Great Bardfield Parish Council  

'ESSEX VILLAGE OF THE YEAR 2009'

There were no members of the public present.

Declarations were made by Cllr Ruffle - personal/pecuniary interest under finance; Cllr Dyson – personal interest under 7 (b). Alicia Holmes who was present for co-option to the council advised of her personal interest under 7(a).

Apologies had been received from Cllr Walsh who was Chairing the Braintree Area Committee this evening.

Following an amendment at 4(d), to clarify that the trees to be inspected by Abigail St Aubyn at Pipers Meadow were not causing damage, the Minute were approved and signed as a true record of the meeting.

(a) Quality Council Concordat: The Chairman reported on the enjoyable visit which she and the Clerk had made to the House of Lords, at the invitation of Lord Hanningfield, to celebrate and acknowledge the work of parish and town councils.

(b) Pipers Meadow: The Clerk had passed the detailed report received from Abigail St Aubyn of Landscape Services following her inspection on 13 February. This concluded that the risk posed by trees to cause subsidence damage to the cart lodge was minimal, both now and in the future and the risk posed by trees to cause direct damage to the cart lodge was moderate when trees were at full maturity.

Following discussion the Council agreed to implement the second recommendation contained in the report, which was to fell all the trees and leave the stumps to coppice (regenerate as multi stemmed trees from the base) which would require 5 yearly removal of the top wood. A contractor would be asked to liaise with Cllr Hayward regarding this work to ensure the requirements were fully understood. At the same time additional work identified at the Meadow and on Crown Green could be organised. In her response to Mr & Mrs Herbert, who raised the problem initially, the Clerk was instructed to send a copy of the full report.

The Chairman reported that Michael Hitchcock had spoken to her regarding the tree by the bridge, that was encroaching on the tree planted in memory of his father, and which he intended to trim back.

BALC: Cllr Hayward gave a brief report on the open meeting held on 24 January which was attended by Cllr Roger Walters; he would be circulating the documentation regarding the Essex Strategy and Local Area Agreement.

Litter Bin: Cllr Hockley confirmed that the damaged bin could be removed and that the jammed top on the second bin had been dealt with.

Dog Fouling: This continued to be a problem and the names of three residents who it was alleged did not clear up after their dogs and been given to the Clerk. The Dog Warden said he was happy to visit the individuals concerned or, with additional information, visit the village at the ‘optimum’ time. The Community Warden reported to the Clerk that BDC were coming down heavily on fly posting and dog fouling and, regarding the latter, issuing more on the spot fines of £80.

Drains: Following report these will be monitored

Fountain: The Technical Officer had re visited the village and tests showed some improvement in the situation. It was thought the problem lay with surface water seeping into the spring and, more importantly, that the source itself was clean. The Officer suggested improvements to the manhole at the source could remedy this and the Clerk would liaise with Mark Hitchcock. In addition the water had now reduced to a trickle and this also needed to be investigated.

Following due process Alicia Holmes had presented for Co-option which was proposed by Cllr Hayward and seconded by Cllr Ruffle and unanimously agreed. The Register of Members’ Interests had been completed and the Acceptance of Officer Register was signed.

(a) Notice of Precept: This has been received and confirms that the total budget for 2008/09 will be £28,485 of which £4,305 is the Parish Support Grant. The parish element of the Band D tax rate is £44.31 per annum or 85 pence per week per household.

(b) Donation to Farleigh Hospice: A leaflet regarding the Hospice Outreach Project had been circulated and it was suggested that it would be something to discuss at the next Three Fields Meeting. Cllr Hayward thought it might be helpful if a member of the Freshwell Health Centre could attend and the Clerk would try to arrange this.

(c) Change of Signatories: The Clerk asked for a resolution to change the bank mandate to add Cllr Holmes to the list of signatories. Proposed Cllr Ruffle seconded Cllr Slemmings, unanimously agreed.

00225/ADV Co-op Stores, display of two non illuminated fascia signs. On planning grounds the Council wished to object at the use of the bright green corporate signing in the Conservation area and felt it could not be justified on grounds of, for example, competition. It was agreed that unfortunately the village store brought none of the benefits of a town centre one, where there was competition, as stock was often poor or non existent, even of staple items. The point was also made that there is probably a ‘more neutral fascia in their palette’ otherwise it was asked how would they get planning permission in such cities as York, Chester etc?

00268/FUL Manton Cottage, Bridge End, creation of ancillary domestic/home office. The height of the roof does not raise by a full storey height and the materials are in keeping with the conservation area. The works will have very little impact in the street and consequently the Parish Council see no grounds for objection.

(b) Great Bardfield Primary School: A letter had been received from the Head of Environmental Planning, ECC, advising that the application had been withdrawn. Cllr Dyson explained that in addition to the Parish Council’s comments, BDC had submitted two pages of objections and 15 letters of objections had been received from residents. A revised application was being prepared.

(c) National Standards Planning Application Forms

From 1 April 2008 Government legislation requires that planning applications must be submitted on the National Standard Planning Application form known as "1APP". Cllr Slemmings had looked at this on behalf of the Council and reported that it was a positive step in that applicants will have to provide all the information listed in a manner consistent with other applicants. Unlike the current situation there should be no information missing either from the drawings or written details and thus all applications should be easier to evaluate. The Clerk would respond accordingly.

(i) Village Housing: The comments in the Chairman’s report following the January meeting resulted in over 20 enquiries from residents who were in need of accommodation and in particular those who wanted to stay in the village. The situation has changed considerably since the previous Parish Council survey when there was little demand and it was proposed that the possibility of additional social housing be investigated. Cllr Hayward would be visiting the EALC shortly and make enquiries.

(ii) Proposed Eco-Settlement Stebbing Green

This was a proposal by Galliard Homes to build in the region of 4000 homes to create a new town. Cllr Slemmings and the Clerk had attended the exhibition at Great Saling and members would be attending other such exhibitions. Generally such a large development is unwelcome as the negative impact on surrounding villages is unavoidable.

This item was raised by Cllr Walsh and the lack of adequate parking areas was a problem; as Cllr Walsh was not in attendance it was agreed to postpone any discussion.

Digital Survey: This had been carried out by Mike Fenn Associates and a copy had been received for the file. The architect had been asked to proceed to the next stage which was the structural engineering drawings.

Site Plan: It was agreed that the existing pavilion should be kept in use as long as possible when work starts on the new pavilion, to this end the building would be moved a few metres forward and the architect would produce revised plans. If a fresh application is submitted within 12 months of the previous one then there is no fee payable to BDC although there would be architect’s fees.

Grants: (i) The Clerk was awaiting the outcome of the grant application to the Braintree Area Committee in respect of the large expenditure on the playground. (ii) An application had been submitted to the Community Initiative Fund for a grant towards the ongoing costs of the preliminary work on the pavilion project.

(a) Open Gardens: Brenda Poston had kindly offered to run this on behalf of the pavilion project. As arrangements were already in hand with the BT it was agreed that any profits would be shared between the pavilion project and the Bardfield Times.

(c) Litter Pick: Peter Poston had been collected a significant amount of litter on the approaches to the village and the Clerk was asked to write thanking Peter for this work.

(d) E Removals: A letter concerning the parking of these vehicles had been received; the Clerk had already contacted the PCSO about this who had spoken to the vehicle owner.

(e) EALC Information had been received to say that an agreement had been reached with AON which offered 15% discount to PCs if they insure with this company.

(f) ‘Play it Safe’ Seminar to be held at Great Baddow on 6 March 2008.

There were no items of report.

This will be held on 19 March 2008.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.45 pm

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Last modified: 10/28/09