White Colne
Parish Council
White Colne
Parish Council
White Colne
Parish Council
White Colne
Parish Council
Parish Council Minutes
Meeting held on 19 November 2007
WHITE COLNE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held at The Village Hall, Bures Road, White Colne
on Monday 19th November 2007 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 G Spray, District Cllr R O’Shea and 17 members of the public attended.
870. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE -
871. DECLARATION OF INTEREST – Cllr Taylor declared an interest in minute 879 if Boley Road is to be discussed, as she is a resident of that road.
872. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
The minutes of the last parish council meeting of 17th September 2007, 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 referred to the street light in Bures Road and felt that it should be reinstated for safety reasons and all the neighbours that he had spoken to were in favour.
(b)A parishioner supported the statement regarding the street light. The cost of over £800 seems high. Can we put a light outside the village hall on a time switch?
(c)A parishioner said that we should have decent street lights within the zone where there are speed restrictions.
(d) A parishioner said that he objected to the planning application for the demolition of 41 Colchester Road (No 41) and the building of 5 properties on the site for a number of reasons. There are not enough parking spaces, there is already a problem with water drainage in the area and this will make the problem worse. Mature trees are to be cut down which will affect other trees and the environment.5 houses are cramping the site. Plots 1 and 2 will impose over Colchester Road. Plots 3, 4 and 5 are to be at the northern boundary of the site and front the pedestrian access lane to Chalkney House. No houses at present front this lane and he wondered whether the pedestrian right of way will be converted to allow vehicular access. The houses on the site will overlook nearby properties with the resultant loss of light and loss of privacy. No builders’ lorries should use the pedestrian access lane.
(e)A parishioner referred to the planning application for No 41 and said that he confirmed the points made, adding that the position of the houses on the site will encourage vehicles to go down the pedestrian access lane off Bures Road. The view of the site from the Colchester Road will be of back gardens and the back of the properties. He was concerned that trees would be cut down.
(f)A parishioner referred to the planning application for No 41 and said that she was refused a back gate onto the pedestrian access lane and was advised that ambulance access was required to Chalkney House at all times on this lane.
(g) A parishioner referred to the planning application for No 41 and said that he was concerned with the chopping down of trees and considered that tree preservation orders should be placed on the site.
(h) District Cllr Spray referred to the planning application for No 41 and said that it was likely that the application would go before the Planning Committee and it may be worth considering the listing of the property.
(i) A parishioner referred to the planning application for No 41 and said that he was concerned that a historical house is being knocked down. In addition there will be traffic problems with traffic coming in and out of the site on the busy Colchester Road, and also he was concerned with damage that may be caused by trees being taken down to the other trees remaining.
(j) A parishioner referred to the planning application for No 41 and said that this is over development of the site.
(k) A parishioner referred to the planning application for Chalkney House and said that the two storey extension seems too much and as a neighbour it makes it too intrusive to him. A single storey extension is acceptable. The disused railway floods each winter and this will affect both the Chalkney House application site and the 41 Colchester Road application site.
(l) A parishioner said that the 50 club income is reducing and canvassing for new members should be considered. There should also be a welcome pack for new residents to the village.
(m) A parishioner referred to the planning application for No 41 and said that the village is becoming overdeveloped, she will lose light and will be overlooked. She was concerned that trees were taken down without advice to neighbours.
(n) A parishioner said that builders are parking on the grass verge on Chalkney House.
(o) A parishioner said that the amount of dog mess is appalling on the Meadows and near the Village Hall.
(p) A parishioner referred to the planning application for No 41 and said that the parish could be left with an eyesore following the development at 41 Colchester Road.
The meeting was resumed.
873. CONSIDERATION OF ISSUES RAISED AT PUBLIC QUESTION TIME.
Cllr Nolan said that all items would be covered by agenda items later in the meeting. Question (o) was answered by asking anyone who sees owners allowing their dogs to mess the area to report it to the Community Warden. The council will also ask the Community Warden to look for offenders when patrolling the area.
Cllr Nolan said that the parish council was being represented at the cluster meeting, and that we would have wished to attend the meeting with the Essex Police Chief Constable but the meeting clashed with this parish council meeting.
874. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
(a) 07/02131/LBC – 32 Colneford Hill – proposed replacement windows-
(b) 07/02209/FUL – Chalkney House, 47 Colchester Road – erection of two storey extension
to provide 15 additional bedrooms with en-
(c) 07/02303/FUL -
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.
It was agreed that the clerk liaises with the Cllr Nolan and Cllr Taylor regarding the wording in our reply. Cllr Nolan said that a planning committee should consider beforehand the issues in planning applications such as this. Cllr Watt agreed to make enquiries regarding the listing of the existing property and also whether the existing Conservation Area can be extended.
(d) Tree Works – 40 Colneford Hill – no comment subject to neighbours’ views.
875. WHITE COLNE MEADOWS project
Cllr Taylor said that the Trafalgar Day event on 21st October was very well supported. An application has been made to Braintree District Council for a grant to cover the purchase of 150 hedging trees, stakes and guards, required for gapping up and creating a safety barrier around the pond. We are investigating grants to enable us to provide a small community orchard on Gosses Fen and hope to purchase two year old trees, in particular old Essex varieties which are in danger of being lost. We need to address the problem of horses on the Meadows as we have had an incident recently of people horse riding around the site. It was agreed that a note be placed in the next newsletter stating that no horses are to have access to the Meadows. The Meadows committee are to investigate the possibility of a by law regarding this. Dog mess bags have been purchased and distributed and a note will be placed in the next newsletter asking dog walkers to use these bags, further stating that offenders who allow their dogs to make a mess will be reported.
876. village hall
Cllr Taylor said that the new double glazed windows have been installed together with a new fire door in the main hall and a new entrance door. She thanked Peter Norris and Colin Armstrong who removed and replaced the partitioning in the toilets which allowed the workmen access to the windows. Essex County Council have confirmed that they will pay the VAT which will accrue on the kitchen works based on the net spend on their grant of £6,500, providing the invoices are addressed and sent directly to them for payment. The Village Hall Committee are to meet shortly to finalise the specifications for the works to the kitchen and work should start early in the New Year. The grant must be spent by end of March 2008. Lettings are continuing well and the Committee hoped to reduce the budget requirement from the parish council for 2008/09 from £1,500 to £1,000. A fire risk assessment is to be undertaken.
13 members of the public left the meeting.
877. FINANCIAL MATTERS
1.The Clerk reported that since the last meeting, the following payments
had been made:-
Cheque Payee Details Amount £
1006 Braintree District Council – building regulations for Village Hall alterations 218.00
1007 Claire PB & Jonathan PR Ltd -
1008 R A Mortimer – Footpath sweeping £62, Meadows, green and hall grasscuts 534.63
1009 SHE Windows and Doors Ltd – village hall windows replacement 3,960.00
1010 White Colne Village Hall – History Group meetings 12.00
1011 EALC – councillor training – J Watt £50, S Adlem, J Taylor £60 110.00
1012 D Williams – clerk salary October, November 693.33
1013 JRB Enterprises – dog poop scoop bags – Meadow 63.80
1014 R A Mortimer – footpath sweeping £62, Meadows, green and hall grasscuts 534.63
D/D Powergen – electricity for Village Hall 87.47
TOTAL PAYMENTS £ 6,273.86
2.Since the last meeting, the following funds have been received:-
Braintree District Council -
P Norris – refund of standing order overpaid re broadband 22.99
Braintree District Council – rural communities grant re village hall windows 4,760.00
TOTAL RECEIPTS £ 9,726.99
3.Financial statement & Bank Reconciliation
Following the above transactions there is a credit balance of £20,279.60 of which £ 2,037.75 is the current balance
held in reserve for the White Colne Meadows project. There is £ 4,686.53 held in reserve for the
Local Heritage Initiative Fund. Thus the balance of unallocated funds is £13,555.32
Bank Balance 17.09.07 £ 16,826.47
Plus total receipts £ 9,726.99
Sub Total £ 26,553.46
Less Total Payments £ 6,273.86
Bank balance 19.11.07 £ 20,279.60
The clerk advised that our bankers Nat West are not able to open an interest bearing account and operate an
automatic sweep to and from current account leaving sufficient on current account for working capital purposes.
It was agreed therefore that a Community Reserve Account be opened with the signatories on the account being the
same as for the current account which requires any two councillors to sign. It was also agreed that the sum of
£10,000 be transferred to Community Reserve Account and that this amount be reviewed at each meeting, with an
additional transfer authorised by the signatories if exceptionally required between meetings. The authority regarding
this was completed by the bank signatories.
Form PSG3 to Braintree District Council to claim the parish support grant, being a summary of income and
expenditure for 2006/07, was completed by the chairman and the clerk.
Cllr Nolan said that the extra cost of printing additional sheets for the newsletter which he and Cllr Watt had borne had
not been charged to the council. They were thanked for this.
878. WEB SITE
A report from Mr Brain 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 will 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.
879. HIGHWAYS
Cllr Pearcey said that together with Cllr Watt he had met with Essex County Council
(ECC) Highways and ECC Cllr Pike to discuss outstanding Highways issues. He said:-
1.Proposed speed limit for Whites Farm area, Bures Road. – we are waiting for a change in policy.
2.Proposed 40 mph speed limit on A1124 from Chalkney Garage to Wakes Hall-
3.Right turn sign indicating Boley Road when travelling from Colchester. – Highways refused as it might encourage vehicles to use Boley Road.
4.Proposed gritting of Bures Road – they said that the road does not meet criteria for gritting but will see if there is money available in winter budget.
5.Erosion of village green at bottom of Colne Park Road. – Highways agreed that they can raise kerb and also erect posts which will deter vehicles from cutting off corner. However we may have to have double yellow lines as a consequence but hopefully these can be positioned where they will have a minimal impact. They will research and report back.
6.Boley Road, erosion of banks and hedges. -
7.Extension of footpath along Colchester Road towards boundary within field. – Highways will not proceed due to budgetary constraints.
8.White lines on Colne Park Road at top end of village green.-
9.Reduce Speed Now’ sub-
10.Request for filling in of pot holes at entrance of sewage works at Colneford Hill.-
11.Request for a gully to assist flooding problem in dip by old railway line in Colne Park Road. – Highways had been confused with the flood problem at Colneford Hill and Colne Park Road. This has been clarified and Highways will investigate the position.
12.The askew speed limit sign on Bures Road leaving the village and the vegetation climbing up the pole. Highways will investigate.
Cllr Watt said that the speed watch campaign was now working.
880. PARISH EMERGENCY PLAN
Cllr Watt said that a template was available on the web site for Braintree District Council and it was agreed that he could proceed to complete this.
881. STREET LIGHTING
Cllr Nolan said that the cost to the parish council to replace the unrepairable street light in Bures Road is £872, and that Essex County Council (ECC) would not take over responsibility for maintenance for the future. In view of the village comments we support a street light outside the village hall. It could be ecologically friendly. A discussion ensued mentioning the street lighting could be part of the proposed development at the rear of the village hall and it could be a solar light. After consideration it was agreed to request a grant of £2,500 from the Halstead Area Committee for a solar light and the clerk was asked to put the request before the Committee.
882. NEW VILLAGE APPRAISAL/DESIGN STATEMENT
Cllr Adlem said that a Village Appraisal was last undertaken in 1999 and published in 2000 and had been used to support many grant applications and given the parish council an understanding on Parishioners’ views on village matters. It had been suggested that it might be time to undertake a similar exercise again. She presented a report following her attendance, with Cllr Taylor, at a training session run by the Rural Community Council of Essex.
She said that there are two recognised community led plans; The Parish Plan (PP) and a Village Design Statement (VDS). These plans have some common themes but the outcomes are different and are utilised in different ways.
PP and VDS both result in a published document at the end, local people are involved
in making decisions about the future of their community and are empowered to play
an active role in their community. The Parish Council usually initiates a PP or VDS.
The ensuing Steering Group of ideally 8-
The benefits of a VDS or PP were outlined and she recommended that the parish council
considers a VDS which has the following benefits:-
Cllr Nolan proposed that in view of the public comments at this meeting the parish council supported the preparation of a Village Design Statement. This was agreed and that the Parish Council should budget for £300 in next year’s budget. Cllr Adlem and Cllr Taylor agreed to prepare a newsletter advising residents and seeking support for a steering committee.
883. CAROL SERVICE AND OTHER SEASONAL ARRANGEMENTS
Cllr Nolan thanked Heating and Eating for their generous donation for festive celebrations and also Colne Valley Nursery for donating the Christmas tree for the Village Green. The Meadows committee have agreed to allocate £100 towards the purchase of a gazebo for £350 and the Rotary Club of Halstead can provide a mobile grotto. The road closure for the carol service has been arranged.
884.CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED WHICH IS NOT DEALT WITH ELSEWHERE
Cllr Adlem reported the reply received from Braintree District Council to our communication seeking guidance on green issues in planning applications, and said that she would prepare a reply and send it to the clerk for onward transmission.
885. ANY OTHER URGENT BUSINESS
It was agreed to consider the provision of a welcome pack for new residents, and this and the proposals will be an agenda item at the next meeting.
Cllr Taylor asked that the tree warden be invited to the next meeting and this was agreed.
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.
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.
886. 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 said that he would meet the the solicitor acting for the parish council for an update.
There being no further business the parish council meeting was closed at 10.29pm.
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