Great Bardfield Parish Council  

'ESSEX VILLAGE OF THE YEAR 2009'

Mrs Anne Barney, Head Teacher, and Mr David Burgess, Governor, attended the meeting to discuss the re submission of the application to provide a new demountable on the school premises. Mrs Barney explained in detail how the new demountable will be the second largest classroom in the school and was needed to meet the prescribed size criteria. Cllr Walsh asked about the landscaping issues and it was confirmed that landscaping would take place. One problem was the need, to reluctantly, remove an Indian Bean Tree whose branches and roots would impede the installation. A container would also need to be located temporarily on site during the work. With regard to parking it was foreseen that provision would be made and an appropriate surface, other than tarmac, would be involved. The Council were of a mind to support the application and Cllr Hayward proposed that, if the application was received by the Clerk between meetings, the decision be delegated to the Planning Committee.

The meeting opened at 8.15 pm.

There were no declarations to record.

There were no apologies.

These were approved and signed as a true record of the meeting.

(a) Pipers Meadow: Cllr Hayward had met with Brambles and inspected both the Meadow and Crown Green. Work would be carried out on the Meadow as discussed at the February meeting, and some low hanging and dead branches on the Crown Green tree would be dealt with. The cost was in the region of £300 plus VAT. This was acceptable and when the formal quote was received the work could go ahead. Recent high winds had dislodged some tiles on the cart lodge at Meadow View and any repairs will be arranged as appropriate.

(b) Dog Fouling: This problem would continue to be monitored; residents had been calling into the CIP to collect the free dog poo bags.

(c) Fountain: There was a lengthy discussion about this essential work. The ideal situation would be to totally relay the existing pipe work, but this would be expensive, and replacement may have to be in sections. Initially the modification to the manhole cover over the well should be undertaken and, as the Clerk had been unsuccessful in agreeing a time with Mr Hitchcock, Cllr Holmes would contact him. It was agreed that, at this stage, another contractor would not be sought, as Mr Hitchcock was both familiar with the area and had already carried out a considerable amount of work.

(d) Farleigh Hospice/Cluster Meeting: Arrangements were being made for a representative to make a short presentation at the forthcoming Cluster meeting. This would now be held in June as Peter Crofts would be recovering from an operation in May. He has expressed his wish to attend the Three Fields, meeting rather than sending a substitute.

(e) Housing: Mrs Chris Moore [who works for the English Rural Housing Association] has been contacted by Cllr Hayward and will be attending the April meeting to discuss the possibility of social housing in Great Bardfield. A strong need has been identified and it is something the Council wish to explore further.

(f) Parking: The congestion in the centre of the village is a particular problem and following recent accidents to both vehicles and property it was agreed to seek professional advice. The Clerk would contact the appropriate people within the Police and Highways to arrange a site visit.

(g) Speed Indicator Device: Mr Sean Purcell of ECC Highways had offered to meet with the Clerk on 20 March to inspect the device and to move things forward regarding the first installation. The Clerk requested that other members of the Council attend if possible.

The Clerk confirmed that a new account, entitled "Great Bardfield PC – Pavilion Project", has been opened to receive any funding in respect of the new pavilion.

The District Council’s contribution has been increased by 4.1% and the figure of £1228.64 granted towards the work undertaken by the Parish Council. The Street Cleansing Agreement was approved and signed and the Clerk would return this to BDC together with an invoice for the above figure.

The Clerk’s application for funding to cover the cost of essential playground refurbishment had been successful. Once the agreement had been received from BDC and signed the funds would be forwarded. It was agreed that these funds would be paid to the new Pavilion Project account.

00425/FUL Sage Cottage, erection of single storey rear extension. This application wholly to the rear of the property uses materials sympathetic to the conservation area. As it is totally concealed the Parish Council sees no reason for objection.

01596/FUL Place Farm, erection of conservatory. This had now gone to appeal and the Council will be writing to the Inspector to confirm the reasons for its objection. The result would impact on the VDS. The letter would emphasise, therefore, the amount of consultation that had been involved with the wider community and BDC in respect of planning policy.

Rosewood, Mill Road: The Clerk had been advised that this property, owned by Mr Percy Walsh, was being advertised as a potential development site. Cllr Hayward confirmed that occupation of the property had been connected with agriculture, although this condition could be removed

Pavilion Floor: This work was now going ahead on a voluntary basis.

Youth Club: This continued to be well supported.

Pavilion Project: The architect would be contacted regarding the progress of structural engineering drawings and the submission of the amendment to the plans to BDC, within the 12 month deadline, to avoid having to pay a second fee. A fund raising committee would be formed with Cllrs Slemmings, Ruffle and Hockley who would liaise with Dan Mercer (youth football) and others who have expressed a wish to help.

This would go ahead in the same format which had proved popular, and also received a Certificate of Commendation at the EALC awards last year. The Clerk would contact organisations in the village to offer them the opportunity to submit a report on their activities. Photographs would be used to illustrate the work of the Council and other activities, such as the greens linked to the Lord of the Manor title, the Museum project, solar lighting in the bus shelter, visit to the House of Lords and so on. It was agreed to provide refreshments.

A presentation would be made by Cllr Hayward on the Lord of the Manor title, and a power point display or slide show featuring the greens and extracts from the documentation would be used.

Parking: Complaints have been received regarding the large van parked in the Dunmow Road which regularly blocks the pavement. The Clerk said she has been dealing with this and despite being requested, by the PCSO, to use his drive the owner has refused, however, if his action prevents the use of the pavement the police should be advised. Brook Street was the main area of congestion and there had been recent incidents which caused serious damage to vehicles and property. Parking Wardens had made a rare visit to the village on the evening of 18 March, however, it was felt that a visit between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. would be more beneficial. It was agreed that consultation with both highways officers and police traffic management people, to look at the whole area, could be useful and the Clerk would contact the relevant parties.

Highways: Pot holes in the Dunmow Road and drain in Beslyns Road were reported.

NATS: Leaflets had been received from Peter Crofts (Corporate Director BDC) regarding proposed changes to airspace. The leaflet is designed to provide an overview of the proposals as they affect the general East London and South East Essex area and Mr Crofts asks that any response is copied to him.

Stansted Airport: A document regarding the 2^nd Runway, received from BAA, is being circulated as well as a letter from UDC directing readers to their website which expresses their views on the matter. As there was a lot of information to digest it was agreed to form a sub group who would respond on behalf of the Council, comprising Cllrs. Dyson, Walsh and Ruffle.

(a) Amenity Land: The land behind the Town Hall had become very overgrown and rubbish had been dumped on it. Cllr Slemmings confirmed that it was badly overgrown and it appeared that much of the garden waste and other refuse could have come from Hill House. It was agreed that work would be undertaken to clear the site – the Clerk would contact Alan Kemp for a price – and then the owner of Hill House would be written to requesting his assistance in keeping the land in good condition and signing could be displayed to keep the access clear.

(b) Replacement Windows: Cllr Ruffle reported that at the last Town Hall Committee the replacement of the caretaker’s cottage windows was discussed and, although this work needed to be carried out, the Committee were of mind to use UPVC frames. Apparently no reference had been made to BDC and even if approved it was felt it sent out the wrong message to use this material on these old properties in the middle of the conservation area.

(b) Regional Meeting: Cllr Hayward advised of a forthcoming report about the need to become more pro active at regional level because of pressure from the Government and the County Association was looking at better representation at that level. The Chief Executive at NALC has prepared a report outlining developments at national level and this will be circulated to councillors.

This will be held on 16 April 2008.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.10 p.m.

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Last modified: 10/28/09