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

Parish Council Minutes 4th April 2013

4th April 2013

MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON
THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2013
The Parish Council met in the Village Hall on 4th April at 8.00 pm.

Present:

Part Time:

  • District Councillor Simon Howell

Apologies:

  • County Councillor Simon Walsh

Before the meeting John Bosworth talked to the Council about the appraisal he is undertaking of the Village Conservation Area. He thanked Parish Councillor Weedon for his help. Although his review was very comprehensive, in all probability, there will only be minor changes in his recommendations. These will come out in due course as a consultation document for public scrutiny. The Chairman thanked him for an informative and interesting presentation.

Next, District Councillor Simon Howell addressed the meeting. He had little to report on the Anso Corner site, though a decision was imminent on the two houses. Essex County Council Highways had objected to the proposals. He had received a sustained volume of mail on the Gypsy and Traveller Site issue. It had been discussed in Radwinter and Sampfords’ Parish Council Meetings.

The council queried why a suitability assessment could not be carried out earlier to reduce the period of uncertainty across a wide area of the district. Apparently procedures have to be followed in a set order.

The Chairman opened the Parish Council meeting at 9.05 pm

  1. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

    held Thursday March 7 were agreed as a correct record.

  2. MATTERS ARISING

    There were none not covered elsewhere

  3. PLANNING

    Local Development Framework:
    Parish Councillor David Haylock declared an interest in this item and did not take part in the discussion. Two possible sites in the village had been mentioned. One to the rear of Longcroft and a second at the end of Coach Road. No specific numbers had been mentioned for these sites. Whilst the Council was not opposed to reasonable development they would want to guard against a large increase in house numbers. There were only about 170 properties in the village now and it was considered that the optimum number of new house would be 10 of appropriate density.

    It was agreed at the next stage of consultation to make these views felt.

    Anso Corner Farm.
    It was agreed that the Council should maintain opposition to the Anso Corner site. The Chairman agreed to liaise with Sampfords and Radwinter and contact Stuart McNeill re the possibility of a legal challenge to the late inclusion of the site.

    The change of use application for this site was also be considered as a possible threat that could make conversion to a residential site easier. It was agreed that the clerk should object to the proposal on these grounds.

  4. CORRESPONDENCE

    County Councillor Simon Walsh’s Report
    This had previously been circulated and was noted

  5. ENVIRONMENT

    Village Green Re-registration
    Lloyd Simpson had indicated that the proposal would be advertised shortly. If no objections were received the matter could proceed.

    Ash Tree
    Miss Frost had met with Ben Smeedham and provided him with a map and photos and a letter.

    Bird Scarers
    There had been an improvement as Mr Sills had relocated some scarers and adjusted the timing of others. He was also experimenting with other less intrusive models. The meeting agreed that the clerk should contact him expressing their appreciation.

    Dustcarts
    The Clerk had written to Uttlesford District Council but the reply was, as expected, a reiteration of the points expressed to Miss Frost.

  6. POLICING

    Motorcycles
    These were still being a nuisance and it was agreed that the clerk should again contact WPC Griffiths

    Community Speedwatch
    Tricia Ridgeway had asked that we appeal for volunteers as the numbers have decreased.

  7. HIGHWAYS

    The Footway Project
    There was no perceived progress on this issue. The Chairman and Richard Crane would attend the next Local Highway Panel Meeting

    Potholes
    The situation was still varied with some holes being filled and others ignored

    B1054
    The clerk was chasing up long awaited replies concerning issues with this road after last year’s fatal accident.


  8. FINANCE


    A cheque had been issued outside the meeting to Brian Kitchen to the value of £142.50 to cover the UK2 invoice for the annual website fees.

    A cheque was issued to Essex and National Associations of Local Councils to cover the annual subscription. The amount was £119.03.

    The Budget was agreed subject to the clerk clarifying green waste skip costs with Radwinter

  9. PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY

    There was a new contact but as yet no details of a new contract for the 2013 funding for the cutting of footpaths.

  10. COMMUNICATIONS

    The monthly newsletter and Annual report had gone out on time.

  11. VILLAGE HALL

    It was agreed that work done so far was impressive. Further funding was being sought for the next phase of the project which it was hope to complete in the summer.

DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS – Thursdays 13 June and 18 July all at 8pm in the Village Hall. It was also agreed that Friday 17 May would be the Annual Meeting.

The meeting closed at 9.50pm