Parish Council Minutes 18th January 2018

• Mr Sean McCarthy (Chairman)
• Mr David Drane
• Mr Alan Weedon
• Mr John Sladen
• Mrs Nicola McNeill
• Mr Mark Welbourn
• The Clerk
• District Councillor Simon Howell

Members of the Public:

The meeting started at 8.05pm

97. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

    Parish Councillor Sara Scott
    County Councillor Simon Howell

98. REPORTS OR CONTRIBUTIONS FROM DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS

    District Councillor Simon Howell reported that the District Council budget had been finalised but had yet to be formally approved. There would be an increase in council tax but balancing the budget had been helped by contribution from the Chesterford Science Park investment.

    He also explained the difficulties caused by China no longer taking plastic waste for recycling. Whilst new contractors were awaited storage facilities would have to be arranged.

    The issue of retrospective planning applications was also addressed Councillor Howell explained that if the appeals inspector deemed that it would have been passed if properly presented in the first place, they would be minded to approve them. The Chairman said that it would be Parish Council to policy to object to retrospective applications unless there were extenuating circumstances.

    County Councillor Simon Walsh had submitted a report by email that had been circulated prior to the meeting.

99. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING HELD Thursday December 14, 2017

    These were agreed to be an accurate account of the meeting and signed

100. MATTERS ARISING

     There were none not covered elsewhere

101. PLANNING

     Chalkstones: The Council expressed their regret and frustration that this retrospective application had been passed despite their input. There were reports that verges in the vicinity were being damaged by large vehicles using the property.

102. CORRESPONDANCE

     The Clerk alerted councillors to the fact that the Register of Member’s Interests now appeared in a new location on the Uttlesford website.

103. HIGHWAYS AND PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY

     David Drane reported that one of the problem areas he had reported in Radwinter had been addressed reasonably quickly. He still continued to pursue other issues.

     Road Safety schemes: – Mr Welbourn reported that there had been no mention of the Bramley Hollow and Anso road schemes at the last Local Highway Panel meeting

104. ENVIRONMENT

     Fountain refurbishment: – The quote from Mick Simmons had been accepted and the Clerk had contacted him and the work would start on 22nd January weather permitting

     Several residents had reported sightings of rats. Unfortunately, there is no longer a pest control service provided by Uttlesford District Council so it is down to individual residents to contact a pest controller if necessary.

     Litter: – Mr Welbourn proposed a village litter pick to coincide with other local initiatives. It was agreed that this would take place between 10 and 11am on Saturday 4th March. The police would be informed.

     Emergency Plan: – It was agreed that Mr Sladen would meet with the Chairman and Mr Drane to review and update this plan.

     Review of Watercourses: those involved would meet up towards the end of January to decide how to divide up the areas to be surveyed. ‘Leaky dams’ had been proposed as a solution to flooding in some areas to alleviate sudden spates in the drainage systems. The Council did not consider them as a valid solution to most of our local problems which are mainly caused by blockages. Though they possibly could contribute in the Wash and Anso Road areas.

105. VILLAGE HALL

     Provision of Wifi for the village hall has been investigated by Mr McCarthy. Two providers had been contacted and it would be referred to the Village Hall Management Committee. The Parish Council had allocated £200 of next year’s budget towards the installation. Outside funding souces would also be explored.

106. CODE OF CONDUCT

     The up-dated Code of Conduct from Uttlesford District Council was acknowledged and may need further discussion at a later meeting.

FUTURE MEETINGS – Thursdays 15th February,15th March and 26th April all at 8pm in the Village Hall.

The meeting ended at 9.25pm