Great Bardfield Parish Council  

'ESSEX VILLAGE OF THE YEAR 2009'

Members of the Senior School Council, Hal Churchman (Chair), Sam Hockley (Vice Chair), Vicky Geddes (Clerk), and Cam Meldrum (Treasurer) accompanied by their Head Teacher Mrs Anne Barney,

Mr Derek Ford, Spinney Cottage, Great Bardfield.

(1) The Chairman welcomed members of the public forum and invited the Chairman of the Senior School Council (SSC) to speak. Hal had come prepared with some suggestions that had been discussed at the SSC’s recent meeting and presented these to the Council. It was agreed that the Parish Clerk would deal with those that came with the Council’s remit and report back to the SSC in due course. An offer was made to clean the bench on the Causeway which was accepted. In response to other matters raised it was confirmed that the new pavilion project, although someway off completion, was underway and hopefully this would provide many of the facilities presently lacking. Regarding the provision of a skate park the Clerk had obtained details of the type of modules that could be used and would obtain a copy of the brochure for the SSC. It was explained that, like the pavilion, the cost of this type of project was beyond the income of the Parish Council and relied on external funding but would certainly be considered and possibly incorporated alongside the pavilion project. In respect of incidents of vandalism the Clerk would contact the Community Warden and PCSO. The children were invited to stay for the meeting.

(2) Mr Ford had attended to provide details of the application, in respect of his property, which was on the Agenda. The previous application, although supported by this Council, had been rejected by BDC. The fresh application which included the provision of a swimming pool was accompanied by a landscaping report.

There were no declarations of interest.

There were no apologies for absence.

These were approved and signed a true record of the meeting. Proposed Cllr Ruffle, seconded Cllr Hutchinson.

(a) Post Office Transport: A fourth volunteer had come forward and the relevant forms had been submitted to BDC.

(b) Speed Indicator Devices: Despite having written several times the Clerk had been unable to obtain a reply regarding the purchase of this device. Cllr Walsh said he will follow this up with Mr Wiltshire, Area Manager, ECC.

(c) Dunmow Road Panthers: Cllr Hockley said he would speak to Mr Holmes regarding the terms of hire as outlined in the Council letter to which a response has not been received.

(d) Fidelity Cover: Documentation had now been received confirming the increase to £25K with no additional charge until renewal. Cllr Hayward asked the Clerk to check on the upper age limit under the Council’s policy as some companies required an additional premium for members over 75 years.

(e) Playground Maintenance: Arrangement still to be finalised.

(f) Pavilion: Water leak has been repaired. The necessary letter of support has been sent to the architect. There has been no response from Mr Weston regarding proposed works within the pavilion and the need for an electrician to carry out any changes to the electrical system.

(g) Bardfield Times: There was some concern over the lack of accountability and it is possible that the matter will be aired at the Parish Assembly. In the meantime the Clerk would e mail the dates of the 2007 meetings to the editor.

This was for an estimated 14 cuts and included ditch clearance at a figure of £1766.03 exc., compared to £1703.02 exc. for 2006. This was considered a reasonable below inflation increase and approved. Proposed Cllr Walsh, seconded Cllr Hockley.

CW Low & Son’s quotation had increased by £1 per meter to £29. This was approved. Proposed Cllr Hayward, seconded Cllr Ruffle.

07/00356/LBC Great Bardfield Hall rebuild central chimney stack. There were no objections.

07/00481/COU Spinney Cottage, agricultural to domestic garden with swimming pool. Members had information provided during the Public Forum and there were no objections to this application. In regard to the landscaping Cllr Walsh commented on the biodiversity of the planting.

07/99361/FUL Place Farm, erection of conservatory to front of property. Members felt they could not support this application. The VDS states that, particularly in a conservation area, careful consideration should be given to the visual impact of extension and also that the use of UPVC, stained or sealed doors and windows. The conservatory is of a ‘Victorian’ design on what is a 30s style property.

Cllr Slemmings said the architect advised that submission of the plans was still another two weeks away; as this was the same information received last month the Clerk was asked to chase. Grant opportunities are being missed while waiting for BDC’s approval. It was suggested that if a copy of the plans could be obtained for the school the children would find it of interest; the Clerk would contact the architect in this regard.

It was confirmed that the notices had been displayed throughout the Parish on 19 March as required and each member had a copy of their Nomination Paper. These had to be submitted by noon on 4 April.

(a) Health Impact Assessment Workshop in respect of Proposed Second Runway at Foakes Hall on 26 March at 6.30pm.

(b) Street Naming Procedures: BDC write advising that in future, following the grant of planning permission, they will write to developers to invite name suggestions for their development. The letter will strongly urge them to liaise with Town or Parish Councils in whose area their site is situated.

(c) Parish Cluster Spring/Summer 2007: Finchingfield was the next host and the date is likely to be mid June. This will be confirmed following the next Finchingfield PC Meeting.

(d) Structural Inspection and Testing of Lighting Columns for Hanging Baskets: A letter had been received from ECC advising of the charges for column inspections which have to be undertaken before allowing baskets to be hung.

(e) St Mary’s Churchyard: A lengthy letter had been received (circulated prior to the meeting) explaining and confirming the regulations regarding burials.

(f) Mobile Police Unit: A schedule of dates had been received confirming that the Unit would continue to visit the village for one hour on a monthly basis, 13.45 pm to 14.45 pm, the day being changed from a Tuesday to a Friday. The dates would be publicised.

(a) The Fountain: The Clerk had spoken to Mark Hitchcock requesting that he re-commence the work at the earliest opportunity and for important sections of it to be completed by the end of May. It was hoped to be able to photograph the repaired area around the source and the new manhole along the route, to submit with her report as required under the terms of the grant. Any future work would be funded by the Council although further grant funding would be sought.

(b) Cllr Hutchinson reported on a seminar he attended regarding the availability of grants and other external funding and he will prepare a report for circulation. He mentioned the possibility of applying for funding for sections of an overall project and this will be looked at in relation to pavilion scheme. The Chairman asked if he could look at any grants that might be appropriate for the scheme.

(c) Bird Bangers/Shooting: A resident had contacted Cllr Hutchinson for clarification on this and it was confirmed that it was a closed season at the moment although pigeons could be shot as they were considered pests and could destroy a crop if not contained. Also bird bangers were set around the area and if operated by solar switch could go off quite early in the day. Cllr Hayward advised that if the resident was concerned she could contact the Environment Department of BDC who would investigate any concerns.

(d) Large Vehicles/Trailer Braintree Road: The Clerk would seek clarification regarding lighting for such vehicles for reasons of safety.

(e) Town Hall: Cllr Ruffle reported that a new kitchen was being fitted and it may be necessary to close the hall for a limited period.

(f) Cllr Hayward mentioned the Finance of Local Government paper and the forthcoming meeting he was attending at NALC. He will report at the April meeting.

(g) Parish Annual Report: The Chairman reported on the progress so far and that it was hoped to include reports from other village organisations.

18 April 2007

Parish Assembly 27 April 2007

Send mail to clerk@greatbardfield-pc.gov.uk questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2003 -2004 Great Bardfield Parish Council
Last modified: 10/28/09