White Colne

Parish Council

White Colne

Parish Council

White Colne

Parish Council

White Colne Parish Council Minutes

White Colne

Parish Council

Parish Council Minutes

Meeting held on 19 May 2008

                                

WHITE COLNE PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting and Parish Council Meeting

held at  The Village Hall, Bures Road, White Colne

on Monday 19th May 2008 at 7.30 pm.

Present :       Cllr M Abrahams (later), Cllr S Adlem, Cllr J Brace (later), Cllr K Nolan (Chairman),   Cllr C Pearcey, Cllr J Watt.

                        Also Present: Clerk D Williams,    District Cllr R O’Shea     and 6 members of the public attended.

 

                               

 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

 

928. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

Cllr K Nolan was nominated by Cllr Adlem and seconded by Cllr Watt. There being no other nominations, Cllr Nolan was duly elected chairman and took over the chair. He thanked the councillors for their support.

 

929. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – Cllr Taylor

 

930. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN

Cllr Taylor was nominated by Cllr Nolan and seconded by Cllr Watt. There being no other nominations, Cllr Taylor was duly elected vice chairman.

 

931. ELECTION OF SUB COMMITTEES

Cllr Nolan proposed that the following sub committees were re elected and all members approved this:-

Footpaths – Cllr Watt

Transport – Cllr Pearcey and Cllr Watt

Meadows Management Committee – Cllr Nolan, Cllr Taylor and Cllr Watt

Village Hall Management Committee – Cllr Adlem, Cllr Pearcey and Cllr Taylor

Allotments – Cllr Brace

Newsletter – Cllr Taylor

The Annual General Meeting closed at 7.34 pm.

 

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING - Opened at 7.35 pm

 

932. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE -  Cllr Taylor

 

933. DECLARATION OF INTEREST – Cllr Adlem declared an interest in item 937 (a) as she is a neighbour of Fox and Pheasant Cottage.

 

934. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last parish council meeting of 17th March 2008, which had been previously circulated, were agreed as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

 

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

The meeting was suspended for questions and statements.

(a)A parishioner asked what was happening on the allotments regarding the proposals for change.

(b)A letter from a parishioner was read out regarding the planning application for 41 Colchester Road which is summarised:- 1.We still object to the proposal to demolish the existing structure, which we feel is in keeping with the character of the village. 2.The revised development plan does not adequately address the reasons given by BDC for refusing the original application, in particular- the scale, height, bulk and intensity of the proposed buildings are still excessive, the proposed layout maximizes the impact on neighbouring properties by locating the new houses on or near the site boundaries, most noticeably the 3 houses proposed at the rear of the site, in spite of the revisions the proposed development will be detrimental to the character of the village, the street scene in Colchester Road and to the site’s immediate neighbours, there is no attempt to address the potential conflicts between new and existing users of the private access road to Chalkney House. 3. As proposed, the development will cause some loss of light and loss of privacy to our property. 4.We continue to have concerns over future use of the private road, particularly –pedestrian safety given that heavy goods vehicles regularly reverse along the length of the lane to access Chalkney House and Coney Byes, its potential use for overflow parking due to inadequate provision on site, its potential use as an informal play area. 5. The proposal pays lip service only to environmental and sustainability issues and ignores the realities of living in a rural community where public transport provision is inadequate, there are no shops closer than 2 km from the site and no other village facilities. The proposal will just add to the traffic volumes, noise and pollution.  This developer, having cleared the site of all mature vegetation, starts with a poor environmental track record. 6. We have made several more specific points to BDC concerning the proposed design and layout.

(c) An email from a parishioner was read out regarding the proposed by law to restrict the use of the meadows by motor vehicles, motor bikes and horses which is summarised:- My children use the bottom of the meadow as a way to ride horses on the Essex Farm rides, so avoiding the roads as much as possible. Naturally I am keen for them to continue doing so. I am not quite sure why horses should be banned any more than dogs or any other animals – arguably horses are rather safer for third parties than dogs, especially if dogs are not on a lead. We don’t allow the children to use that route except when the ground is hard to minimise hoof marks – not a material issue anyway as nature has a way of removing them naturally. Legally I believe access has to be open to everyone, but I believe you may be alright re motor vehicles as they can be deemed to constitute a public nuisance re the noise.

(d) a parishioner asked if the parish council received a reply from Braintree District Council (BDC) regarding the land to the side of the village hall drive as the skip has now gone.

The meeting was resumed.

 

935. CONSIDERATION OF ISSUES RAISED AT PUBLIC QUESTION TIME.

Cllr Nolan said that regarding questions (a), (b) and (c) these are agenda items and will be answered at that stage. Regarding question (d), an answer had been received from the planning enforcement officer who visited the site. At the time of his visit it certainly could not be described as “messy”. The owner admits to a level of business use to the extent that “a builder friend” uses the skip to dispose of materials from works carried out elsewhere and has use of the garages, however the owner has indicated that due to my enquiry such use will now cease and the enforcement officer will monitor the site over the coming months.

Cllr Abrahams entered the meeting.

 

936. REPORT FROM BRAINTREE DISTRICT COUNCILLOR

District Cllr OShea said that she would comment on the position regarding the proposed closure of BT telephone boxes when the agenda item is discussed. Cllr Nolan said that he attended the Braintree District Local Councils’ Association AGM which received a report from the leader of BDC who stated that 1.BDC was in excess of the requirement for new buildings, 2.The A12 and A120 roads had been designated as part of the trans European network, 3. BDC are looking at expansion of some villages including Earls Colne, 4. BDC wish to see the retention of the character of villages in North Essex mentioning White Colne, 5. The Government is looking to cap the precept for Town and Parish Councils in the future.

 

937. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

(A) 08/00477/FUL    Fox and Pheasant Cottage, 120-122 Colchester Road – Erection of cart lodge style double garage

                                  and log store and a 2200mm high gated brick garden wall – amended plans -  No comment

                                  subject to neighbours’ views.

(B) 08/00679/FUL   Part OS 7271 land to south of Colchester Road – temporary approval to site a mobile home on

                                  agricultural land to house an agricultural worker – No objections subject to 1. neighbours’ views,

                                 2.the temporary timescale is defined, 3. the building has an agricultural licence attached to it, 4.

                                 there is a condition to control lighting as it is in open countryside.

(C) 08/00727/FUL   41 Colchester Road – demolition of house and garage and erection of five detached houses with associated parking and amenity areas. Formation of private drive and new vehicular access onto Colchester Road -  

We still object to this proposal in its entirety for the following reasons which were set out in our original comments:-

The houses on the site will overlook nearby properties with the resultant loss of light and loss of privacy;  five houses will cramp the site; there are not enough parking spaces; there will be traffic problems with traffic coming in and out of the site on the busy Colchester Road; there is already a problem with water drainage in the area and these houses will make the problem worse; these properties would cause further strain on the antiquated sewerage system; mature trees are to be cut down which will affect other trees and the environment; the existing property is of historical importance and should not be demolished and the parish council supports the listing of this property; Plots 3, 4 and 5 are to be at the northern boundary of the site and front the pedestrian access lane to Chalkney House and will encourage vehicles to use this lane. An ecological survey is recommended for this site to consider the effect of the cutting down of trees, together with the drainage and sewerage. In addition we would make the further comments:-there will be disturbance to local properties by potential underpinning/piling, the leader of Braintree District Council said in a recent report that the District Council have already achieved the requirement of new builds in the district, and he also said that the District Council wish to retain the character of villages in North Essex mentioning White Colne, which this development will change. The meeting was suspended and District Cllr OShea recommended that photographs are taken of the present situation on the site and that as many people as possible attend the Planning Committee meeting when this application is discussed.

(D) Tree Works                  Yew Tree Farm, Colne Park Road – No objections

(E) Tree works                   Cedar Lodge, 44 Colneford Hill – The tree warden’s report supporting this application was

                                            read out  – No objections

(F)  License Application    Riverside Lodge, Colchester Road – We would hope that the previous licensing conditions

                                           of approval will apply to this latest application.

 

938. CONSIDERATION OF A REPORT ON THE AMENDED DRAFT HEADS OF AGREEMENT FOR THE

        TRANSFER OF WCPC LAND TO ESSEX CC IN RETURN FOR THE TRANSFER OF THE VILLAGE

        HALL AND LAND TO WCPC.

Cllr Nolan reported that he had received an updated draft heads of agreement which included a new draft plan dated 07.07.08, and this reinstated the original approved plan. There is also a defined area for the roadway and reference to a bridlepath is removed. It is noted that there is no reference to the Linear Path in the agreement. Our solicitor has studied the agreement and required a few small amendments to the detail of the wording. He proposed that subject to our solicitor being satisfied, then the heads of agreement are signed on behalf of the parish council. This was agreed.

 

Cllr Brace entered the meeting.

 

939. WHITE COLNE MEADOWS

Cllr Adlem said that the Heritage trees had been planted. The Easter Egg hunt was cancelled because of snow. A village picnic is planned for 22 June.

 

940. A BYE LAW RESTRICTING THE USE OF THE MEADOWS BY MOTORISED VEHICLES,             

         MOTORBIKES AND HORSES

Cllr Nolan proposed that this item be postponed in view of the use of horses on Essex Farm rides as more exploration and investigation is required, and said that his item should be on the agenda for the next meeting. This was agreed.

 

941. THE USE OF CCTV TO CONTROL DOG FOULING

Cllr Watt said that the cost of cameras is £800. The clerk reported correspondence from the dog warden at BDC and the Community Warden and increased patrols are being arranged. A parish councillor will attend if required.

 

942. VILLAGE HALL

Cllr Adlem said that she attended a workshop with Cllr Pearcey, and the committee are reviewing terms of hire. Internal signage for the hall has been ordered and will be paid for by the History Group.

 

943. FINANCIAL MATTERS

1. Payments

              The Clerk reported that since the last meeting, the following payments had been made:-

        Cheque      Payee Details                                                                   Amount  £

          1042        John Watt – History group mapping photos                                                   252.62

          1043        White Colne Vill. Hall Mgment Comtee – History group hall rental              57.00

          1044        C Pearcey – course travel expenses                                                                 15.00

          1045        SRC Builders – Village Hall kitchen to be recharged                                    803.70

          1046        Essex Assoc of Local Councils – annual subscription                                   110.53

          1047        J Taylor – History group expenses                                                                   24.95

          1048        S Binks – History group drawing                                                                   140.00

          1049        R A Mortimer -  footpath sweepiong £62, grasscuts – village green £104,

                                                     village hall £52, meadows £104                                           380.70  

1050        Allianz Insurance plc – annual insurance                                                        639.16

1051        R A Mortimer – Meadows grasscuts £104, V Green £104, V Hall £52         307.85

1052        D Williams – clerk salary April & May                                                          714.00

1053        S Binks – History group totem signs                                                               389.70

1054        J Taylor – History group postage expenses                                                       15.64

1055        Brian Alderman – History group web site design                                            150.00

1056        Earls Colne Heritage Museum – History group tours                                        60.00

1057        Rewards Matrix – History group printing costs                                                 29.61

1058        White Colne Vill. Hall Mgment Comtee – History group hall rental                12.00

1059        P Adlem – History group expenses                                                                  169.94

1060        1&1 Internet Ltd – History group website hosting fee                                      35.18

1061        S Adlem – History group expenses                                                                  336.86

1062        S Adlem – History group expenses                                                                  216.85

1063        S Adlem – RCCE workshop attendance with C Pearcey                                   18.00     

 D/D         E.on Energy – village hall electricity to be recharged                                     120.39

D/D         British Gas – village hall gas to be recharged                                                  100.96

                TOTAL PAYMENTS                                                                               £  5,100.64

2.Funds Received

        Since the last financial report, the following funds have been received:-

                    Braintree District Council – 1st half precept & grant                                            6,613.00

                    Braintree District Council – Street scene partnership, footpath cleaning                765.51

                     Nat West Bank plc – bank interest on Reserve account                                            34.02

                         TOTAL RECEIPTS                                                                                  £   7,412.53

3. Financial statement & Bank Reconciliation

Following the above transactions there is a credit balance on current account of        £  7,739.40   

                                                                                             on reserve account           £ 10,034.02  

                                                                                             Total                                 £ 17,773.42

of which the balance held in reserve for the White Colne Meadows project is           £   1,732.11

and the balance held in reserve for the Local Heritage Initiative Fund is                    £   2,476.62

                                                                   Thus the balance of unallocated funds is  £ 13,564.69

Bank Balance 17.03.08                      £  15,461.53                                                        

           Plus total receipts                               £    7,412.53                                                                                       

           Sub Total                                            £  22,874.06                                

           Less Total Payments                          £    5,100.64                                                                                                                           

           Bank balance 19.05.08                     £    17,773.42        

           The clerk was asked to circulate the details of the insurance renewal notice to members to ensure that insurance is

           adequate.                   

944. ALLOTMENTS

Cllr Watt said that he was reviewing the sizes of the allotment plots with Cllr Brace and report back. He said that they will propose that the parish council will not seek back rental and that the new arrangements will start in September.

 

945. HIGHWAYS

Cllr Pearcey said that the Speedwatch scheme continues. He said that Highways will not proceed with the installation of double yellow lines at the bottom of Colne Park Road to try to stop damage to the village green, but they will not take any other action to prevent this damage. It was agreed to include this issue in the Village Design questionnaire.

Cllr Pearcey proposed and it was agreed that he writes to Highways regarding the unsatisfactory repair to the wall at the bottom of the village green, together with the location of the new ‘Unsuitable for HGVs’ sign at the top of Boley Road. Cllr Preacey proposed that he writes to the Essex County Council cabinet member for Highways regarding the refusal by Highways to install a speed limit at Whites Farm as the request does not meet the criteria. This was agreed.

 

946. STREET LIGHTING IN BURES ROAD

Cllr Abrahams said that following the successful application for a grant of £1,880 for the purchase of a solar street light the up to date costs and specifications have been checked with the supplier Bright Light Solar who have issued an up to date quote on 8 April as follows.

Light SOX-E 18 W system/130 W solar power array  £1,275

5 meter galvanised steel lighting pole   £   286

Delivery                    £   320

Total ex Vat      £1,881

The price is as previously quoted in 2007 but the delivery charge has gone up from £60 to £320 eating into the installation allowance of £250. Installation requires digging a 1 meter deep hole installing the pole and then lifting the light array and battery and bolting it to the top of the pole. The Light array and battery weighs some 50 Kg so an extending or lift platform will need to be hired or borrowed. The next step is placing an order and making payment as the delivery terms are 4 weeks from receipt of payment which seems unusually severe.  The final step is volunteers to dig the hole, install the pole and obtain the lift platform and then install the light. It was agreed that the clerk places the order, sends off the payment with delivery to 64 Colchester Road. The clerk was asked to write to EDF Energy and ask them to remove the redundant plant on their pole. The clerk was authorised to sign the grant agreement with BDC. It was agreed that quotations would be obtained for the installation of the pole.

 

947. TREE ON THE VILLAGE GREEN AT CHRISTMAS

It was agreed that this matter is an agenda item at the next meeting, when Cllr Adlem will submit a report.

 

948. GARDEN OPEN DAY

Cllr Adlem referred to a recent suggestion that the village runs a garden open day, and proposed that the village liaises with Earls Colne to establish whether White Colne gardens could be included in their scheme to start with. It was agreed that an item is placed in the newsletter to establish whether anyone would wish to run a scheme.

 

949. SURGERY DISPENSING FACILITIES

Cllr Nolan said that a White paper was to be put before Parliament which if agreed would stop doctors’ surgeries from dispensing items if the surgery is within 1.6km of a chemist, which is the case in Earls Colne. It was agreed that the clerk writes to our local MP expressing concern with the effect on rural communities.

 

950. BT TELEPHONE BOX

Cllr Nolan said that BT proposes to remove the payphone in the village due to lack of use, together within a number of other payphones in the district, and that during a consultation period the parish council can make representations to BT through BDC. Cllr Nolan said that our payphone has the 4th highest usage of payphones in the district that are being withdrawn. The meeting was temporarily suspended and District Cllr OShea suggested that the parish council asks that the BDC planner dealing with this issue visits the payphone box with English Heritage to see if the payphone box can be protected. The meeting continued and it was agreed that the clerk writes and objects as the payphone box is in a conservation area, it is on a main road and used in case of emergency particularly when road traffic accidents happen late at night and there are no mobile telephones present. The payphone box is also used in case of emergency at the nearby village hall which has no telephone. He was also instructed to ask the BDC planner to visit the payphone box.

 

951. BRAINTREE GREEN SPACES STRATEGY

The consultative draft document was reviewed and found to be acceptable.

 

952. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED WHICH IS NOT DEALT WITH ELSEWHERE

A Rural Services Survey from BDC was circulated.

A copy letter received from Mr Browning addressed to Highways regarding the use of Boley Road by drivers using Satellite Navigation, and also asking that the signs ‘Unsuitable for HGVs’ be installed.

There being no further business the parish council meeting was closed at 9.05 pm.

 

 

 

Chairperson………………………………………………….   Date……………………………………….

                                                          

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