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White Colne

White Colne Parish Council Minutes

May 2010

WHITE COLNE PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council and the Parish Council Meeting held at

The Village Hall, Bures Road, White Colne on Monday 17th May 2010 at 7.30 pm.

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

Also Present: Clerk D Williams and 10 members of the public attended.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

165. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – District Cllr Siddall

166. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

Cllr Nolan was proposed by Cllr Taylor and seconded by Cllr Adlem. There being no further proposals Cllr Nolan was duly elected chairman and he took the chair.

167. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN

Cllr Taylor was proposed by Cllr Nolan and seconded by Cllr Adlem. There being no further proposals Cllr Taylor was duly elected vice chairman.

168. ELECTION OF COMMITTEES

Cllr Nolan proposed that the sub committees elected in May 2009 were re elected and all members approved this.

There being no further business the Annual General Meeting was closed at 7.34pm.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

Opened at 7.35pm. Cllr Brace and District Cllr Spray joined the meeting.

169. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE - District Cllr Siddall.

170. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS – Cllr Watt declared an interest in minute 176 (3) as he knows the applicant, and will not take part in the discussions. Cllr Pearcey also declared an interest in minute 176 (3) as he knows the applicant, and will not take part in the discussions. Cllr Taylor declared an interest in minute 176 (5) as she is a neighbour and will withdraw from the meeting whilst that item is discussed.

171. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETINGS - The minutes of the last parish council meeting of 15th March 2010, which had been previously circulated, were agreed as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

172. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES NOT DEALT WITH ELSEHERE - None

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

The meeting was suspended for questions and statements.

(i)Ms A Knights – As a hairdresser operating at Fox and Pheasant Centre I am asking for planning permission for the removal of Condition 3 of a previous application which will then approve retail use from showroom use for my unit. Also the variation of Condition 8 relates to vehicle movement and I ask for the parish council’s support.

The meeting was resumed.

173. CONSIDERATION OF ISSUES RAISED AT PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

(i)Cllr Nolan said that this application will be considered as an agenda item.

174. REPORT FROM DISTRICT CLLR G SPRAY

District Cllr Spray said that District Cllr Siddall is trying to organise a meeting with the owners of Colne Valley Nurseries to ask them to seek the co-operation of their suppliers in using smaller lorries to reduce the damage to Boley Road.

175. VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT

Cllr Nolan said that all members had received the draft document of the Village Design Statement (VDS). Cllr Abrahams said that it was an excellent document. Cllr Taylor said that it was a great asset to the parish council when considering planning applications. Cllr Adlem said that the public were supportive at the recent pub night. The meeting was suspended to see if there was any public comment. There was no comment and the meeting resumed. Cllr Taylor said that the VDS did not mention tourism. All members approved the VDS and Cllr Nolan said that a lot of hard work had been put into the VDS and he thanked the people in the village who were involved.

176. PLANNING MATTERS - APPLICATIONS

(1) 190/00358/FUL – 7 Colne Park Road, White Colne - amendment to planning consent to provide home

office space incorporating additional roof lights - no comment subject to neighbours' views.

(2) 10/00445/FUL - Pippins Montessori Kindergarten, Whites Farm, Bures Road, White Colne - proposed

replacement building/extension to provide baby unit (12 no. full time places) as an extension to Pippins

Montessori Kindergarten (part demolition of existing attached outbuildings and part storage building) –

No objection subject to neighbours' views. If the district council is minded to approve this application the parish

council again request that consideration is given to a speed limit of 30 mph along this part of Bures Road given that

traffic will increase further. The parish council also requested in January 2009 that this be included in the Essex

County Council Draft Speed Management Survey.

(3) (a)10/00458/FUL and 10/00459/LBC - Bridge House, 8 Colneford Hill, White Colne - erection of

detached garage and annexe - no comment.

(b)10/00458/FUL and 10/00459/LBC - Bridge House, 8 Colneford Hill, White Colne - erection of

detached garage and annexe – revised plans - No objections subject to neighbours' views. If the District Council is

mindful to approve this application, the extension should remain in the curtledge of the original building.

(4) 10/00537/OUT - 41 Colchester Road, White Colne - erection of two storey rear extension and first floor

side extension to existing dwelling and alterations including reduction in building width, rationalise

existing parking area and erection of two storey dwelling house with parking and amenity areas and

formation of new vehicular access - No objection subject to neighbours' views and the guidelines in the Village

Design Statement now adopted by White Colne Parish Council, and subject to the reduction in the ridge height of

225mm as indicated in the agent's letter to the District Council dated 14th May 2010.

(5) 10/00583/FUL - Fox and Pheasant Centre, Colchester Road, White Colne - removal of condition 3

attached to planning consent 90/01116/FUL relating to the use of the unit and variation of condition 8

of 90/01116/FUL relating to vehicular movements times - Cllr Nolan read out a letter from a neighbour regarding

this application and after discussion the comments agreed were - We object to the removal of condition 3 in the

application as it is but would be agreeable to retail use to be limited to unit 2 only. We wish to support this

business. We approve the variation of condition 8 regarding these vehicle movement times.

(6) 10/00605/OUT – Former Goods Yard, Bures Road – outline planning permission for residential development (up

to five dwellings) and creation of new access/highway alterations – Cllr Watt said that the map of the properties on

the site was not displayed on the web site of Braintree District Council (BDC). The meeting was suspended and a

member of the public asked if a wildlife audit had been undertaken. The meeting resumed. Cllr Nolan said that an

ecological survey is displayed on the BDC web site. Members said that there were incorrect statements on the

planning application. After discussion the comments agreed were – This site is at the rear of White Colne Village

Hall which is controlled by White Colne Parish Council. The parish council in principle has no objection

to the erection of 5 dwellings in the former good yard, subject to all neighbours’ views and the guidelines in the

Village Design Statement now adopted by White Colne Parish Council. The parish council recommend that the

dwellings are limited to one and a half storeys, and prefer that parking is increased to more than 2 places per

property in view of the lack of parking in the village. We strongly recommend that a contamination survey be

undertaken on the site as previous contamination has been found here. The houses on the site can be viewed from

the public road and from public land. The approval should be subject to a 106 agreement whereby funding should

be made available for children’s play equipment which was highlighted in the recent Village Design Statement.

(7) 10/00644/LBC – 2 Colchester Road – removal and replacement of ground floor structures and finishes and

replacement with new underpinned reinforced concrete raft and piled foundations. Superstructure repairs to 1989

addition to dwelling – No comment subject to neighbours' views and the guidelines in the Village Design

Statement now adopted by White Colne Parish Council,

(B) APPEALS - Appeal re Planning Application 09/01288/OUT - 41 Colchester Road

- Appeal re Planning Application 09/01471FUL – Land Adjacent to 52 Colchester Road

These appeals were noted and the comments previously made were confirmed and reinforced.

consider this draft document and to forward comments to the clerk for a response by 24th June.

(D) OTHER PLANNING MATTERS – It was agreed that the enforcement officer at BDC is advised of two issues,

firstly a cottage at Toad Hall which appears to be rented out on a holiday let, and secondly a mobile home at the

rear of Chalkney Garage which appears to be lived in.

177. 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.

Cllrn Nolan said that this matter had been covered by the planning application submitted by Essex County Council and discussed in minute 176 (6).

178. WHITE COLNE MEADOWS

Cllr Taylor said dog fouling on the Meadows is still a problem.

179. VILLAGE HALL

Cllr Adlem said that the toilet refurbishments have been finished. The hall reserves are now low following these works and there are no funds for an emergency. Cllr Nolan congratulated all concerned with the recent pub event.

180. COMMUNITY LIAISON

Cllr Taylor said that the 50 Club may fold. There are some forthcoming fund raising events being a garage sale and a shop day on 9th July. The possibility of the hire of a wide screen television for sporting events such as the football world cup was discussed, and Cllr Nolan proposed that this was researched.

181. FINANCIAL MATTERS

(a)Payments – The following payments were approved:-

Cheque Payee Details Amount £

1226 S Binks – History Group 100.00

1227 White Colne 50 Club – donation re internal auditor’s fee 50.00

1228 J Watt – costs re Christmas lights 155.95

1229 Rural Community Council of Essex – subscription 35.00

1230 B Alderman – web site costs re History Group 150.00

1231 Essex Association of Local Councils – subscription 122.31

1232 Claire PB & Jonathan PR – Jan newsletter & inserts £80, March newsletter £65 145.00

1233 White Colne Village Hall – Community Design Group 42.00

1234 R A Mortimer – grasscuts, V Hall £56, V Green 118, Meadows £55 269.09

1235 P Norris – costs re Gopak Ltd – Village Hall Chargeback 181.56

1236 P Norris – costs re E&J Fire Security – Village Hall Chargeback 93.15

1237 Rita Pearcey – Community Design Group costs 45.87

1238 J Taylor – Annual Electors Meeting costs 45.34

1239 The Thatchers Arms – Community Design Group costs 319.57

1240 Audit Commission – audit fees for years 2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2009. 1,991.64

1241 D Williams – clerk salary April & May 739.16

1242 Aon Limited – annual insurance premium 639.84

1243 B Alderman – web site maintenance 60.00

1244 Claire PB & Jonathan PR – April newsletter 41.13

1245 R A Mortimer - grasscuts, V Hall £56, V Green 112, Meadows £110 326.65

D/D British Gas – Village Hall chargeback 182.67

TOTAL PAYMENTS £ 5,735.93

(b).Funds Received

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

White Colne Village Hall – Chargebacks 1,039.97

Allotment rental 8.00

Allotment rental 10.00

Newsletter advert 25.00

Braintree District Council – Street Scene 785.08

White Colne Village Hall – Chargebacks 407.77

Allotment rental 10.00

Braintree District Council – First half Precept 4,894.00

Braintree District Council – Parish support grant 1,711.00

Nat West Bank interest 1.01

TOTAL RECEIPTS £ 8,891.83

(c). Financial statement & Bank Reconciliation

Following the above transactions there is a credit balance on current account of £ 10,771.85

on reserve account £ 10,172.22

Total £ 20,944.07

of which the balance held in reserve for the Heritage Fund is £ 1,041.65

and the balance held in reserve for the Community Design Group is £ 3,242.63

Total of allocated funds is £ 4,284.28

Thus the balance of unallocated funds is £ 16,659.79

Bank Balance 15.03.10 £ 17,788.17

Plus total receipts £ 8,891.83

Sub Total £ 26,680.00

Less Total Payments £ 5,735.93

Bank balance 17.05.10 £ 20,944.07

(d) The clerk referred to the annual insurance premium request from the parish council insurers Allianz Insurance and suggested that the insurance cover be reviewed by a councillor as well as the clerk. Cllr Pearcey agreed to review the policy cover.

(e) The clerk presented the external auditor’s certificates for the 7 years from 2003 to 2009 which confirmed the reports previously submitted by the internal auditor. These audits are now complete and audits are up to date.

(f) The clerk presented the annual accounts for the year ended 31st March 2010.These accounts showed total income of £ 16,255.89; total payments of £21,260.63; bank balances of £18,541.20 including allocated funds of £4,841.72 to the History Group and Community Design Group; and total reserves of £91,253.22. It was agreed that the accounts be accepted and the accounts were signed by the chairman and clerk. It was agreed that the internal auditor, Mr P Norris, be asked to audit these accounts before the accounts are submitted to the external auditor. The clerk said that he had advised the external auditors that their timescale of completion of 30 June for the Annual Return could not be met as this cannot be completed until the next meeting in July after the accounts had been internally audited.

(g) Cllr Nolan noted that the parish council’s legal costs of £1,172 for the agreement with Essex County Council (ECC) regarding the village hall had not yet been refunded by ECC and the clerk was asked to again request payment.

182. HIGHWAYS

Cllr Pearcey said that the new bus shelter had been installed and the shopper bus service had started. Highways have installed some new road signs and there is a new Speed Indicator Device at the bridge. Cllr Watt is to attend the Highways Community Initiative Fund meeting as a member of the judging panel when the parish council’s application for a permanent Speed Indicator Device is considered. A meeting has been arranged with Essex CC Cllr J Pike, Neighbourhood PC P Andrews and residents concerning village green policy. Cllr Pearcey said that he will ask Essex CC Cllr Pike for an update concerning the draft speed management policy. Cllr Nolan said that there had been a recent vehicle accident on Colchester Road and Cllr Pearcey said that he would advise Highways of the resultant pavement damage.

183. WHITE COLNE COMMUNITY DESIGN GROUP

Cllr Adlem said that following the council’s approval of the Village Design Statement in minute 175, copies will be printed.

184. ALLOTMENTS

Cllr Watt said that 2 allotment plots had recently been given up of which 1 had been replaced and an advert offering allotment plots to parishioners had been placed in the parish newsletter.

185. LAND BETWEEN 2 COLCHESTER ROAD AND SHARED DRIVE TO NEARBY PROPERTIES

Cllr Nolan said that a parishioner who lived near this land had expressed concern with the future of this plot of land. He said that the land had been owned by a developer who had built 2 properties nearby and who was no longer trading, and there is no known owner. The parishioner had suggested that the parish council considers taking over responsibility for this land, and after discussion it was agreed that the parishioner is asked to make enquiries regarding ownership with The Land Registry and Braintree District Council before this is considered further.

186.OPEN SPACE SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENT ISSUED BY BRAINTREE DISTRICT COUNCIL

It was noted that the disused railway line, the churchyard, and the land adjacent to 2 Colchester Road were not on this document, and the clerk was asked to reply accordingly.

There being no further business the parish council meeting was closed at 9.35 pm.

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