from the various meetings, consultations and surveys supporting the need for a new pavilion.

(c) Pavilion Water Leak: This leak was discovered the weekend of 10 February and reported to the plumber. Water is still dripping and it was hoped to have this dealt with by the weekend.

(d) Internal Alterations: A request had been received from Mr Weston regarding the removal of a stud wall to create a more useful space; the youth club leaders have no objection. It was agreed that the work could be undertaken on the understanding that removal of the existing power socket was undertaken by a qualified electrician. The Clerk would respond accordingly.

This Agenda item was to generally discuss the situation with (a) the increase in passenger numbers within the existing facilities and (b) the application for a second runway. The CPRE had produced a leaflet summarising the problems and the impact on the community – this would be circulated. Both County and District Councils had confirmed their objection to a second runway. The County Council have the difficult decision of balancing environmental issues with economic gains. The Parish Council have registered their concern to any increase in passenger movement above 25mpm and their objection to a second runway.

(a) Essex Police Parish Plus. A letter has been received from CI Mark Schofield about two aspects of Braintree policing under development. Firstly, the recruitment campaign for the Special Constabulary with the District and secondly, a scheme of Volunteers in Policing (VIP) to assist in many areas supporting regular staff. A copy is circulating.

(b) Pipers Meadow: Lectern Information Panel. This notice board was approved to be installed in connection with the Oxlip Project. The Clerk had confirmed with BDC that no planning permission was required and had also written to the owner’s solicitor as a matter of courtesy. It was suggested that a speaker (from Essex Wildlife Trust) be invited to speak at the Parish Assembly where the involvement of the primary school would also be highlighted.

(c) Community Warden’s Parish Report: A monthly report had been received and would be circulated. The report highlighted areas where problems had been identified and dealt with.

(a) Bardfield Times: The Chairman said she was very concerned that the March issue of the BT had already gone to press, meaning that the Parish Council report – among others – would not be included. The Editor had not informed the Council that the report would not be included and had not replied to the Clerk’s e mail. This was an important edition in that a notification of the Election was to be published and details of the Parish Assembly. It was agreed that the Chairman would contact a member of the BT team requesting that an insert from the Parish Council be included in the March issue and express the Council’s concern followed by a letter to the Committee from the Clerk. It was further agreed that the PC meetings should not have to change and, if necessary, the publication of the BT could be delayed by, say, one week.

(b) Various Highways: Cllr Hayward reported on his conversation with Mr. Everitt regarding poor drainage and inadequate gulleys and asks the Clerk to follow up on this to ensure a site visit was carried out. The bridge had also been hit again – already reported – and the appropriate department at County had been asked to look at any measures that could help reduce the problem.

(c) Fountain: Cllr Hayward asked about wayleaves being put in place to secure future access but this would be deferred until the full reinstatement had taken place and the Clerk had reported back to BDC in respect of the Rural Community Development Fund grant that had been awarded.

(d) Litter: Cllr Hutchinson commented on the amount of litter, especially on the road in from Finchingfield, which wasn’t being helped by the new development. The Clean Team would be contacted and the area monitored.

This would be held on 21 March 2007

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.15 pm

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