White Colne
Parish Council
White Colne
Parish Council
White Colne
Parish Council
White Colne
Parish Council
Parish Council Minutes
Meeting held on 16 November 2009 at 7.30 pm
in The Village Hall, Bures Road, White Colne
WHITE COLNE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held at
The Village Hall, Bures Road, White Colne on Monday 16th November 2009 at 7.30 pm.
Present : Cllr M Abrahams, Cllr S Adlem, Cllr K Nolan(Chairman), Cllr C Pearcey, Cllr J Taylor, Cllr J Watt
Also Present: Clerk D Williams, District Cllr C Siddall and 6 members of the public attended.
113. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – Cllr J Brace
114. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS – Cllr Taylor declared an interest in minute 117 as she is a neighbour of Colne Valley Nurseries and will leave the meeting whilst this matter is discussed.
115. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETINGS -
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
The meeting was suspended for questions and statements.
(i)I am concerned with the lack of bus stops, there is only one outside the Old Kings Head and nothing at the other end of the village.
(ii)The street lighting between Bures Road and the Nursing Home is poor and is very dark. Could consideration be given to more street lights?
(iii)There are severe undulations on the main road and the other roads. What are Highways going to do about the subsidence to the roads as this will cause an accident?
(iv)There is a lot of water coming down Boley Road across the main road, and this will be a hazard when it freezes.
(v)I am concerned with vandalism as the bus shelter at Chappel has been burnt down.
(vi)I am aware of the planning applications for land adjacent to 52 Colchester Road and ask whether this might encourage a development at 41 Colchester Road.
(vii)I congratulate the parish council in obtaining the new footpath on Colchester Road. I have previously raised the question of the repair of the steps to the footpath on Colne Park Road with the parish council but no repair has been done and the steps are now a bank.
(viii)The fencing at the rear of the play area needs attention just as much as the allotments’ fencing does.
(ix)The original intention to pay £500 for the BT red box seems way out of order.
(x) I echo comments about the undulating roads, and the Boley Road water flooding onto the main road. There is going to be a serious accident.
(xi)There are log cabins for sale at the lorry park – is that within the planning consent?
(xii)There appears to be no planning consent for Colne Valley Nursery. If that is correct what governs the trading activities there?
(xiii)The footpath on the south side of the main road and Colne Park Road are both full of leaves and not comfortable to walk on or use a push chair.
The meeting was resumed.
116. CONSIDERATION OF ISSUES RAISED AT PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
(i) Cllr Nolan said a bus stop shelter at the Fox and Pheasant Centre is being installed, and there is an unofficial bus stop at the bottom of 101 Colchester Road. The clerk was instructed to ask Essex County Council (ECC) Highways for a review of bus stops.
(ii) Cllr Watt said that the village is not in favour of any more street lighting. Cllr Taylor agreed to research the question of pavement lighting.
(iii) Cllr Nolan asked the clerk to put the issue regarding road undulations on the next cluster meeting agenda, and it was agreed that the clerk also reports this to ECC Highways and ask for their response.
(iv) Cllr Taylor said that ECC Highways have contacted the owner of the field opposite the bottom of Boley Road and the ditch has been dug out and the drain has been rodded. They are confident that the problem has been corrected.
(v)Cllr Nolan said that the parish council are to meet with Chappel Parish Council and Wakes Colne Parish Council shortly, when this matter will be discussed.
(vi) Cllr Nolan said that the planning applications were to be discussed later in the meeting.
(vii)Cllr Watt said that he had contacted ECC Highways regarding the footpath repair and he will do so again.
(viii) Cllr Nolan said that ROSPA did not mention the fencing to the play area at the last report, and it was agreed that this could be an issue for future inclusion in any Section 106 agreement for new developments in the village. Cllr Taylor agreed to obtain a quotation for new fencing.
(ix) Cllr Nolan said that the BT red telephone box was to be discussed later in the meeting.
(x)Cllr Nolan said that these issues were answered in items (iii) and (iv).
(xi) After discussion, Cllr Nolan asked the clerk to inform the Braintree District Council (BDC) planning enforcement officer that the parish council had received a complaint regarding the sale of log cabins as it is part of the conditions of approval not to undertake anything not related to haulage company business.
(xii) Cllr Nolan said that the planning issues relating to Colne Valley Nursery will be discussed later in the meeting.
(xiii) Cllr Nolan said that the parish council have the footpaths swept and cannot afford to have them swept more frequently.
117. REPORT FROM BRAINTREE DISTRICT COUNCILLOR.
District Cllr Siddall said that he can comment on the proposed withdrawal of the Parish Support Grant when it is discussed later in the meeting if requested to do so. He also said that BDC are proposing to charge for car parking at the Queens Road, Earls Colne car park. It is possible that Earls Colne Parish Council will take over responsibility for the car park.
118. PLANNING MATTERS
(a) Application 09/01413/FUL – Anglian Flight Centre, The Airfield, Earls Colne –
extension of an aircraft hardstanding. Cllr Watt said that he had received comments
from parishioners who are not happy with additional flights. After discussion it
was agreed to respond:-
Cllr Watt agreed to attend the forthcoming Aircraft Liaison Committee meeting.
(b) Application 09/01288/OUT – 41 Colchester Road – revised plans – after discussion
it was agreed to respond:-
The parish council have no comment on the additional plans lodged but comment further below on the application. The objection regarding this application already lodged with you is recorded. Cllr M Abrahams will speak on behalf of the parish council at the Planning Committee meeting and confirm these views. If the District Council is minded to approve this application the parish council seek a Section 106 agreement for £20,000 for a safe play area in the village. There is little garden space for these houses and little facilities in the village.
(c) Application 09/01471/FUL – Land Adjacent to 52 Colchester Road – Formation of
new vehicular and pedestrian access – Response -
(c) Application 09/01472/FUL – Land Adjacent to 52 Colchester Road – application
to vary Condition 5 of 05/00466/FUL in so far as it relates to the application site
and remove Condition 8 of application 07/01537/FUL with a view to removal of the
hedge -
(d) Cllr Taylor left the meeting.
Cllr Nolan said that BDC had replied to the parish council enquiry and advised that there are no planning approvals for trading for Colne Valley Nurseries. Cllr Watt said that the parish council were concerned with vehicle movement, the size of the vehicles, and the damage to a protected lane. Cllr Nolan said that the parish council does not want to damage a local business. Cllr Watt proposed that the parish council asks BDC what their policy is regarding protected lanes and damage being done.
The meeting was suspended.
District Cllr Siddall agreed to investigate this. A parishioner suggested that ECC Highways is asked to widen Boley Road.
The meeting was resumed.
Cllr Watt said that the owner of the land on the side of the lane not protected was resistant to the lane being widened. He said that Colne Valley Nursery have repeatedly asked suppliers to use smaller vehicles. Cllr Watt agreed to approach ECC Highways to ask that a weight restriction sign be installed.
(e) Cllr Nolan referred to copies of correspondence from a parishioner to BDC regarding the breach of conditions of approval for Wakeswood Restaurant at Fox and Pheasant Centre. The clerk was asked to write to BDC saying that these breaches of conditions have been brought to our attention by a parishioner and ask them to advise us of progress.
Cllr Taylor returned to the meeting.
119. CONSIDERATION OF A REPORT ON THE 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, TOGETHER WITH THE DRAFT PLANNING APPLICATION FOR THE FUTURE
DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE.
Cllr Nolan said that he had been advised by David Smith that he has received confirmation from ECC’s agents that ECC will be responsible for the Parish Council’s legal fees in connection with amending the existing agreement to allow for the provision of a footpath to the frontage of the Village Hall site, and also they will pay the outstanding legal fees from the earlier transaction. The draft planning application is being prepared and will be forwarded to the parish council for their comments and observations. The clerk was asked to reply to David Smith and advise him of the legal fees outstanding and enclose an invoice for this.
120. WHITE COLNE MEADOWS
Cllr Taylor said that a successful Apple Day and Trafalgar Day was run by Cllr Adlem and Clr Watt. The replies to the Village Design Statement questionnaire show that the parishioners appreciate the Meadows.
121. VILLAGE HALL
Cllr Adlem said that the hall is undergoing the toilet refurbishments. The contractor is not VAT registered so effectively the price has increased. The management committee can cover the shortfall. Peter Norris and Colin Armstrong were thanked for undertaking the tiling work voluntarily. Cllr Adlem said that a roofing contractor considers that the roof has 10 to 15 years life but some guttering needs attention. Cllr Nolan said that the village is delighted with the village hall works being done.
Cllr Pearcey said that he had been in contact with BDC who have agreed to provide a litter bin for the rear of the village hall free of charge, and they will also empty it. He was thanked for obtaining this.
Cllr Nolan referred to a complaint received from a parishioner regarding the anti social behaviour of occupants in cars congregating at the rear of the village hall which are causing problems for local residents. Cllr Taylor said that a gate had been broken which had increased the problem. It was agreed that the clerk asks the Neighbourhood Police Officer and the Community Warden to investigate this complaint. Cllr Nolan said that the parish council had already contacted ECC who are the legal owners of the land and advised them of the problems.
122. COMMUNITY LIAISON
Cllr Taylor asked about Christmas arrangements. Cllr Nolan said that Colne Valley Nurseries will be delighted to provide a tree for the village green once again. He said that the festoon lighting needs some light bulbs replacing. Cllr Watt agreed to look at the tree lights, and said that the parish council could not afford to put lighting in other trees. Cllr Nolan said that he would investigate sponsorship funding for the lights.
Cllr Taylor said that the web site had received 1267 hits since January, and it was agreed that parish council minutes could be archived to the History Group web site for the time being. Some replies to the Village Design Statement questionnaire had asked why a web site was needed.
Cllr Taylor recommended that the services listing in each newsletter was moved to the calendar to create more space in the newsletter. This was agreed. A Victorian picnic is proposed as a future village event – Cllr Nolan wondered whether sponsorship may be available from Disney as a new film has a Dickensian theme.
123. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(a)Payments – The following payments were approved:-
Cheque Payee Details Amount £
1188 White Colne 50 Club – donation re internal auditor’s waived fee £ 300.00
1189 M Alexander – quiz prize draw – Community Design Group £ 100.00
1190 G Gill -
1191 White Colne Village Hall – Community Design Group £ 77.00
1192 R A Mortimer – footpath sweeping & Clean phone box 6/10 (29/10 no charge) £ 75.90
1193 R A Mortimer – grasscuts V Green, Meadows & V Hall 28/9 & 23/10 £ 308.20
1194 D Williams – clerk salary October & November £ 731.83
1195 S Adlem – expenses – Meadows Apple Day £ 27.71
1196 P Adlem – expenses – History group £ 146.04
1197 S Adlem – expenses – Community Design Group £ 30.88
1198 R Pearcey -
1199 S Adlem – expenses – History group £ 34.43
1200 White Colne Village Hall – toilet refurbishments £ 1,601.13
(with chq 1187 total to V Hall is £1,762.13 gross, £1,532 net of VAT)
D/D Eon – electricity Village Hall – chargeback £ 90.18
D/D British Gas – gas Village Hall – chargeback £ 17.88
TOTAL PAYMENTS £ 3,613.84
Funds Received
Since the last financial report, the following funds have been received:-
Braintree District Council – 2nd half precept £ 4,894.00
Nat West Bank – interest £ 1.02
EDF Energy – wayleaves £ 44.14
Advert in newsletter £ 5.00
TOTAL RECEIPTS £ 4,944.16
Financial statement & Bank Reconciliation
Following the above transactions there is a credit balance on current account of £ 11,197.68
on reserve account £ 10,170.19
Total £ 21.367.87
of which the balance held in reserve for the White Colne Meadows project is £ 513.75
and the balance held in reserve for the Local Heritage Initiative Fund is £1,280.25
and the balance held in reserve for the Community Design Group is £4,258.79
Total of allocated funds is £ 6,052.79
Thus the balance of unallocated funds is £ 15,315.08
Bank Balance 21.09.09 £ 20,037.55
Plus total receipts £ 4,944.16
Sub Total £ 24,981.71
Less Total Payments £ 3,613.84
Bank balance 16.11.09 £ 21,367.87
It was agreed that the parish council pays £1,532 from reserves to assist with the funding of the toilet refurbishments.
124. HIGHWAYS
Cllr Pearcey said that the application to ECC Highways for funding for the Speed Indicator Device had been acknowledged, and the result of the request is awaited. ECC Highways confirm that the bus shelters will be installed by the end of January. He will contact ECC Highways regarding completion of the pavement works on Colneford Hill following the rebuilding of the wall, and said that the new footpath along the Colchester Road had been finished.
125. WHITE COLNE COMMUNITY DESIGN GROUP
Cllr Adlem said that the replies to the Village Design Statement (VDS) had been received and analysed, and the full results will be available on the web site. There were some questions which were not relevant to the VDC but were included as the committee thought they would provide useful information for the parish council, and a sub group was needed to take these matters forward. Cllr Taylor proposed that she brings a list of items to the next meeting regarding parish council policy. This was agreed. Cllr Taylor said that all involved were to be congratulated for their hard work. Cllr Watt said that the Rural Community Council of Essex considered that that parish should arrange a village survey. Cllr Taylor said that a new parish council should consider this.
126. ALLOTMENTS
Cllr Watt said that a new costing was required for a water tank, although plot holders have said that a new tank is not needed. Cllr Watt said that the maintenance of the fence should be the responsibility of plot holders. Patching of the fence has been done, and it is now not an issue.
It was agreed to increase the plot rental from the present £2.14 per square rod to £2.20 per square rod with effect from September 2010. The clerk was asked to advise plot holders now and send out this year’s invoices. Cllr Nolan said that the plot rentals were not ring fenced for allotment expenditure. Cllr Watt said that he would offer the vacant plots to parishioners on the waiting list and advise the clerk accordingly.
127. PARISH SUPPORT GRANT
District Cllr Siddall said that BDC has to save £1.5m as revenue has reduced, and the removal of the parish support grant has been considered because the parish councils have over £2m in their bank accounts. There has been a large response objecting to this proposal as some of these funds are ring fenced for grant supported projects. Cllr Nolan asked if there was any update on the move of Causeway House staff to Witham, and District Cllr Siddall said that this was under consideration, as was the support of Town Community Halls. He replied to Cllr Abraham’s enquiry by confirming that there was a freeze on staff hiring apart from apprentices.
Cllr Taylor left the meeting at 9.45pm.
128. BT TELEPHONE KIOSK
The clerk reported correspondence received from BDC regarding the consultation from BT which proposed that the telephone service be stopped at the red telephone kiosk, which is then adopted by the parish council. BDC propose that the telephone service and the red box be retained and the box therefore not adopted. Cllr Nolan proposed agreement to BDC’s proposals which was agreed, and the clerk was asked to liaise with BDC accordingly.
129. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED WHICH IS NOT DEALT WITH ELSEWHERE
From BDC regarding a formal consultation of a review of off street parking within the Braintree District. This includes the proposal that the Earls Colne car park is transferred to Earls Colne Parish Council or charges introduced. It was agreed to object to this proposal that it becomes a chargeable car park as it is the shopping area for our parish. The clerk was asked to reply accordingly.
From BDC advising that free sandbags for flooding prevention are no longer to be provided free but a new type of sandbag substitute is available to purchase. It was agreed to object and ask for 100 full traditional sandbags.
From BDC enclosing a draft street scene litter strategy and asking for comments. Cllr Pearcey and Cllr Watt agreed to draft a reply through the clerk.
From BDC enclosing details for the application of a Temporary Event Notice for the carols on the green. Details were provided to enable the clerk to apply for a license, and he was asked to attend to this and to liaise with Cllr Watt.
130. PROPOSAL TO EXCLUDE THE PUBLIC FROM THE REMAINDER OF THE MEETING
Cllr Nolan proposed that the public are excluded from the remainder of the meeting so that correspondence could be discussed regarding a possible claim against the parish council. This was agreed.
The public duly left the meeting at 10.10pm.
130. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Cllr Nolan referred to correspondence received from a parishioner regarding a possible claim. After discussion it was agreed that the claim should be directed to ECC and the clerk was asked to advise the parishioner accordingly.
Cllr Watt said that 27 people attended a Halloween event on the village green. He
also said that a parishioner is required to introduce the carols at the village green
event, and he is approaching some villagers.
There being no further business the parish
council meeting was closed at 10.25 pm.
Chairperson…………………………………………………. Date……………………………………….
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Parish Council
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