White Colne

Parish Council

White Colne

News from the Parish Council meeting  on November 16th 2007

 

Recycling

Cllr Pearcey proposed that 2 bins were purchased for the disposal of cardboard and plastic at the rear of the village hall and this was agreed.

 

Transfer of the ownership of the village hall

Cllr Nolan said that he would be meeting the solicitor acting for the parish council for an update and would report back.

Parish Emergency Plan

Cllr Watt had located a template for the emergency plan on the BDC web-site and he agreed to proceed to complete it.

 

Web site

A report from Mr Brian Alderman, the web designer, was read out on the progress to date of the web site. It was agreed that the Village Hall Management Committee would provide some information for the village hall page. It was also agreed that the councillors’ names, photographs and a new email address linked to the web site would be published on the councillors’ page and that the site would be published shortly.

 

Planning Enforcement

Cllr Abrahams presented a report following his attendance at a planning enforcement forum run by the District Council. It included advice that it is not an offence to undertake unauthorized developments as planning legislation allows for applications to be made retrospectively. The exception is development work on or near listed buildings, where work cannot start without planning permission. The enforcement team relies on receiving information from the public and local parish councils. All information is confidential and the source not revealed.

 

Financial Situation

The Clerk reported that there was a credit balance of £20,279 of which £2,037 was held in reserve for the Meadows and £4,686 was held in reserve for the Local Heritage Initiative. The balance of unallocated funds was £13,555.

It was agreed to open an interest bearing Community Reserve Account and immediately transfer £10,000.

 

Solar Street Lighting

It was agreed to approach the Halstead Area Committee for a grant to provide a solar street light in Bures Road opposite the village hall. EDF have asked for £900 to repair the existing light with the annual cost of electricity around £60pa.

A solar light would store sufficient energy to supply light from dusk to dawn in the April to September period and for 6 hours in the darkest November to January period. The light can also be time programmed if required. The grant would be for approx £2,000.

 

Restrictions on the Meadows

Councillors agreed that no horses, motorbikes or quad bikes should be ridden on any part of  White Colne Meadows  or  on the Chase leading to the site.

Residents are respectfully asked to comply with this request.

 

Dog owners are also reminded to clear up after their dogs. Offenders will be reported to the Community Warden. Plastic bags are available.

Please clear up after your dog or face a heavy fine!