Great Bardfield Parish Council  

'ESSEX VILLAGE OF THE YEAR 2009'

There were no members of the public present.

Declarations were made in respect of Agenda item 6(b) by Cllrs Dyson and Walsh.

There were no apologies for absence.

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

(a) Lordship of the Manor: NALC investigations ongoing.

(b) Planning: A second letter had been received from Mr & Mrs Cutler regarding the Co-op application which would be discussed under Agenda item 6.

(c) Playground: All category A work had now been completed and category B work would be undertaken when weather conditions improved. Following this a regular internal inspection system would be devised in order that maintenance work could be carried out when the need arose.

(d) Pipers Meadow: Cllr Hayward confirmed that Landscape Officer, Abigail St Aubyn, would be meeting him on 23 January to inspect the trees causing damage.

(e) Co-option: The Clerk had visited Alicia Holmes to discuss various aspects of a Councillor’s role, including the Code of Conduct, Local Government Act and Registration of Member’s Interests. It was agreed to arrange an informal meeting with a view to Alicia’s co-option at the February meeting.

(b) War Memorial: A request has been received from Mick Gell to have the mower serviced at a cost of approximately £70, and to purchase some replacement roses at a cost of £5.95 each, for the garden. This was unanimously approved and the Council recorded their continued appreciation for the work undertaken by Mr Gell.

(c) Youth Club Fees: Now that the Youth Club was up and running it was agreed that fees for the hire of the pavilion would be incurred at the nominal sum of £6 per hire. Cllr Slemmings would pass this to the Treasurer to organise although at the moment the necessary bank account details had still to be completed.

02578/FUL 24 Bendlowes Road, single storey front extension and part single storey and part two storey rear extension. Main extension is to the rear of the property, the materials seem to be in sympathy with existing and providing the adjoining neighbours are happy with the extension the Parish Council sees no grounds for objections.

02576/FUL The Firs, Brook Street, two storey rear extension and single storey side extension plus internal alterations. There was a lengthy discussion regarding this historically and visually significant village property. It was agreed that if the LBO supported this application and neighbours views were taken into consideration, the Council had no objection.

00032/FUL & 00033/CON Co-op, 1 St John’s Terrace, proposed new external refrigeration plant to the rear of yard area. Mr & Mrs Cutler had forwarded copies of letters they had written to BDC, explaining their concern regarding the impact on them of the present noise levels and activities at the shop and the increase in disturbance that could be caused by the proposed changes. The Council appreciate the benefit of the service provided by the shop but, after a detailed discussion, agreed to support the concerns raised by Mr & Mrs Cutler.

00076/FUL Beattie House, Dunmow Road, proposed alterations to existing garage to provide covered porch and log store. There were no objections to this application.

(b) Great Bardfield Primary School, proposed installation of single storey relocatable classroom unit. Members appreciated the needs of the pupils and the desire to improve their school experience and supported the application in principle, however, the Clerk was asked to express to ECC the concern regarding the possible impact of displacing any vehicles which use the area designated for the relocatable, on this area of the village.

(c) Local Development Framework: The Clerk reported that once again Strutt and Parker (acting for the Chelmsford Diocese) have applied to develop land, known as Glebe Meadow, for housing. This area has previously been designated a Visually Important Space and is within the conservation area and village envelope. Further details can be found on the BDC web site.

(a) Pavilion Project – The report of the digital survey was still awaited and the Clerk was hoping to try another source of funding for the remainder of the items still to be undertaken prior to preparing tender documents. The fact that the footprint of the proposed new building covered the existing building was discussed and it was agreed that continued use of the pavilion should be maintained for as long as possible. This would entail adjusting the existing site plan and the Clerk would advise Andy Stevenson accordingly.

(b) Youth Club – this re-opened on 11 January with 26 year 7 to 11 young people. Cllr Slemmings updated members on the position and said there were 13 helpers in various stages of training and accreditation. They hoped to introduce activities to attract and retain young people from the upper age range. The Chairman and members wished to record their appreciation of the time and effort Cllr Slemmings had put into getting the Club up and running.

(a) Revised Model Code – Training Session. Patrick Dempsey, Monitoring Officer, wishes to undertake a training session regarding recent changes and joint Bardfield/Finchingfield session was suggested. Bardfield members suggested 11^th, 12^th and 19^th February one of which could be agreed with Finchingfield PC.

(b) Farleigh Hospice – Due to the loss the venue at St Michael’s hospital, the hospice are proposing the Hospice Outreach Project (HOP) which involves the use of a specially designed and equipped vehicle to locate in various parts of the district to enable them to carry on their work. The details will be circulated and a possible donation considered at the February meeting.

(c) BALC Open Meeting – This meeting will be held on 24 January at Causeway House at 7.30 pm when the County’s Community Strategy will be discussed.

Litter Bins Playground: The Village Handyman has reported that the litter bin near to the pavilion has a broken top and fills with water and cannot be emptied. Cllr Hockley reported that youngsters stand on this and that if a new been were purchased it should be located further away from the pavilion. The top of the bin located at the recycling bins has a jammed top and some assistance is needed to remove it. Cllr Hockley will liaise with Mr Ruffle on this.

Dog Fouling: The Clerk reported on an incident that morning, when a mother accidentally carried dog faeces into the town hall, on the bottom of a baby seat which had been rested on the floor. This caused considerable distress and the floor and equipment being used by the mother and toddlers group had to be thoroughly cleaned. The Clerk asked one of the group to write to the BT regarding this, the PC would also report and advise the Dog Warden.

Drains Bendlowes Road: Two drains located either side of Bendlowes Road near to the Walk were not coping with the exceptional rain fall. This has been reported to ECC and jetting requested. Cllr Hayward reports that various grips and channels throughout the parish needed clearing.

This would be held on 20 February 2007.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.45 pm

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