Parish Council Minutes 10th January 2013

• Mr S McCarthy (Chairman)
• Miss D Frost
• Mr David Drane
• Mrs Sara Scott
• Mr J Sladen
• Mr David Haylock
• The Clerk

• Mr A Weedon
• County Councillor Simon Walsh

District Councillor Simon Howell addressed the meeting prior to official business. The main topic was the list of possible Gypsy and Traveller sites that had been put forward for consideration. Councillor Howell explained that this was only the start of a long process, but was bound to cause apprehension as one of the possible sites was at Anso Corner Farm. It was part of the Local Development Framework, but needed to be treated separately as it had it own distinct issues. It was considered that a measured approach was needed to manage any over-reaction but also to express the unsuitability of the site. Other locations on the list would seem to be more suitable being nearer existing sites and with less infrastructure disadvantages.

Councillor Howell left the meeting.

The Chairman opened the Parish Council meeting at 8.40 pm

106. MINUTES OF MEETING

     held Thursday 6 December were agreed as a correct record.

107. MATTERS ARISING

     There were none not covered elsewhere

108. GYPSY AND TRAVELLER SITE LIST

     Mr Sladen declared an interest in this item. Following on from the discussion with Councillor Howell, prior to the meeting, the Parish Council discussed the matter further and it was agreed to write to Andrew Taylor (Head of planning at Uttlesford) It was also agreed to endeavour to speak to the owner of the site to get his views and alert him to the possibility of pre-emptive occupation which has been known to happen. It was also agreed to inform residents via the Newsletter

109. CORRESPONDENCE

     Boundary Changes to Electoral Districts:
     Uttlesford District Councillors were voting the next day on alterations to the ward boundary. It was agreed that the clerk would respond to the consultation indicating the Parish Council’s preference for the status quo. This corresponded to the present grouping of Sampfords, Radwinter and Hempstead parishes. However was acknowledged that the Parish of Little Bardfield may be added to this ward as part of the restructuring.

     Superfast Broadband
     The clerk provided details for circulation.

     RCCE Group Oil Purchase Scheme
     The clerk circulated the details of this scheme.

     County Councillor Simon Walsh’s Report
     The clerk read out a report from the councillor.

110. ENVIRONMENT

     Village Green
     Amended papers would be sent off to Lloyd Simpson of Essex Legal Services.

     Ash Tree
     The issue of the ash tree obscuring the church had been investigated by Miss Frost and Mrs Scott. It was decided to establish the ownership and if appropriate use part of next year’s £500 allocated for village jobs to reduce its visual impact. Miss Frost also informed the council that she would be having the Ash Tree in her garden reduced in height.

     Gas Gun Birdscarers
     Some residents have expressed concern about the loudness and timing of these. It was agreed that Miss Frost would informally contact Tim Sills to see if anything could be done.

111. POLICING

     Community Speedwatch
     The speed watch activities had started again after the Christmas break.

112. HIGHWAYS

     The Footway Project
     Mr McCarthy had asked Councillor Howell to find out the progress on the Land Transfers for this project. The extravagant legal fees previously quoted had been based on the original plan that had included putting all the service cables underground. Councillor Howell had agreed to talk to Councillor Waters, Chair of the Highway Panel.

     Potholes
     were still of concern especially the more dangerous ones. Mr. Drane continues to pursue this issue vigorously. It had also been raised with County Councillor Walsh.

113. FINANCE

     Cheques
     A cheque for £48.75 was signed for payment to Source Tec Software (Avangate sothink.com) via Brian Kitchen to cover the new software needed to update the website.

     Precept
     The form was re-signed to cover the technical changes made necessary by Government alterations to the local funding to district councils. The overall sum received by the Parish would still be £8000.

114. VILLAGE EMERGENCY PLAN

     An update had been sent off to Lisa Lipscombe, though Mr Sladen said that work would be ongoing to find more volunteers through an appeal in the Newsletter.

115. PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY

     Negotiations for the 2013 grant were still ongoing. The Boxing Day Walk had been very enjoyable but some footpaths were becoming very muddy especially where ploughing had been very close to the edge of the field. It was also acknowledged that this was due in part to the very wet weather.

116. COMMUNICATIONS

     Website
     Re-formatting of the website was now ongoing by Brian Kitchen.

     Newsletter
     The clerk agreed to look into the timing of the invoice from ‘The Gutter Press’.

117. PLANNING

     Mill Cottage extension: – The Clerk had previously circulated his response to this planning application that had been discussed at the last meeting.

     Dick Turpins Cottage: – It was noted that the new owner of Turpins planned to remove the Leylandii at the front of the property.

     Bellropes: – Most councillors had seen the application, and no problems were foreseen so no comments would be made to Uttlesford.

     Fence at Little Orchard: – This had been investigated and the case closed without action.

118. VILLAGE HALL

     The patio project was still ongoing.

DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS – Thursdays 7 February and 7 March 2013 and 4 April all at 8pm in the Village Hall.

The meeting closed at 9.27 pm