Little Canfield Parish Council
Page 37 – 2007/2008
Minutes of a Meeting of the above Parish
Council, held on Monday, 3rd March, 2008, commencing at 8p.m.
___________________________________
Present: Cllr. K. Wooding
Cllr. P. Byford
Cllr. J. Turner
Cllr. E. Scott
Cllr. J. Fulcher
In Attendance Mrs. J. Cheetham (U.D.C.)
Mrs. L. Gillman
Apologies Cllr. J. Panzetta
Cllr. O. Barritt
Prior to the meeting Emma Webb, the local police community support officer stationed at Great Dunmow, briefed members on her role in the community. She said that locally she had tackled mini motorbikes in the village, as with police backup they were able to seize and crush them if a serious offence had been committed. She requested that members of the public should contact her if bikes were seen on areas such as the Flitch Way. She also reported two local thefts and quite a few in Takeley, including thefts from the local building site.
Cllr. Fulcher asked about who decides speed camera use, and was informed that Essex County Council decided with the police if a speed camera should be employed within the 40 m.p.h. speed limit. The Clerk was instructed to contact E.C.C. Highways to ascertain how many times the speed limit on the camera by Blatches had been broken.
Cllr. Byford stated that, although a security gate was fitted to the entrance of the Priors Green site at the haul road, free access could still be obtained via Thornton Road out of hours. Emma Webb agreed to investigate this.
Before leaving the meeting, PCSO Webb was thanked by the Chairman.
1. Minutes
The Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and signed, with the following amendment to Matters Arising 2a – delete ‘over from Cllr. Scott, who had resigned’ and insert ‘on the job’.
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2 Matters Arising
a. Priors Green and S106 Agreements
It was reported that a meeting with Mr. Mike Ovenden (U.D.C.) regarding Priors Green had taken place earlier in the day. Cllrs. Wooding and Fulcher had represented Little Canfield, and representatives from Takeley Parish Council and District Councillor Mrs. J. Cheetham had also been present. It was agreed that Little Canfield, Takeley P.C., Countryside and U.D.C. should keep in close contact, and have input when dealing with these parties. It was reported that all houses now occupied up to now (around 50) were in Little Canfield, and that the existing parish boundary would remain in place.
b. Thornton Road
Cllr. Byford was handed information by Mrs. Cheetham, and agreed to report back later.
c. Crumps Farm Restoration
It was reported that the restored land near the Flitch Way was likely to become a country park. Cllr. Wooding said that screening and a permanent bund would be in place within five years. Cllr. Scott thought that some land should go back to agricultural use. Essentially it would provide a green space for Priors Green residents. Maps were shown indicating that it was likely to be part public footpath, part wild life and public access and enhancement of agricultural land. Another meeting of the Liaison Committee was scheduled for 5th March.
d. Land at Huntingfield House
It was reported that the Enforcement Officer at U.D.C. was aware of the situation. Land had been rented out by the owners of Huntingfield House, and T.D.C. were investigating a pallet business and also a lorry parked there.
e. Stortford Road Sign
With regard to the possibility of changing the address of residents in the cut-off section of the original A120 from Stortford Road to High Cross Lane East, a communication from U.D.C. stated that written consent would be required from the residents. The Clerk was instructed to contact those concerned.
3. Correspondence
a. E.C.C. - Service at Chelmsford Cathedral
Notification of the service had been placed on the Notice Board
b. E.C.C. – Definitive Map
Details of modifications 371 (Bridleway 38/39) and 382 (FP 15) were handed to Mrs. Gillman for examination and report, although part had already been agreed.
c. U.D.C. – Chief Executive
It was noted that the Chief Executive was leaving, and that Mr. John Mitchell was standing in.
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d. U.D.C. – Recycling Centres
Details were received of centres available for visit. Cllr. Turner said that rubbish in Devil’s Ditch remained uncollected, and the Clerk was instructed to contact U.D.C. again.
e. Items for Circulation
R.C.C.E. – Housing Needs Survey
Essex Rural Partnership Letter
NATS – Leaflets and DVD regarding proposed changes to Airspace for Stansted Airport (13 week consultation period)
f. SSE Presentation
A letter was received asking whether the Council would like to receive a presentation on B.A.A.’s Second Runway Planning Application. Cllr. Scott asked whether any such presentation would be open to the public, and what form it would take. The Clerk was instructed to clarify the situation.
g. Road Planters
A communication from Takeley Parish Council stated that they were proposing to install planters on verges adjacent to the parish boundary. No objection was raised.
4. Community Matters
a. Verge Blocks in High Cross Lane East
It was reported that blocks to prevent verge erosion at Hales Farm had narrowed the highway to such a degree that two large vehicles could not pass. Following a complaint from Newlands Farm, it was decided to consult E.C.C. in the matter.
b. Telephone Box
It was decided to ask B.T. how many calls had been made from this box recently, and to consider its future when this information was available.
c. Waste Bin
It was decided not to pursue the provision of a receptacle at the layby in High Cross Lane East, but to write to Windward Bananas concerning litter in the area.
d. Parish Walk
Mrs. Gillman said that everything was organised for the walk on 8th March, and the Chairman thanked her for her efforts.
e. Rubbish Pick
At the instigation of Cllr. Scott, it was agreed to ask for a rubbish pick along the B1256.
f. Priors Green Advertising Signs
It was agreed to write to U.D.C. complaining about the yellow signs along the B1256 advertising the Priors Green development. Cllr. Scott had counted thirteen within half a mile.
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g. Smell from Crumps Farm
Cllr. Scott commented on the smell. Mrs. Cheetham suggested that she record dates and times.
h. Jacks Lane
It was decided to write to E.C.C. requesting that this lane be downgraded to a bridleway, bringing to their notice security issues with Priors Green and the safety of a growing population.
i. Trees in Thornton Road
Cllr. Byford mentioned preservation orders on trees in Thornton Road. As Tree Warden for the parish, Cllr. Wooding agreed to deal with this.
j. Tree Planting in Thornton Road
Cllr. Byford stated that promised tree planting had not been carried out, and it was agreed to ask Countryside Properties why this had not been done.
5. Planning
Hales Farm – Alleged Planning Breaches
Mrs. Cheetham said that the Enforcement Officer had visited the site, and his report was awaited. The Clerk was instructed to ask U.D.C. (Ian Pigney) what the current situation was, and report a business dealing with double-decker buses.
Applications
ESS/02/08 – Crumps Farm Scoping Opinion
A guarantee that no hazardous waste would be included was questioned.
ESS/01/07 – Crumps Farm Water Monitoring Conditions)
UTT/2197/07 – Newlands Replacement Windows ) No comment
UTT/2558/07 – Priors Green Phase 9 Tree Planting )
UTT/0089/08 – Canfield End Pumping Station Extension
No objections to the building, but more thought to the provision of fencing and screening was requested.
UTT/0169/08 – Land adjacent to The Rest
Documents passed to Cllr. Byford for comment.
UTT/038/08 – 8, Hamilton Road
Documents circulated for comment.
Crumps Farm Aftercare
This would be discussed at the meeting of the Liaison Committee on 5th March.
Decisions
Approvals
UTT/2197/07 – Replacement Windows at Newlands
UTT/2248/07 – Conservatory at 14, Rumbles Way
ESS/01/07 – Crumps Farm Bird Management Plan
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Refusal
UTT/1269/07 – Change of Use at The Red Barn
Future Planning Applications
New Requirements were noted.
6. Finance
Insurance Premiums
It was decided to refer this to the next meeting
External Auditor
Notification was received of the appointment of a new auditor.
Grants
It was decided to make the following annual grants:-
Medics £75
Essex Air Ambulance £75
Village Hall £200
Church £150
Payments
The following schedule of payments was presented, and the relevant cheques were signed:-
Cheque No. Name In Settlement of Amount
£
100767 R.C.C.E. Photocopying Housing Survey 14.00
100768 Just Lamps Street Lighting 16.92
100769 U.D.C. Election Costs 86.39
100770 Little Canfield Village Hall Meeting 3rd March 5.00
100771 R.Shelley Salary/Petty Cash 303.11
100772 Medics Grant 75.00
100773 Essex Air Ambulance Grant 75.00
100774 Little Canfield Village Hall Grant 200.00
100775 All Saints Church Grant 150.00
7. Future Meetings
14th April, 19th May