There were no members of the public present

(a) Chairman. Cllr Ruffle nominated Cllr Dyson, seconded by Cllr Slemmings and unanimously agreed. Cllr Dyson had advised the Clerk that she would be pleased to continue in the Chair if nominated.

(b) Vice Chairman: Cllr Hayward nominated Cllr Ruffle, seconded by Cllr Hockley and unanimously agreed. Cllr Ruffle said she would be pleased to continue in this role.

(c) Committees: The only change was in regard to the Housing Associations: Cllr Slemmings stood down and was replaced by Cllr Hayward.

Declarations were received, in respect of the Financial Statement, from Cllrs Slemmings (Youth Club) and Ruffle (Village Handyman).

Under Part III Local Government Act 2000 – Ethical Framework, we are the members review their respective Registers of Interest and record any changes. The Clerk has to make an appropriate return to BDC.

Apologies were received from Cllrs Dyson and Walsh for personal reasons.

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

Rural Housing: A copy of the most recent e mail from Chris Moor of English Heritage Housing was provided which outlined the present situation regarding land. Cllr Hayward advised that Nicholas Reed was willing to go ahead with the sale of an appropriate plot for about 12 houses, once this had been agreed then planning permission would be sought. Further negotiations would follow including public consultation within the parish. The Council were very concerned with the need to establish their role in the allocation of properties and that we didn’t become a ‘clearing house’ for the BDC housing list. 106 Agreement can be overturned so negotiations regarding the protocol in respect of allocations must be in accordance with the wishes of the Parish Council.

Allotments: The Clerk advised that there had been a good response from other parishes, following the article she had placed in the EALC newsletter. Once these had been collated she would produce a report.

Street Lighting Refurbishment: This was nearing conclusion and grant funding had been received from ECC.

Power of Well Being: The Clerk would undertake her training module, but advice had been that training for Parish Councillors would be best left until after the election. This would be considered.

Long Green Refurbishment: Cllr Hayward advised that Nicholas Reed has started cultivation and has progressed better than expected. More soil needs to be spread over the area which will be prepared during the summer, ready for seeding before the autumn; the appropriate seed has been purchased. The wording of a ‘keep off’ notice was agreed, and this would be displayed, in the hope this would afford some protection. If this has the desired effect it will avoid the need for fencing. The Clerk would organise the making of the signs and Cllr Hayward would undertake their erection.

(i)The Clerk advised that the insurance premium covered the additional new items of the Lap Top and the Youth Notice Board.

(ii) There had been several large amounts into the account during the month, including the Street Lighting Grant from ECC and the first tranche of the Precept.

(iii) It was noted that a donation had been received from St Mary’s Church in the sum of £107 which was collected by parishioners at their coffee morning, in support of the Pavilion Project.

David Whipps, of Holmes & Hills, had confirmed that Mr Birkett had agreed to remove the shed immediately, however, he did remind Mr Whipps that the Council were liable for one quarter share of the cost of maintaining the access drive except for an area immediately before the access point which it was fully responsible for. The work on the project would continue as planned and it was suggested that advice re trees and natural planting could be sought from Doug Joyce and access is to be discussed in more detail.

00536/FUL Laurel House, High Street, demolition of store room, erection of family room. Cllr Slemmings had visited the site and reported that the work would have no impact on the street scene and could only be seen from the footpath. Materials to be used were in keeping with the existing property and the alterations to the existing flat roof structure a visual improvement. There were no objections.

00085/TPOCON 34 Durham Close. Application from tree work had been passed to Cllr Walsh.

Cllr Slemmings provided an update on the redecoration of the pavilion and the work of the Community workers, including the painting of the railings around the Causeway and the School Green. Things were going well and the improvements very noticeable.

The Youth Club would be undertaken a shooting activity, at there next meeting, with the assistance of Essex Boys Club.

Pavilion Funding: Greenfield Community Housing application was nearing completion and, in view of the subject matter and the proximity to the housing estate, it was hoped we had a very good chance.

Cllr Hayward wondered if funding could be acquired to improve the access area to the playingfields as this would need to be done prior to commencing

Playground: The framework was still in place for the toddlers’ swings, and it was agreed that the Clerk would get prices for two new swings; a figure of £500 including chains was set. Cllr Hockley confirmed that work was nearing completion although the question of replacement bark had to be agreed. Other mediums had been discussed including a rubberised material.

Pot holes were still a problem and the Clerk was liaising with the residents and Highways, in the hope of progressing the work, which was in the County’s programme of work for later in the year.

(a) Strategic Land Options Ltd; A letter had been received from this company headed "Assistance Request for a Rural Exception site within Great Bardfield". It was unlikely to be a coincidence but it could not be explained how this company would know of negotiations with English Heritage Housing.

(b) Village Agents Conference: This would be held on 17 June 2009 when the role and appointment of Village Agents would be discussed.

(c) BDC and the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership are holding the formal launch of the Being Safe Project on 27 May at Tabor Science College.

(d) Notice of Election: To confirm that County and European elections will be held on 4 June.

(e) Changes in Community Warden Service: It was proposed to amend the Community Warden Patrolling Activities Report from simple activity sheets, to a report divided into eight categories which will also changes improvements to be monitored more easily.

(f) Parish Emergency Planning Awareness Evening: This will be held on 10 September at Causeway House, 18:30 to 30:30, to be attended by the Clerk and appropriate Councillor(s). Representatives from the Environment Agency, the National Flood Forum will be attending.

(g) BT have confirmed – via BDC - that the phone box outside St Mary’s Villas will be converted to a cashless pay phone over the coming months.

Parking at High Barn: A complaint had been received, via Cllr Holmes, regarding the inconvenience caused by inconsiderate parking and/or parking in the residence area. Also a resident has been woken by a coach driver asking her to move her car to enable him to access the High Barn. It was thought that when booking an event the management could be more pro active in restricting access.

The Vine: It was not known if there is any substance in the information that the Vine is changing the use of the premises to B&B and a fish and chip shop. The Clerk would ask for guidance on whether this was possible.

Parish Plan: As the actions identified in the previous Plan were nearing completion, it was agreed that it should revised and fresh activities included. This would be an Agenda item for June.

Boxted Wood – Joint Working Committee: Cllr Ruffle reported on the meeting held on 19 May and attended by representatives from Stebbing, Great Saling, Felsted, Shalford, Rayne and Great Bardfield. A Chairman was elected – presently a District Councillor for UDC and a Parish Councillor for Stebbing – who outlined of the present situation. It was agreed that the impact on even the smallest initial part of the proposals would be overwhelming and that a "Save Boxted Wood Committee" be formed. A Councillor from Rayne would design a simple website. It was also agreed to keep a fairly low profile initially, in order that the developer does not get advance information of any opposing activities. Members were asked if their respective Councillors would put aside a sum of money for ongoing work. This was set at £100 for basic activities such as copying and postage although a higher figure would undoubtedly be necessary at some point. The need of expertise from within the community was also emphasised as this could provide invaluable (free) skills from people who had a real reason to be concerned. It would not be necessary for the same people to attend each meeting but could be supplemented by other Councillors – the meetings would not be held in public initially.

Broken Pavement: Area outside the White Hart has still not been attended to – report again to ECC.

Fountain: This is still not flowing - write to Mark Hitchcock with deadline.

Footbridge: To chase PRoW Officer regarding repairs to the footbridge.

Broken Railings: The railings adjacent to the Old Nursery School in Braintree Road need re installing and the Clerk will advise Greenfields.

This would be held on 17 June 2009-05-27

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.50 p.m.