Hempstead in Essex
Resting place of William Harvey and Sir Eliab Harvey and birthplace of Dick Turpin

Parish Council Minutes 13th August 2009

13th August 2009

CONFIRMED MINUTES OF A PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON
THURSDAY 13 AUGUST 2009
The Council met in the Village Hall on Thursday 13 August 2009 at 8pm

Present:

Also Present:

Apologies:

  • Mr J Sladen (annual leave)
  • Cllr Simon Walsh, County Councillor
  1. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 16 JULY 2009

    were taken as read and signed as a correct record by the Chairman.

  2. MATTERS ARISING

    Mr Drane had been in contact with PC Dawn Bamford – she was unable to attend this meeting or the next but will try for October; he also requested speed checks to be done in the near future.

  3. CORRESPONDENCE

    • SLCC Regional Conference
      24 September 2009
    • Essex Heritage Trust
      Annual Meeting invitation 10 September – Mr Weedon may attend
    • UDC – Sandbag Consultation
      inefficient service was discussed and the Clerk was asked to write to advise that various flood defences are known about and have been implemented but to request sand bags be supplied in better quality bags so that they would last longer – say for 5 years. – Action CD
    • Rural Community Network
      request for circulation information – to remain as Clerk for internal circulation – Action CD
  4. MEETING REPORTS

    • North Uttlesford Community Forum
      next meeting 10 September
    • Parish Planning Workshop
      no meeting since last report
    • West Essex Area Forum
      next meeting 15 September, location to be confirmed
    • Walden in Transition
      no meeting attended since last report
  5. ENVIRONMENT

    Village Green Issues
    Mr Haylock had received the papers from ECC identify where the 5 parcels of village green were situated. Miss Frost will contact Land Registry at Peterborough to establish who holds title to 2 of these parcels – a charge of £6 per parcel will be made and the Council approved this expenditure. Mr Haylock will now contact EALC for their free legal advice as to where we go from here to ensure that all 5 parcels of village green are within the Parish Council’s control. – Action DF/DH

  6. FINANCE

    Insurance renewal documentation for 2009/10 had been received from Zurich and, after various amendments needed to the detail, the final premium quoted was £718.65. Mr Sladen had contacted Suffolk ACRE for a comparable quote and this came in at £560.42. Miss Frost proposed that the insurance be taken out with Suffolk ACRE and this was seconded by Mr Weedon – the Council UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED this. Mr Sladen was thanked for his time and effort in this matter.

    The following accounts were approved for payment and cheques drawn up:

    PHM Contractors Ltd 1st cut of PRoW £1,247.98
    Suffolk ACRE 2009/10 Insurance Premium £560.42
  7. HIGHWAYS

    Mr McCarthy had written to Ian Hurwood for an update and was awaiting a reply.

    Mr Drane and Mr McCarthy had attended a site meeting with Ray Curtis from Highways. This was very productive and already a number of items have been addressed. A full schedule was sent by Mr Curtis detailing the proposed work together with start dates. A couple of further items had since come to light – including overgrown hedges along Finchingfield Road – and Mr Drane will liaise with Mr Curtis accordingly. Mr Curtis was praised for his prompt action and Mr Drane was congratulated on a good job done. – Action DD

    Community Speed Watch
    three volunteers had come forward so the Clerk was asked to contact Georgie Davis to establish the position with regard to training etc. – Action CD

  8. FOOTPATHS

    Re-alignment scheme
    Miss Frost had received a letter from Robin Wallbank (PRoW Maintenance Engineer ECC) that Hempstead’s footpath network had been inspected as part of countywide inspection. A number of anomalies/discrepancies had been noted and were discussed. Mr Weedon, Mr McCarthy and Miss Frost will liaise with relevant landowners etc. Mr Wallbank also noted that some minor works such as realigning post, changing discs etc was needed and offered to do these within their plan of works. Miss Frost will liaise with Mr Wallbank accordingly. – Action AW/SM/DF

  9. MAINTENANCE PROJECTS

    • Drinking Fountain
      Mr Haylock continues to liaise with the Community Initiative Fund to obtain the grant monies promised. Mr Haylock has reminded Mark Halls that the golden pineapple still needs attention. – Action DH
    • Village Sign
      Mr Drane confirmed that the cleaning work was due to commence from 18 August. A quote of £52 + VAT for varnishing the sign had been received. However, Mr Drane will ask Dirtbusters’ advice, as last time the sign was varnished there were a number of problems. Mr McCarthy will also try to get some advice from Ronseal. – Action DD/SM

  10. COMMUNICATIONS

    Website – all seems to be in order
    Newsletter – next newsletter deadline 20 August 2009

  11. EMERGENCY PLAN

    The plan needs to be updated in the near future.

  12. PLANNING

    • UTT/1803/08/FUL – Lakehouse Farm
      no decision to date
    • UTT/0820/09/LB – Anser Cottage
      replacement door/window – no decision to date
    • UTT/0906/09/FUL – Pollards Cross
      new entrance gates and walls –in circulation
    • UTT/0971/09/FUL – Anser Cottage
      installation of a swimming pool – in circulation
    • APP/C1570/A/09/2108227/WF – Highbanks
      appeal for removal of condition – “annexe to be used for domestic purposes only by residents of main dwelling” – the Clerk to reply that the Parish Council strongly object to the removal of conditions imposed, any reasons then still remain. – Action CD

    The proposals to alter 2 footpaths to bridle ways – no decision to date

  13. VILLAGE HALL

    redecorating of the hall will commence 15 August by volunteers.

  14. STANSTED AIRPORT

    BAA have drawn up a draft Noise Action Plan consultation which SSE are claiming misrepresents and understates the number of people affected by overflying.

    Future meeting dates – Thursday 17 September, Thursday 15 October and Thursday 12 November 2009.

    The meeting closed at 9.35pm.