Little Canfield Parish Council
Page 23 – 2006/2007
Minutes of a Meeting of the above Parish
Council, held on Monday, 18th December, 2006
in the Village Hall commencing at 8.00 p.m.
___________________________________
Present: Cllr. K. Wooding (Chairman)
Cllr. P. Byford
Cllr. E. Scott
Cllr. J. Panzetta
Cllr. J. Turner
Cllr. J. Fulcher
Apologies Cllr. O. Barritt
In Attendance Mrs. R.Shelley (Clerk)
Mrs. L. Gillman
Mrs. J. Cheetham (U.D.C.)
1. Minutes
The Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and signed as a correct record.
2. Matters Arising from the Minutes
a. Vehicle Activated Speed Signs
It was reported that Mrs. Flack was going to contact Highways concerning progress on the purchase of shared signs, but she gave no indication as to how the scheme would work practically.
The Clerk said that she understood from Takeley Parish Council that a similar sign occasionally in use in Takeley Street was under the jurisdiction of the Highways department, and she was instructed to contact E.C.C. to see whether it could be utilised in Little Canfield at some point.
b. Meeting with Countryside Properties
A meeting with Countryside representatives was arranged for 7.30 p.m. prior to the next Council Meeting on 29th January as they had been unable to attend this meeting due to traffic problems.
c. Influenza Vaccinations
U.D.C. stated that no action was required until and if a programme of vaccinations was inaugurated.
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d. Hales Farm
It was reported that U.D.C. had had a meeting on site, and that, as a number of unauthorised matters had come to light, retrospective planning applications would be required. An indication was given that the pile of pallets on the boundary of the site with the banana plant and a high fence would not be approved.
e. Priors Green Development
Cllr. Byford said that road conditions in Thornton Road particularly and part of Hamilton Road resulting from use by contractors’ traffic were very bad, and the residents feared damage to the various service systems under the roads. Although contact had been made with U.D.C. concerning this, there appeared to be little that could be done. Mrs. Cheetham offered to take the matter further with U.D.C.
Cllr. Byford also said that he was awaiting an update on various matters raised with U.D.C. at a recent meeting.
In addition, it had been noticed that holes had been dug in the general area of Warren Farm and the Airport Motel, and it was suggested that this might be for Priors Green street lighting. Mrs. Cheetham agreed to investigate with U.D.C.
f. Parish Highways Works
In response to an E.C.C. questionnaire concerning the recent repairs carried out, it was decided to state that the work was unsatisfactory. It was suggested that Mr. C. Stoneham of E.C.C. Highways be invited to attend a Council meeting so that parish problems could be discussed.
g. Land Securities and Public Meeting
As nothing further had been heard, it was agreed to contact Strutt and Parker to ascertain when the follow-up meeting concerning possible development in the village was likely to take place.
3. Correspondence
a. E.C.C. – Proposed Street Lighting Switch-off
As Uttlesford had been chosen for the trial scheme, details were given of the lights due to be switched off at midnight on the Dunmow West roundabout. Only those on the periphery were targeted, and it was felt that the action would not harm the safety aspect of the lighting in this area a great deal.
b. E.C.C. – Bus Shelters for the Priors Green Development
Comments were requested on proposals for the type of shelters to be used. The document was circulated.
c. E.C.C. – Cutting Programme for 2007
Comments were requested as to requirements for cutting back overgrown grasses during the next growing season. The document was passed to Mrs. Gillman for comment.
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d. E.C.C. – Municipal Waste Management Strategy
The Clerk said she had requested a hard copy of the Scoping Report as she had been unable to download it. Comments were requested by 22nd January.
e. U.D.C. – Electoral Arrangements
It was agreed to inform U.D.C. that the Council preferred that the present number of seven councillors for the parish should continue.
f. U.D.C. - Diversion of Footpath 31
The diversion was necessary because of the development of Priors Green, and the proposal in general followed the line of pavements. It was decided to ask that the legal right to walk along the original line across open spaces be maintained.
g.U.D.C. - Clean Neighbourhoods Act
It was stated that dog fouling was not too much of a problem at present, but the document received on the subject was circulated.
h. U.D.C. – Consulation on U.D.C. Budget
Comments were invited on the district budget, and the document received was circulated.
i. S.S.E. – Public Enquiry
A request for financial help in presenting a case at the Public Enquiry resulting from the decision of U.D.C. to refuse permission for Stansted Airport to increase passenger numbers were received. It was agreed that a donation of £100 be made.
j. Flitch Way
Information on the Friends of the Flitch Way group was received, and it was agreed to ask for a representative to come to talk about its activities at a later date. Cllr. Byford said that he had attended the last meeting of the Committee where the question of the gates had been discussed. Formalities for the access from High Cross Lane West had almost been completed.
4. Community Matters
Public Rights of Way
A survey produced by Mrs. Gillman giving the up to date position was circulated.
Health Assessment re Stansted Airport
It was stated that nothing further had been heard regarding the assessment, and Mrs. Cheetham advised the Council to contact Mrs. P. Barber of Takeley Parish Council, who had been particularly involved in the matter there.
Public Participation
It was agreed to consider at the next meeting the possibility of giving the public an opportunity to bring matters before the Council prior to Council meetings.
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Website
Cllr. Scott said that Miss Gowlett was continuing to have trouble with her computer, and had been unable to keep the website up to date. It was agreed to approach Mr. S. Hazon from Takeley, who had experience in this field.
5. Planning
Scoping Opinion re Little Easton
The opinion from Essex County Council and application for extraction were circulated.
Alterations to Conditions for Priors Green Phase 5 Spine Road
It was noted that the new conditions adhered to the request put forward by this Council.
Decisions
1. Development at The Rest
Refused
2. Extension at Copt Hall
Approved with conditions.
Appeal – Haul Road for Priors Green
It was reported that the appeal had taken place, but the Inspector’s decision was not yet available.
6. Finance
Audit for year to 31st March, 2006
It was reported that the audit had been successfully completed, with a recommendation that the Council ensured that it was properly complying with PAYE regulations in respect of staff.
Payments
The following schedule of payments was presented, and the relevant cheques were signed:-
Cheque No. Name In Settlement of Amount
100718 Little Canfield Village Hall Meeting 18th December 5.00
100719 Lubbock Fine 2006 Audit Fee 58.75
100720 R. Shelley Salary/Petty Cash 277.13
100721 S.S.E. Donation 100.00
Precept for 2007/2008
It was agreed to set the precept for the year at £2900.
Annual Grants
It was agreed to consider the matter at the next meeting.
Stansted Airport Community Trust
It was agreed to consider projects for which a grant might be appropriate in the Trust’s programme for next year.
7. Future Meetings
29th January, 2007, 5th March, 16th April
NB. Election due in May 2007