Parish Council Minutes 9th March 2006

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 9 FEBRUARY 2006

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

MATTERS ARISING

from previous Minutes, not dealt with in the main agenda

• Ring of Trees etc.
  Pollarding of the limes in the Ring of Trees would be carried out on 21 March together with removal of the dead elms. Mr Haylock would be in attendance to retrieve the chain as it was cut away and ensure correct positioning of the dead trees as a ‘beetle bank’. It may be necessary to plant grass once this work was done – possibly a dressing of sand and bark with grass seed may be the most effective method.– Action DH

  Mr McCarthy had been approached by some residents regarding the excess height of the leylandii on the edge of Dick Turpins Cottage. The Clerk was asked to establish the detail and finding of the planning application in August/September 2004. (The application was for reduction by one third of both the leylandii and the sycamore – both of which were approved. A tree preservation order was then imposed on the sycamore (TP9/04/14).) The Clerk was also asked to obtain a list of all trees in the parish with a preservation order.– Action CD

  Mr McCarthy was thanked for pollarding the willows behind the back of the war memorial.

• Footpaths
  Five of the land owners have now agreed to make a financial commitment to support the changes proposed and the sub-committee were just about to submit the applications to the Rights of Way officers at Uttlesford District Council (UDC) when a letter of objection was received from the Saffron Walden Footpaths Association (SWFA). Mr Haylock spoke to Mrs Coe of SWFA regarding this and a meeting has been arranged for 12 April to iron out these problems.

  The clerk has written to UDC to ask for an extension of the Community Project Grant. No reply has yet been received.

ANNUAL REPORT REVIEW

The third draft of the annual report had been circulated by email and it was felt that the style and content were agreeable. The clerk was asked to make a few minor changes and bring the information fully up to date as agreed at the March meeting. The final version and the agenda were to be sent to Miss Frost as soon as possible for inclusion with the April newsletter.– Action CD

Minutes of last year’s Annual Assembly were agreed and it was decided that they would be distributed at the forthcoming annual assembly (19/5/06) and the clerk would forward them to Brian Kitchen for inclusion on the website.– Action CD

EMERGENCY PLAN

The presentation by Steve Daly was reviewed. The clerk had sent copies of Hempstead’s Emergency Plan to the clerks in both Great Sampford and Radwinter. Both parishes were in the process of updating their plans but would forward a copy in due course.

CORRESPONDENCE

WEBSITE

Brian Kitchen and Helen Philip were both grateful for prompt payment of their expenses and continued support from the Parish Council. Mr McCarthy reiterated what a sterling job they had both done in creating a fulfilling website.

FINANCE

The following cheques were drawn:-

PLANNING

UTT/0289/06/FUL – Fields Farm House – plans had been circulated and the clerk will write with councillors’ concerns that the building cannot become a residence. It was also felt that a Velux window rather than a Dormer would be more appropriate.– Action CD

Pollards Cross – it was noted that a part of the hedge had been removed to make an entrance. The planning permission granted for the works on the house did not include an alteration to the entrance but it was believed this may be temporary due to the ground works currently being carried out. It will be monitored.

HIGHWAYS/ROAD SAFETY

Mr Thomas had attended a UALC meeting on 16 February entitled “Uttlesford Highways”. Mr Hardy announced that he would be leaving his post at the end of March and currently there was no permanent replacement. It was confirmed that Mr Felgate should be contacted with regard to local issues and Mr Hardy’s replacement for larger issues.

Mr McCarthy had met with Sonia Church (Traffic Engineer at ECC Highways and Transportation) – it had been agreed that the flashing speed warning sign could be placed on the verge opposite the bus shelter facing the Saffron Walden direction. It will then be moved across the road and face the Haverhill direction. Each sign will be in position for two week and will serve to warn drivers that they are in a 30mph limit. The installation of Beware of Wild Animals signs on the B1054 as also been agreed.

Mr McCarthy also met with Mr Felgate with regard to installing kerbing at the Ring of Trees. This was agreed and since resurfacing of Church Hill/Howe Lane is imminent the kerbing will be put in place first. The ditching that has been carried out along Howe Lane in anticipation of the resurfacing has been carried out very satisfactorily.

Reinstatement of the sign at Anso Corner is still outstanding and two large potholes (Church Hill between Pollards Cross and Little Orchards and Witchtree Lane between Springers and Barrells) were reported. The clerk will contact Mr Felgate accordingly.– Action CD

Mr Sladen had attended a Parish Liaison Meeting, primarily for a licensing presentation.

NORTH AREA PANEL MEETING

Mr McCarthy attended the second meeting. The Road Safety Committee has been re-established and will report to the NAP. June will see the roll out of the wheelie bins with September/October anticipated for Hempstead. Cllr Bass gave a presentation on Highways. After the meeting Mr McCarthy spoke to both Cllr Bass and Mr Hardy regarding any update on the footpath financing. Unfortunately they had nothing to report.

COMMON LAND REGISTRATION

It was considered worthwhile investigating this further – the clerk was asked to pass the relevant files to Mr McCarthy who will then contact Essex County Council to ascertain the current position with regard to various pieces of land in the village.– Action CD/SM

BEST KEPT VILLAGE 2006

Miss Frost had emailed the entry form to all to review. Mr McCarthy would liaise further with Miss Frost in this regard.– Action DF/SM

VILLAGE HALL

There was nothing to report

STANSTED AIRPORT

A letter had been sent to BAA against the second runway proposals set out in the Generation 2 consultation documents. A copy had been sent to Sir Alan Haselhurst MP who had written back in support of our opposition.

WEST ESSEX AREA FORUM MEETING REVIEW

Miss Frost reported on this meeting and provided all with summary notes. The next meeting is 13 June 2006.

The dates of the next meetings are 6 April, 16 May and 13 June 2006.

The meeting closed at 10.15pm.