Great Bardfield Parish Council  

'ESSEX VILLAGE OF THE YEAR 2009'

The Chairman welcomed Mr & Mrs Webber, Mr & Mrs Ford and Mr Paul Richards, the recently appointed Community Warden.

Mr & Mrs Webber (Hillcrest, Dunmow Road) advised that, as a result of the concerns raised regarding their application (discussed at the December PC meeting), they had withdrawn this and presented fresh proposals which they hoped went some way to address the objections. The Chairman said their response was appreciated and their comments would be circulated and considered when a fresh application was received.

Mr & Mrs Ford (Spinney Cottage) presented a supporting statement (and photographs) which addressed all the criteria raised under Policy RLP 26 of the Local Plan. The Chairman explained that their application had not been considered contentious but would be discussed at the appropriate time later in the meeting.

Mr Paul Richards recently appointed Community Warden covering the Three Fields, Great Notley and Rayne, gave an update on recent activity in the village and Three Fields in general and explained that his role was mainly to engage with young people, but also address any problems with litter and dog fouling. As a result of complaints received from residents, of nuisance on Friday evenings, he had attended the Youth Club and spoken to members – he confirmed that some attendees lived outside the village. He would be making patrols in tandem with PCSO Gail Chittenden and liaise with the Clerk on a regular basis. He hoped to arrange a litter pick in the Spring, hopefully involving the younger residents; Cllr Hockley suggested this could be linked to a Friday evening youth club meeting. The Chairman thanked Mr Richards for attending.

There were no declarations of interest.

Cllr Hutchinson was unable to attend for personal reasons.

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

(a) Donations to St Mary’s Church: The situation was clarified by the Registry Clerk of the Chelmsford Diocese who stated that "anyone on the electoral role, whatever their faith, could be buried in the churchyard plus anyone on the church electoral role from the wider community and, generally, anyone with strong connections with the parish". In view of this confirmation the donation of £500, previously agreed, was on the Financial Statement.

(b) Bus Shelter: The grant for £2000 to cover the cost of the solar lighting and notice board for the existing bus shelter has been received and the order placed; delivery is expected at the end of February/beginning March.

(c) PCSO Matched Funding: The feedback from the other Three Field Parishes is that even if shared, the sum of £13,500 per annum, would be difficult to justify from the parish Precepts. Also, there was no guarantee that the existing service would not suffer and, in the long run, that a new ‘dedicated officer’ would not be called away for other ‘urgent’ duties. At the moment, with the existing PCSO and the Community Warden, the parishes appear reasonably well served.

(d) Speed Indicator Devices: Written confirmation has been received detailing the locations where the SIDs will be erected on a rotating basis – Dunmow Road, Braintree Road and Bridge End. The Clerk confirmed that the additional funds of £2300 have been forwarded by BDC and she would liaise with ECC to keep the Council up to date with progress.

(b) EALC "Funding" Course: Cllr Hutchinson wished to attend this course to be held on 1^st March at a cost of £10. This was agreed.

06/02552/COU Spinney Cottage, agricultural land to domestic garden. This application met all the criteria outlined within Policy RLP 26 in the Braintree District Local Plan Review July 2005. There were no objections.

06/02511/FUL 7 Hall Villas, Braintree Road, erection of two storey side extension. There were no objections; it was noted that the garage would lost but that there was adequate frontage to accommodate parking.

07/00018/TPOCON Friends’ Meeting House, Brook Street, pruning of Yew tree. The Clerk was asked to clarify with the Landscape Services Manager that the pruning would be moderate and not cut back too hard.

(a) Playground Inspection Report: This had been circulated and it was agreed that the Playingfield Committee should meet to prepare a programme of works to be carried out by the Village Handyman, where appropriate, and a contractor. In the meantime Cllr Hockley said he would deal with the protruding bolts identified as medium risk.

(b) Pavilion Project: Despite chasing by the Clerk and a promise from Chris Paggie – BDC Planning Officer – no comments had been received. It was agreed that the architect would be asked to proceed with a full application as the continued delay was unacceptable and funding opportunities were being missed.

(c) Dunmow Road Panthers Under 16s Football Team: Ian Holmes had contacted the Clerk to ask if the pitch could be hired by this team which meets on Sundays. After discussion and background information provided by Cllr Hockley it was agreed that as full facilities including use of the pavilion would be available then a charge of £14 per match would be appropriate and Mr Holmes would be advised accordingly.

The Clerk had met with Kris Radley, Rural Transport and Access Adviser for RCCE, to discuss possible links to the new Post Office which is to open on 22 January. Among the financial support they can give (via grant application) is the cost of surveys, training for volunteers, assistance with advertising facilities and possibly towards the cost of creating a footpath. BDC have confirmed they can undertake the training of volunteer drivers and confirm that if the Parish has its own drivers then this would facilitate more frequent use of the District’s community buses – where there is a driver shortage. The Chairman would highlight the need for volunteers in her BT report and the Clerk would liaise with the BT Editor to arrange for the inclusion of a short survey – possibly in the March issue - to assess the need and requirement for transport links.

All items had been circulated or discussed under the Agenda items.

(a) Fly Tipping: Cllr Hayward reported serious problems with fly tipping including one involving the dumping of gas cylinders and asbestos. It was expected that the situation would get worse in view of charges now imposed for the disposal of trade waste.

(b) Housing Estate Inspection: Cllr Ruffle asked if the problems relating to an untaxed car and problem trees, identified on 19 December when she and Cllr Walsh attended the inspection, could be followed up.

(c) Highways: Cllr Hockley reported an incident recently when a car crashed into a horse box on the Bardfield Road, Finchingfield. He was concerned that a similar problem could happen in Braintree Road due to the number of parked cars which often obscured the build out and cars exiting the village could not see cars entering, and vice versa. There was one vehicle which had a very long trailer which was of particular concern. The Clerk would contact Highways for advice.

This would be held on 21 February 2007.

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Last modified: 10/28/09