Great Bardfield Parish Council  

'ESSEX VILLAGE OF THE YEAR 2009'

There were no members of the public presently.

Declarations were received from Cllr Ruffle (Finance) and Cllr Walsh (Planning/ECC)

Apologies were received from Cllrs Hayward and Hutchinson who were on holiday.

These were approved and signed as a true record of the meeting. Proposed Cllr Slemmings, seconded Cllr Hockley. The Clerk was asked to confirm with ECC, Bridges Section, that the

reference made to a bollard to protect the bridge from further damage (p.532) would be for a decorative cast iron style. A concrete bollard would not be acceptable in this position.

Community Bus: Although it was disappointing to cancel the August trip, a further one has been organised for 5 October. This has been advertised with posters and a note in the BT. It was noted that the bus would be available for evening trips which could be used to take young people to local leisure facilities.

Lordship of the Manor: The documents were still with the Clerk and Cllr Hockley said he would speak to Mr Crossman regarding any other paperwork he may still have. The Clerk would liaise with Jenny Rooney who, once the history project was concluded, could assist with display of appropriate extracts and the storage of the bulk of the items – most likely at the Essex Records Office.

Speed Indicator Device: It was agreed that the device be programmed with a speed level indicator rather than a ‘smiley face’ as the display of actual speed was thought to be more effective.

Security Camera: Cllr Hockley had obtained a ‘dummy’ camera which would be erected on the pavilion.

Skate Park: A break down of costs for the equipment provided by Rayne had been received which totalled £22,991 and included £7311 for site preparation. It was agreed that this was probably larger than required but gave an indication of cost. Cllr Ruffle said the young people have not yet been back to her with their survey results.

Litter Bin – Co-op: The design of the proposed new bin was approved by the Council, which would provide twice the capacity of the existing. The Co-op Manager was making enquiries to see if the company would be willing to share the cost as he agreed that most of the rubbish emanated from the store.

Dog Bins: Cllr Slemmings and the Clerk had met with the Dog Warden to look at areas where additional bins could be placed. Two sites were agreed (i) the beginning of footpath 12 where it starts in Dunmow Road – but set back along the path to be less obtrusive, (ii) at the Bardfield Centre end of the path although permission would be sought from landowners before erecting a lightweight bin on an existing post.

(a) To confirm payments and bank transfers approved at the August Finance Meeting.

Proposed Cllr Walsh, seconded Cllr Hockley.

(b) To agree payments as per invoices for the September Financial Statement

Before approval Cllr Walsh pointed out that the figure for the Abbey National Account was the balance prior to the purchase of the Lordship of the Manor title (£20,303.97); this was amended to reflect the current balance.

01596/FUL Place Farm, Conservatory – 2^nd Application. Notification has been received that this is on Area Committee Agenda dated 26 September and officers have recommended refusal.

01360/TPOCON Fistral House & Alban House – no objections to proposed tree work.

01823/FUL Pond Meadow, Dunmow Road – single storey extension. This is a minimal extension out of sight from Dunmow Road and built using materials to match existing. No objections.

01516/FUL Chief’s Farm Cottage, Walthams Cross - demolish and rebuild. During discussions with planning officers height and volume have been reduced to lessen the impact on the skyline. Materials are sympathetic to other properties in the area. Given the careful consideration already given to the development, the Parish Council see no grounds for objection.

01884/FUL High Banks, Mill Road – Vehicular access. Application is for new access to new garage. Steep banks is to be removed to improve sight lines for emerging driver. The only complaint is that the drawing does not clearly show existing situation. No objection.

(a) Notes of the meeting held with Dan Mercer and Kevin Dorset, representing Bardfield Junior Football team had been circulated. A brief discussion followed and Cllr Hockley said he would speak to Mr Mercer regarding an increase in fees. The £21.66 per calendar month had not changed for a number of years. Grass cutting had also been addressed, BDC had been advised that it appeared the playingfield was not cut as often as the contract specified and this would be monitored. However they were happy to accommodate the need to cut before the pitch was marked whenever this was practical and notice was given.

(b) Pavilion Planning Application had been approved and details of the various conditions provided. Although these were numerous they were compatible with this type and size of project. The next stage was to produce detailed drawings to be able to go out to tender, and as the cost of producing these would be quite significant, the Clerk was asked to look for any possible grants. She would contact the Architect, Andy Stevens to ascertain the cost of a site survey, full technical drawings and any other consultant’s drawings that might be required.

(a) Braintree Road: Although the repair work had been carried out satisfactorily the main problem of parked cars was still there. As some of the vehicles belonged to users of the Bardfield Centre perhaps residents’ parking permits could be considered and to encourage the use of the BDC garage areas where appropriate.

(b) Meadowview: ECC suggest a survey of residents in the area would need to be carried out regarding the implementation of any restrictions and that any such restrictions will need to be placed along both sides of the carriageway and on both sides of the bridge.

(c) Pot holes: Large hole outside school – although marked out – has still not been repaired, similarly the large hole outside Stone Cottage Beslyns Road. The Clerk would chase.

The letter from BDC regarding Site Allocation Requests had been circulated and referred to the opportunities for land to be considered for development during the period to 2025. The closing date was 17 September and Cllr Walsh confirmed that it should be able to monitor the feedback on the BDC web site. It was important that the PC were aware of any such requests that affected this parish.

This was discussed and there were no readily identifiable areas that could benefit from the grant of £500 - £5000. The time frame was very short in which to prepare a detailed planting scheme and arrange a visit from the ECC Tree Officer for submission by 31 October. The Clerk would liaise with the School to see if there was any need or benefit in joining forces should the Council decide to go ahead.

(a) Parish Forum 22 October 2007 Causeway House. Cllr Dyson would attend on behalf of the Council.

(b) ECC Temporary Overhead Banners/Seasonal Decorations: A letter has been received explaining the process to erect these over the highway and that the Street Lighting department should be contacted with any enquiries.

(c) Stansted Airport Community Trust: A new tranche of funding is available to eligible parties (not PCs or individuals) such as sports clubs, churches, scouts, etc; the closing date is 31 January 2008.

(d) GB Primary School PTA: Letter requesting permission to hold the event once again on the playingfields. There were no objection but the Clerk was asked to emphasise the need to safely locate the fireworks and fire as last year there was damage to an area of hedge, and request that the area is roped off to protect the football pitch. Cllr Slemmings recently attended a firework course and will no doubt be able to give them advice re the above. An invoice of £50 will be sent after the event.

(e) Recycling: The Recycle Newsletter incorporating the annual recycling and refuse collection calendar is being delivered by hand or post to every household by Friday 5 October.

(a) Printer: Chris Bullen had contacted the Clerk to ask if this equipment would still be required now that Peter Benwell was standing down from the BT. The Council felt it should be retained as several village organisations used it and that a letter of thanks be sent to Peter suggesting that it might be useful if a member of Bardfield Players were instructed on how to use it.

(b) Rat Infestation: The Clerk has received a number of telephone calls over the last few weeks from residents concerned about an increase in the rat population. BDC have been contacted but advise they cannot take action in public areas although they will provide, free of charge, bait and bait boxes in private gardens. However, much of the problem is within the Walk where dead rats have been found as well as live nesting groups and a resident’s dog was badly bitten (on the day of the PC meeting) resulting in expensive veterinary treatment. It is known that the garden of a property in the immediate area has an accumulation of seeds, bread and waste food, which the owner puts out for birds, but of course attracts rats; the Clerk would advise BDC of this problem and a letter would be sent to Environmental Services outlining the problem.

(c) Youth Club: Cllr Slemmings was arranging a meeting for the coming week, between Myra Tew, Sue Cornell the previous leaders, and Philip Clark and Bev Joslin who have shown interest in continuing their work.

This would be held on 17 October 2007

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.45 p.m.

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