Minutes
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council, held on Monday 11th February 2013 at 7.30 pm, in St Johns Hall, Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), Stacey, Broughton, Hofert, King, Read, Santry, C/Cllr Mrs Naylor, B/Cllr Mrs Hones and Mr Harries (Parish Clerk).
1. APOLOGIES – P/Cllr H Stacey and B/Cllr Sleep.
2. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME – There were no members of the public present.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 14th January 2013 - The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING – None attended.
5. CODE OF CONDUCT, DECLARATION OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS - Nothing to report
6. MEETINGS – See 9 (iii) below.
7. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY
Proposal the improve the safety the Old Church Rd (Lane) / Mountnessing Road junction – progress to be followed up with Chris Stoneham at Essex Highways.
St Annes Road – Correspondence relating to problems caused by speeding vehicles, received via Cllr Naylor, has been circulated to members.
8. ALL WEATHER COURT PROJECT
As authorized at the last meeting the Chairman has accepted the quotation of £17,045 from Sovereign Sports. A grant application for £3,500 has been submitted to the Essex Environment Trust.
9. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc.
A. PLANNING
i) New Applications:
a) 12/01114/LBC – Holbrooks, Thoby Lane – Single storey ground floor extension to kitchen of Grade 11 listed property.
Recommend refusal on the basis that the proposal is out of character with the existing listed building.
b) 13/00011/FUL – 27 Burnthouse Lane – Conversion of bungalow into two storey house, extension to garage, removal of porch and formation of open canopy.
Recommend approval.
ii) Existing Applications:
a) 12/00953/FUL - Stables on land south of Holbrooks, Thoby Lane – Change of use of barn.
Application permitted ( Applications Decided List 1016 29.1.13 – 4.2.13).
b) 12/01161/FUL – Woodlands Farmhouse,Thoby Lane – Construction of agricultural building.
Application permitted ( Applications Decided List 1014 15.1.13 – 21.1.13).
iii) Enforcement - Hardstanding next to Civic Amenity Site
Cllrs Afteni, Stacey and Mr Harries met with Patrick Sullivan, the new senior enforcement officer at BBC, on the 7th February. Mr Sullivan explained that uses of the site that should not be happening should be classified as unauthorised and not unlawful .It was agreed that the site would be monitored on a regular basis, so that if use of the site was continuous, enforcement action would be considered. Minutes of the meeting to be circulated to members.
The Highways Agency has advised that a senior member of the Agency will ask the contractor to contact the landowner requesting him to remove the hardstanding. As this is now a private, now time expired, contractual matter between the contractor and the landowner it was agreed that the matter would not be pursued any further by the Parish Council.
B. FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – nothing to report.
C. RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE – Possible action to deal with poor drainage on the recreation ground will be looked into. It was not felt that the request from Stones Athletic to use the ground for another team should be agreed until the drainage issue has been resolved.
D. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA – the new benches have now been installed. Also see 14. below.
E. WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES and FLOWER BEDS – Bob Eady will be asked to clear items of rubbish
F. VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENNIUM GARDEN – nothing to report.
G. ST JOHN’S HALL – The Clerk will write to Mrs Drain to complement her on the new tapestries in St Johns.
H. MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL - nothing to report.
I. ALLOTMENTS
The Chairman is to meet the Atkins engineer to see if the problems with the drainage system can be resolved.
Allotment Enhancement Project. A grant of £1,100 has been awarded by the Big Society Fund and a grant of £1,500 has been received from the Brentwood Share Fund.
Mr Fowie will replace Mr Burrells on the allotments sub - committee.
The Chairman suggested that the sub - committee should meet in the next few weeks.
The next meeting of the Trustees of the English Charity, owners of the allotment site, will be on the 22nd February 2013 in St Johns Hall at 6.00pm. Cllrs Afteni and Hofert to attend.
10. RISK ASSESSMENT /MANAGEMENT - BBC continue to report Decay/Corrosion and Wear to Moving/Non-Moving Parts on one swing in their inspection reports. It is not considered that the comments are valid and there is no real risk. Further details have been requested.
11. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent email are available to members.
12. FINANCE
a. The Financial Statement as at 31st January was agreed. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted.
b. The final Budget for 2013/14 was agreed.
c. Changes to the Council Tax Benefits system. Even though Parishes in Brentwoodwill receive grants in 2013/14 to offset the potentially adverse impact of the new arrangements serious concerns remain about what may happen in future years. Consideration will be given to writing to Mr Pickles after a more thorough understanding of what is a complex subject is obtained.
13. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS – Nothing to report.
14. OTHER - Ward Budgets. The Chairman thanked Cllr Hones for her efforts and it is hoped that an amount will be awarded that will reimburse the PC for the cost of the new benches in the Children’s Play Area and the new gate in the Water Meadows.
Date of next meeting: Monday 11th March 2013 at 7.30pm.
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Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council, held on Monday 14th January 2013 at 7.30 pm, in St Johns Hall, Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), Stacey, Broughton, Hofert, King, Santry, H Stacey, C/Cllr Mrs Naylor and Mr Harries (Parish Clerk).
1. APOLOGIES – P/Cllr Read and B/Cllr Mrs Hones.
2. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME – There were no members of the public present.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 3rd December 2012 - The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING – None attended.
5. CODE OF CONDUCT, DECLARATION OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS
A letter dated 17th December 2012 has been received from Mr Steve Boyle, Head of Legal and Governance at Brentwood Borough Council and Proper Officer of the Council as defined by the Localism Act 2011, granting a dispensation as permitted by S33 of the Act to enable members to participate in the debate on setting of precepts and other permitted charges. This dispensation, which will last until May 2015, is applicable to all existing members. A copy of the letter from Mr Boyle has been given to these members.
6. MEETINGS – none.
7. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY
A proposal the improve the safety the Old Church Rd (Lane) / Mountnessing Road junction will be presented to the Highways Panel on the 28th January. Cllr Afteni will endeavour to attend.
8. ALL WEATHER COURT PROJECT
Members accepted the quotation of £17,045 from Sovereign Sports and authorised the Chairman to place an order with that company. The Chairman will also submit a grant application of £3,500 to the Essex Environment Trust. Work to commence in April.
9. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc.
A. PLANNING
i) New Application: 12/01161/FUL – Woodlands Farm House, Thoby Lane – Construction of agricultural building and extension of existing earth bund.
Members ratified the agreement, arrived at previously by email communication, that the PC did not have any objections. Weekly list 1571 week ending 11th January - officer recommends approval subject to conditions.
ii) Existing Applications Nothing to report.
ii) Enforcement - Hardstanding next to Civic Amenity Site The Clerk will arrange a meeting with the new Enforcement Manager at BBC.
B. FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – nothing to report.
C. RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE – nothing to report.
D. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA - see 10. and 14. below.
E. WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES and FLOWER BEDS
The new gate has been fitted at the Water Meadows.
F. VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENNIUM GARDEN – nothing to report.
G. ST JOHN’S HALL – nothing to report.
H. MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL - nothing to report.
I. ALLOTMENTS
The Chairman is in contact with Atkins to see if the problems with the drainage system can be resolved.
The Chairman will submit a grant application of £1,100 to the Big Society Fund.
The next meeting of the Trustees of the English Charity, owners of the allotment site, will be on the 22nd February 2013 in St Johns Hall at 6.00pm. Cllrs Afteni and Hofert to attend.
10. RISK ASSESSMENT /MANAGEMENT – Recent Borough Inspection Check Lists for the Children’s Play Area report the following medium risks defects:
a. New top and new logs required for benches. Action–benches bought and to be installed. See 14.below.
b. Decay/Corrosion and Wear to Moving/Non-Moving Parts of one swing. Action – PC to check.
11. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent email are available to members.
12. FINANCE
a. The Financial Statement as at 31st December was agreed. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted.
b. Precept 2013/14. The impact of the changes to the way council tax benefit will be paid in future was discussed and it was agreed that the precept should be increased from £14,030 to £14,800 which will mean in increase of 5.5% for a Band D property – from £30.42 to £32.09. The additional revenue of £770 is approximately 50% of the special grant paid by the Borough for the next financial year.
c. The draft Budget for 2013/14 as discussed. Although the overall financial position continues to be healthy there is uncertainty as the long term impact of the council tax changes.
d. Share of maintenance of St Giles Churchyard. The unanimous view of members that the invoice of £1,000 in respect of 2012 should not be paid. It was agreed that in future years that the annual contribution would be £250, or 50% of the total cost, whichever is the lower.
13. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS – Nothing to report.
14. OTHER - Ward Budgets. As soon as the new play area benches are installed the relevant invoices will be submitted to Cllr Hones.
Date of next meeting: Monday 11th February 2013 at 7.30pm
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Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council, held on Monday 3rd December 2012 at 7.30 pm, in St Johns Hall, Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), Broughton, Hofert, King, H Stacey, B/Cllr Mrs Hones and Mr Harries (Parish Clerk).
1. APOLOGIES – P/Cllrs Read, Santry and Stacey, B/Cllr Sleep and C/Cllr Mrs Naylor
2. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME – There were no members of the public present.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 12th November 2012 - The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING - None.
5. CODE OF CONDUCT AND DECLARATION OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS - No declarations were made by members.
6. MEETINGS - 27th November – see 8. below.
7. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY
The junction improvement at the Church Rd / Old Church Road has been completed.
All the finger posts at Padhams Green now have lettering.
At a meeting on the 24th October Rissa Long, Essex Highways, stated that the improvements necessary to the Old Church Rd (Lane) / Mountnessing Road junction could be carried out without reference to the Highway Committees. However Rissa has advised the Chairman that she is no longer responsible for this work. To be referred to Cllr Naylor.
8. ALL WEATHER COURT PROJECT
At a meeting of the Big Society Fund Judging Panel on the 27th November, attended by Cllr Afteni and Mr Harries, the grant application of £10,000 was agreed. Additional funding will be sought from the Essex Environment Trust in the Spring.
Another quote, of £17,000, has been obtained. Members authorised the Chairman and Vice Chairman to assess which would be most suitable and to proceed with agreeing a start date with the chosen contractor.
9. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc.
A. PLANNING
i) New Applications None received since last meeting.
ii) Existing Applications Nothing to report.
ii) Enforcement - Hardstanding next to Civic Amenity Site.
Enforcement report ref: 12/00144/UNCLOU ( Weekly Report 1566 week ending 30.11.12 Section 7 Page 3 ) states ‘ The storage has not been totally ended but at this stage it is believed that there is not a breach of planning control as there has not been a material change of use of the land. For the present the case should be closed’. Members agreed that this was unsatisfactory and that the matter should be referred to Jennifer Candler.
On the advice of Essex Highways the other outstanding issue relating to this matter has been referred to the Highways Agency.
B. FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – nothing to report.
C. RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE – nothing to report.
D. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA
Following a report from BBC one of the existing swing cradles has been replaced.
See 14.below.
E. WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES and FLOWER BEDS
A new gate has been ordered – see 14. below.
F. VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENNIUM GARDEN – nothing to report.
G. ST JOHN’S HALL – nothing to report.
H. MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL - nothing to report.
I. ALLOTMENTS
The site has been very badly flooded again. The Chairman is in contact with Atkins to see if the problems with the drainage system can be resolved.
A grant of £1,500 was awarded from the Brentwood Share Fund at a meeting of the Asset Infrastructure and Localism Panel on the 21st November. However the grant submission was for £3,000 and was the only one of 20 to be scaled down. Cllr H Stacey outlined the reasons given by the Chairman of the Panel for reducing the grant. These were felt to be unfair and the process for awarding these grants did seem undemocratic.
The Chairman will endeavour to obtain additional funding from the Big Society Fund.
The next meeting of the Trustees of the English Charity, owners of the allotment site, will be on the 22nd February 2013 in St Johns Hall at 6.00pm. Cllrs Afteni and Hofert to attend.
10. RISK ASSESSMENT /MANAGEMENT – see 9d. above.
11. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent email are available for members to read.
12. FINANCE
a. The Financial Statement as at 30th November was agreed. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted.
b. Precept 2013/14. The initial view of members was that there should be an increase related to the rate of inflation. A draft 2013/14 Budget will be presented to the next meeting and members were asked to consider what work of a project nature the PC should be considering for inclusion in the Budget.
13. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS – Nothing to report.
14. OTHER
Ward Budgets. Cllrs Hones agreed that a claim of approximately £1,100 for three new benches in the Children’s Play Area and a new galvanized gate for the Water Meadows could be submitted to the responsible officer at BBC.
Richard Martin has been asked to undertake a number of maintenance jobs in the Recreation Ground and the Village Hall Area.
Salt bags have been received and delivered to volunteers across the village.
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Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council, held on Monday 12th November 2012 at 7.30 pm, in St Johns Hall, Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), Broughton, Hofert, King, Santry, H Stacey, Mr Harries (Parish Clerk).
1. APOLOGIES – P/Cllrs Read and D Stacey, B/Cllrs Sparling and Mrs Hones.
2. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME – There were no members of the public present.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 8th October 2012 - The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING - None.
5. CODE OF CONDUCT AND DECLARATION OF MEMBERS’ INTEREST - No declarations were made by members.
6. MEETINGS
24th October – see 7 below.
7. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY
Cllr Afteni and the Clerk met with Cllr Sparling and Rissa Long, Essex Highways, on the 24th October regarding enhancements to road junctions and problems with fingers posts. The outcome of the meeting was:
a. Work will commence on the Old Church Rd/Church Road junction improvement on the 12th November.
b. Rissa will arrange for new signage and white lining at the Old Church Rd (Lane)/Mountnessing Rd junctions to be undertaken. Rissa said she could arrange for this work to be done without reference to the Highways Committees.
c. It was agreed that no work would be undertaken at the Church Rd/Burnthouse Lane junction except possibly white lining.
d. Missing screws on the finger post Padhams Green Road/Buttsbury junction have been fitted.
e. Rissa to arrange for the missing lettering on the finger post at the Padhams Green Rd/Church Rd/Hall Lane junction to be fitted.
8. ALL WEATHER COURT PROJECT – Nothing further to report
9. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc.
A. PLANNING
a) 12000960/FUL – 4 Hope Close – One bedroom detached dwelling.
Meeting confirmed Chairman’s recommendation 17.10.12 that application is refused.
Office recommends refusal – Weekly List 1563 week ending 9.11.12.
b) 12/00953/FUL – Stables at Thoby Lane – Change of use of a barn to a dwelling including the rebuilding of a rear lean to extension.
Meeting confirmed Chairman’s recommendation 6.11.12 that application is approved.
ii) Existing Applications
a) 12/00897/REM – Development Site at Former Scrapyard - Reserved matters for erection of hotel etc.
Office recommends approval – Weekly List 1561 week ending 26.10.12.
b) 12/00859/FUL – Woodlyn, St Annes Road – Single storey rear extension, garage conversion incorporating new pitched roof and enlarging existing roof lights to rear.
Approved – Applications Decided List 1002 16.10.12 – 22.10.12.
c) 12/00878/FUL - 32 Burnthouse Lane – First floor side extension.
Approved – Applications Decided List 1002 16.10.12 – 22.10.12.
d) 12/00819/FUL – 7 Court View – Loft conversion.
Approved – Applications Decided List 1000 9.10.12 – 15.10.12.
iii) Enforcement - Hardstanding next to Civic Amenity Site.
Being followed up with Paul Bird, Director of Highways, at ECC by the Clerk
B. FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – nothing to report.
C. RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE – nothing to report.
D. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA
Safety Inspections by BBC. After further consideration it was unanimously agreed that the changes to the frequency of inspections agreed at the last meeting should be changed. The existing frequency of weekly inspections in the Summer and fortnightly inspections in the Winter would continue.
The contractors have rectified the cracks that have appeared in the ‘wetpour’ surface.
New benches – see 14. below.
E. WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES and FLOWER BEDS
The landscape gardener has now tidied up the Water Meadows.
It was agreed that a new gate would be installed – see 14. below.
F. VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENIUM GARDEN – nothing to report.
G. ST JOHN’S HALL – nothing to report.
H. MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL - nothing to report.
I. ALLOTMENTS
Cllrs Afteni and Hofert to attend the next meeting of the English Charity.
Anglian Water has been working at the edge of the site to clear the sewerage pipes.
The PC will know by the end of November if the grant application has been successful.
10. RISK ASSESSMENT /MANAGEMENT – see 9d. above.
11. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent email are available for members to read.
12. FINANCE
The Financial Statement as at 31st October was agreed. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted.
The Receipts and Payments Forecast for 2012/13 was agreed.
13. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS – There were no County or Borough councillors at the meeting.
14. OTHER
Cllrs Hones and Sleep are supportive of the PC’s application of funding from the Ward Budgets. The amount applied for is approximately £1,100 for three new benches in the Children’s Play Area and a new galvanized gate for the Water Meadows. Cllr Hones to advise on the how the application should be submitted to BBC officers.
Richard Martin has been asked to undertake a number of maintenance jobs in the Recreation Ground and the Village Hall Area.
Date of next meeting: Monday 3rd December 2012 at 7.30pm.
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Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council, held on Monday 8th October 2012 at 7.30 pm, in St Johns Hall, Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/Cllrs Stacey (Vice Chairman), Broughton, Hofert, Read, Santry, H Stacey, Mr Harries (Parish Clerk) and C/Cllr Mrs Naylor.
1. APOLOGIES – P/Cllrs Afteni and King, B/Cllrs Sleep and Mrs Hones.
2. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME – There were no members of the public present.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 10th September 2012 - The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING - None.
5. CHANGES TO CODE OF CONDUCT AND DECLARATION OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS
All Registers of Members Interests have been completed and signed. Unsigned copies will be sent to the Borough’s monitoring officer.
6. MEETINGS
Parish Liaison Meeting – 20th September 2012. Chairman and Clerk attended. The main topics discussed were:
- Impact on PC’s of the legislative changes localising support for council tax – see 13b below.
- Parish Council Funding (Grants) for 2013/14.
- Declaration of Members’ Interests.
7. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY
Concern was expressed by all members at the lack of progress in implementing three long outstanding enhancements. After a prolonged discussion, in which a number of courses of action were considered, it was agreed to refer the concerns to Cllr Sparling as he is now the Vice-Chairman of the Highways Localism Panel as well as being a Ward members.
8. ALL WEATHER COURT PROJECT – The Chairman has submitted a grant application of £10,000 to the Big Society Fund. An application for funding will also be made to the Essex Environment Trust in March 2013.
9. LOCALISM – It was agreed that this would no longer be a specific agenda items. Any relevant changes arising as a result the Localism legislation will be dealt with in existing appropriate parts of the Agenda such as Planning.
10. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc.
A. PLANNING
(i) New Applications
a) 12/00897/REM – Development Site at Former Scrapyard - Reserved matters for erection of hotel etc.
The Planning Case Officer has agreed that the submission of observations can be deferred until the 15th October. Cllr H Stacey to prepare. It was generally felt that the proposed design of the hotel was not sympathetic to its rural setting. Also there were serious concerns regarding road access to the site.
b) 12/00859/FUL – Woodlyn, St Annes Road– Single storey rear extension, garage conversion incorporating new pitched roof and enlarging existing roof lights to rear.
No objection.
c) 12/00878/FUL - 32 Burnthouse Lane – First floor side extension.
No objection
ii) Existing Applications
a) 12/00819/FUL – 7 Court View – Loft conversion.
Officer recommends approval subject to conditions (Weekly List 1557 week ending 28.9.12).
iii) Enforcement - Hardstanding next to Civic Amenity Site.
As requested by Jennifer Candler the Director of Highway at ECC, Paul Bird, has agreed to look into the PC’s concerns about the payment made to the landlord for removing the hardstanding. The Clerk will follow this up with Mr Bird.
Cllr Stacey was dissatisfied with the response received from Mr Stathers on the 13th September regarding planning enforcement of the current usage of the site. He will look into further.
B. FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – nothing to report.
C. RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE – nothing to report.
D. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA
Cllr Stacey and the Clerk are preparing an application for the funding of new benches from the Ward Budgets. This will be submitted to Cllr Hones.
As most of the equipment is now new it was agreed that the number of safety inspections by BBC should be reduced to being on a fortnightly basis in the Summer and monthly in the Winter.
The contractors have agreed to rectify the cracks that have appeared in the ‘wetpour’ surface.
E. WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES and FLOWER BEDS
A landscape gardener employed by the owners of 15 Church Close has used the Water Meadows, without permission, to obtain access to the garden. The Clerk has expressed his concern to one of the occupants and to the gardener who has agreed to ensure that the damage to the surface is rectified as soon as the work is finished. The other occupant has apologised for not requesting permission and accepted responsibility for ensuring the site is ‘tidied up’ properly. The gardener has removed the burnt park seat from the site. The Clerk will monitor the position.
F. VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENIUM GARDEN– nothing to report
G. ST JOHN’S HALL – nothing to report.
H. MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL
Cllr Santry will discuss the possible listing of the old school building with the Headteacher.
I. ALLOTMENTS
The Chairman has submitted a grant application of £4,000 to the Brentwood Share Fund to increase the number of plots and to re-site existing ones.
The Clerk has spoken to the owner of the neighbouring property who has agreed to tell her gardener not the dump garden waste on the allotment site.
Congratulation to Cllr Hofert on retaining the Ingatestone and Fryerning Horticultural Society Vegetable Cup at the Autumn show.
11. RISK ASSESSMENT /MANAGEMENT – see 10d above.
12. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent email are available for members to read.
13. FINANCE
The Financial Statement as at 30th September was accepted. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted.
The proposal to exclude the impact of council tax support reductions from the calculation of parish precepts was agreed. The Clerk will write to the DCLG and BBC.
14. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS – Nothing to report.
15. OTHER – The Clerk has submitted a list of jobs the Highway Rangers.
Date of next meeting: Monday 12th November 2012 at 7.30pm.
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Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council, held on Monday 10th September 2012 at 7.30 pm, in St Johns Hall, Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), Stacey, Broughton, Hofert, King, Read, Santry, Mr Harries (Parish Clerk) and C/Cllr Mrs Naylor.
1. APOLOGIES – P/Cllr H Stacey, B/Cllrs Sleep, Sparling and Mrs Hones.
2. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME – There were no members of the public present.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 13th August 2012 - The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING - None.
5. CHANGES TO CODE OF CONDUCT AND DECLARATION OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS
All Registers of Members Interests have been completed and signed and copies (unsigned) can now be sent to the Borough’s monitoring officer. The mechanics of how the Registers are loaded on the Parish and Borough web sites will be discussed at the Parish Liaison meeting on the 20th September.
6. MEETINGS
BBPCA – 5th September 2012. Chairman and Clerk attended.
Head of Planning at BBC – 10th September 2012. See 9 and 10 below. Chairman and Clerk attended.
7. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY
Junction of Church Road and Old Church Road. A senior engineer at Essex Highways has advised that she is hopeful of obtaining the additional budget for this work.
Finger Posts in Padhams Green. Replacing the missing letters at the Church Rd/Hall Lane/Padhams Green Road junction and refitting some of the letters at the Mountnessing Rd/Buttsbury/Padhams Green Road junction continues to be followed up with the responsible Essex Highways maintenance engineer.
Cllr Naylor gave the Clerk details of a complaint made by a resident about the dangerous state of the Old Church Road/ Mountnessing Road junction due to lack of signage and worn white stop lines.
8. ALL WEATHER COURT PROJECT – Despite the endeavours of the Chairman only one quotation has been received and this will be sent with a grant application to the Big Society Fund.
9. LOCALISM - The degree of PC participation in the Local Development Plan was discussed at a meeting with the Borough’s Head of Planning 10th September. The Chairman confirmed that the Parish Council would give whatever help and cooperation necessary to the Borough in the compilation of the Local Development Plan.
10. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc.
A. PLANNING
(i) New Applications
a) 12/00819/FUL – 7 Court View - Loft Conversion.
No objection.
(ii) Existing Applications
a) 12/00609/FUL - 4aLaundry Lane–ReplacementGardenand New Dwelling Area.
Application refused (Applications Decided List 993 14.8.12 – 20.8.12).
(iii) Enforcement - Hardstanding next to Civic Amenity Site.
The two aspects of the issue were discussed with the Jennifer Candler (Head of Planning) and Chris Stathers (Senior Enforcement Officer) on the 10th September:
- It was agreed that the site was a ‘permitted development’ (no planning permission necessary) with no requirement for it to be removed after completion of the highway works. However the legality if its continued usage is not a not clear cut and depends on a number of factors such as the nature and frequency of the work undertaken. Chris Stathers agreed to write to the PC to explain the matter in more detail.
- It was confirmed that the payment of £15,000 by the Civil Engineers to the Landlord for the removal of the hardstanding was solely a contractual matter between the two parties and not a planning issue. However Jennifer Candler agreed that, as there was an issue of public funds, she would refer the matter to Paul Bird, Director of Highways and Transportation at ECC. A copy of email would be sent to the Parish Council.
(iv) Enforcement - The Warren, Lower Road - A copy of the enforcement report from Weekly List 1552, Section 2 p3 week ending 24.8.12 has been circulated to members.
B. FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – nothing to report.
C. RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE – nothing to report.
D. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA – It was agreed that the old benches should be replaced and a request will made for the funding to be allocated from the Ward Budgets.
E. WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES and FLOWER BEDS – nothing to report.
F. VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENIUM GARDEN – nothing to report.
G. ST JOHN’S HALL – nothing to report.
H. MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL
The school roll at the beginning of the current term is 83 an increase of 9 pupils.
Cllr Santry will discuss the possible listing of the old school building with the Headteacher.
I. ALLOTMENTS
A grant application will be made to the Brentwood Share Fund to increase the number of plots and resite existing ones.
Cllr Hofert’s concerns regarding the dumping of garden waste on the allotment site will be taken up with the owner of the neighbouring property.
11. RISK ASSESSMENT /MANAGEMENT – nothing to report.
12. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent email are available for members to read.
13. FINANCE
The Financial Statement as at 31st August was accepted. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted.
Littlejohn LLP has been appointed External Auditor from 2012/13.
14. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS – Nothing to report.
15. OTHER – The Clerk requested members to provide details of jobs that could be done by the Highway Rangers.
Date of next meeting: Monday 8th October 2012 at 7.30pm.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council, held on Monday 13thth August 2012 at 7.30 pm, in St Johns Hall, Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), Stacey, Broughton, Hofert, King, Read, Santry, H Stacey, Mr Harries (Parish Clerk) and Borough Cllrs Mrs Hones and Sleep
1. APOLOGIES – None.
2. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
PCSO Moira Kennedy attended the first part the meeting. The Chief Inspector at Brentwood has requested that a police officer attends Parish Meetings on a regular basis. The recent spate of burglaries was discussed and she advised that this was due mainly to the recession. Moira outlined briefly the new improved coverage system and advised the meeting that Peter Kearney, our allocated PCSO, is now back in work.
John Osbourne a resident living in Church Crescent also attended the meeting to express his concerns at the building alterations currently being made to 21 Church Road which is at the back of his property. See 10A below.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 9th July 2012 - The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING - None.
5. CHANGES TO CODE OF CONDUCT AND DECLARATION OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS
The Chairman and the Clerk attended a special BBPCA meeting on the 20th July which was attended by Mr Steve Boyle, the Borough’s monitoring officer. He was able to deal with most of the questions raised by Parish representatives and the only area of concern, for some Councillors, was the legal requirement to post the Declarations of Interests onto the Parish and Borough web sites.
The meeting unanimously agreed to adopt the PLP Code of Members Conduct. BBC and EALC have recommended that Parishes adopt this Code.
The Chairman asked Councillors to complete their Register of Members’ Interests as soon as possible. The Clerk offered to provide members with any help necessary.
6. MEETINGS
BBPCA – 20th July. See 5. above.
Tennis Club – various. See 8 below.
Head of Planning at BBC – 27th July. See 9. below.
Stones Athletic – 13th August. See 10C below.
7. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY
Junction of Church Road and Old Church Road. A senior engineer at Essex Highways has advised that she is hopeful of obtaining the additional budget for this work.
Finger Posts in Padhams Green. Replacing the missing letters at the Church Rd / Hall Lane / Padhams Green Road junction and the Mountnessing Rd / Buttsbury / Padhams Green Road junction continues to be followed up with the responsible Essex Highways maintenance engineer.
8. ALL WEATHER COURT PROJECT – Further meetings have taken place with the Tennis Club. Grant applications will be submitted by the Chairman to CIF and the Essex Environment Trust in the next few weeks. It the project goes ahead the licensee of the Prince of Wales has agreed to keep a key to the new court which can be given to local residents, on a pay and play basis, who use to use the new facility. The current proposal is to have one main court and four mini courts.
9. LOCALISM
The Chairman and Clerk had a meeting with BBC Planning Services, on the 27th July, to discuss the Parish’s involvement in BBC's Local Development Plan. As MPC has decided against compiling a Neighbourhood Plan, due to the fact that it would be expensive, time consuming and that the Green Belt would still be very important in deciding any planning applications there appears to be no apparent gain for the village in doing this work. It was agreed that the best way forward would be for the Parish Council to assist BBC Planning, where possible, in the formulation of the new Local Development Plan with regard to its area.
The meeting covered three principle areas concerning Thoby Priory, the Hotel Site at Lower Road and the Water Meadows. The possible historical listing of the original Village School building was discussed.
The Parish has offered to take an active and on-going role in consulting with residents on any sites that might be considered for inclusion in the Local Development Plan.
10. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc.
A. PLANNING
(i) New Applications
a) 12/00609lFUL – 4a Laundry Lane – Replacement Dwelling.
Parish Council wrote to the Planning Office on the 27th July to state that it did not have any objection to the application.
Weekly List 1550 week ending 10.8.12. Officer recommends refusal.
(ii) Existing Applications
a) 12/00508/FUL– 8 Crossby Close – Single Storey Side Extension.
Application Permitted (Applications Decided List 988 10.7.12 – 16.7.12).
b) 12/00467/TPO – 21 Church Road – To prune back to previous points around 20/25%, Crown reduce by 15% and Crown Lift to 5M One Oak Tree.
Application Permitted (Applications Decided List 987 7.7.12-9.7.12).
(iii) Enforcement
a) 21 Church Road. Mr Osbourne and Cllr Santry expressed serious concerns about the contravention of planning permission given for the building work now taking place. They were also concerned about the risk to residents, particularly children, in the way the site was left exposed and in a potentially dangerous state at night. Cllr Santry will write to Cllrs Sleep and Hones who will take the matter up with the Enforcement team at the Borough.
b) Hardstanding next to Civic Amenity Site. The PC’s concerns were discussed at the meeting with Jennifer Candler, Head of Planning at BBC, on the 27th July. It was agreed that a further meeting would be held after Chris Stathers next site visit.
(iv) Planning Appeal - Hunts Farm, Old Church Lane
An appeal has been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate against the Council’s decision refuse planning permission for a Certificate of Lawfulness for operational development to a structure that has converted it from a mobile home to a permanent dwelling.
B. FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – nothing to report.
C. RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE – Prior to the meeting Cllrs Afteni, Stacey and Mr Harries met with Nick Holmes from Stones Athletic. It was agreed that the annual rent would be increased from £350 to £400 per annum for the next three years - £200 payable in September and £200 in January. (Confirmatory email received from Nick Holmes on 22nd August).
D. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA – It was agreed that the old benches should be replace. Cllr Stacey will bring forward proposals to the next meeting.
E. WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES and FLOWER BEDS – Cllr Hofert reported that the bench had been burnt – it was agreed that it would not be replaced.
F. VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENNIUM GARDEN – nothing to report.
G. ST JOHN’S HALL – nothing to report.
H. MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL – nothing to report.
I. ALLOTMENTS – Cllr Afteni is in correspondence with Atkins, the Highway contractor to see if anything could be done to deal with the drainage problems. Cllr Hofert presented his proposal for increasing the number of plots and re-siting some of the existing ones. Cllr Stacey will prepare a submission to the Brentwood Share Fund to assist with the necessary finance.
11. RISK ASSESSMENT /MANAGEMENT – A recent inspection of the Children’s Play Area by the Borough reported that the roof of one of the multiplay units was in need of attention. (Dealt with after the meeting).
12. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent email are available for members to read.
13. FINANCE
a. The Financial Statement as at 31st July June was accepted. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted.
b. It was agreed that £16,000 (Reserve for Car Park Resurfacing as at 31st March 2012) would be placed with Lloyds TSB for two years at an interest rate of 2.8%. (The interest rate currently payable on the Deposit Account with Lloyds TSB is 0.05% and on the National Savings Account is 0.3%).
c. External Auditor’s certificate and opinion on the annual return for the year ended 31 March 2012. It states that there are no matters of concern that have come to the attention of the Auditor and there are no matters of concern to be brought to the attention of the Council. A Notice of Conclusion of Audit and Right to Inspect the Annual Return will be placed on both notice boards for the statutory period of time. A copy of the certificate and opinion was sent to members on the 13th August 2012.
14. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS – Nothing to report.
15. OTHER – None.
Date of next meeting: Monday 10th September 2012 at 7.30pm.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council, held on Monday 9th July 2012 at 7.30pm, in St Johns Hall, Church Road, Mountnessing.
ATTENDANCE: P/Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), Stacey, Broughton, Hofert, King, H Stacey and Mr Harries (Parish Clerk).
1. APOLOGIES were received from Cllrs Read, and Santry; B/Cllrs Mrs Hones, Sleep and Sparling; and C/Cllr Mrs Naylor.
2. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME - No members of the public were present.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 11th June 2012 - The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING
Replacement of broken fence in Lower Road – The broken section has been replaced and an invoice has been sent by Mr Martins to Development Securities PLC for settlement.
5. CHANGES TO CODE OF CONDUCT AND DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Changes are being introduced as part of the Localism Act. The main change is that it will in future be necessary to declare the interests of spouses and partners. It is unclear what exactly has to be disclosed and the Chairman and the Clerk will be attending at a meeting of all Parishes on the 20th July. Mr Steve Boyle, the Borough’s Head of Legal Services and Governance as well as the Monitoring Officer, will be attending the meeting. The Chairman will report back at the next meeting.
6. MEETINGS
The Chairman and Clerk attended the Annual General Meeting of the Brentwood Borough Parish Councils’ Association on the 13th June.
Cllr H Stacey attended the Asset, Infrastructure and Localism Panel meeting on the 4th July.
7. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY
Junction of Church Roadand Old Church Road. Although Essex Highways did agree to implement changes involving new road markings, signs and kerbing there now seems to be an issue with budgets. To be followed up by the new engineer
Finger Posts in Padhams Green. Replacing the missing letters at the Church Rd / Hall Lane / Padhams Green Road junction and the Mountnessing Rd / Buttsbury / Padhams Green Road junction continues to be followed up with the responsible Essex Highways maintenance engineer.
8. ALL WEATHER COURT PROJECT – Initial discussions have taken place with the Tennis Club to see if the AWC can be converted into a tennis court. They Club will approach the Lawn Tennis Association to see if it can obtain financial support and our expression of interest to CIF has received a favourable response. As it is possible that the Parish will have to make a contribution to the project it is desirable that residents are able to take advantage of the new facility if the project comes to fruition. As the condition of the AWC continues to deteriorate, and is not being used, it was agreed that the feasibility of the project should be considered in greater detail. The objective is to transfer long term responsibility for the AWC to the Tennis Club provided that it can be demonstrated that the new facility will be of benefit to the Village.
9. LOCALISM – Further guidance will be sought from the Borough’s Planning Department on how best the Parish Council can be involved with the Brentwood Development Plan.
10. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc.
A) PLANNING
(i) Existing Applications
a) 12/00508/FUL– 8 Crossby Close – Single Storey Side Extension.
Officer recommends approval with conditions (Weekly List 1545 W/E 6.7.12).
b) 12/00477/FUL – Extension of time limit to Planning Application BRW/298/2009 for Single Storey Side Extension.
Officer recommends approval with conditions (Weekly List 1545 W/E 6.7.12).
c) 12/00476/TPO – 21 Church Road – To prune back to previous points around 20/25%, Crown reduce by 15% and Crown Lift to 5M One Oak Tree. Officer agrees that work is justified and should be carried out twelve months after the decision date (Weekly List 1544 W/E 29.6.12).
(ii) Enforcement
Hardstanding next to Civic Amenity Site. The Clerk was asked to arrange a meeting with Cllr Golding who was involved in the issue in April 2010.
B) FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – nothing to report.
C) RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE – Prior to this meeting Cllrs Afteni, Stacey and Mr Harries met with Graham Bonney from the Cricket Club. Subject to ratification by the Club Committee Mr Bonney agreed an increase in the annual rent from £500 to £700. A meeting will be held with representatives of Stones Athletic before the next meeting.
D) CHILDRENS PLAY AREA – Signs will be refitted.
E) WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES and FLOWER BEDS – nothing to report.
F) VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENNIUM GARDEN – nothing to report.
G) ST JOHN’S HALL – nothing to report.
H) MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL – nothing to report.
I) ALLOTMENTS – It was agreed that consideration should be given to applying for a grant from the Brentwood Share Fund to enhance the site and to increase the number of plots. Cllr Hofert was asked to produce a draft proposal for the next meeting.
It was agreed that the Parish would pay for a new padlock.
11. RISK ASSESSMENT /MANAGEMENT – The RoSPA Play Area Safety Inspection Report dated 24th May 2012 had been circulated to members before the meeting. The overall risk rating is LOW. The only item in the report indicating that the relevant standard had not been met was the surface area around the Carousel – Honey Comb Whirl (Roundabout). The report did not draw members’ attention to any remedial work required.
12. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent email are available for members to read.
13. FINANCE
- The Financial Statement as at 30th June was accepted. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted.
- The financial statement in respect of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee was also agreed.
14. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS – Nothing to report.
15. OTHER - Cllr H Stacey agreed to become the PC’s representative on the Parking, Borough Project Liaison and Highways Localism Panel
Date of next meeting: Monday 13th August 2012 at 7.30pm.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council, held on Monday 11th June 2012 at 8.00 pm, in St Johns Hall, Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), Stacey, Broughton, Hofert, King, Santry, H Stacey, Mr Harries (Parish Clerk) and C/Cllr Mrs Naylor.
1. APOLOGIES were received from Cllr Read and B/Cllr Sparling.
2. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME - No members of the public were present.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 14th May 2012 - The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING
Replacement of broken fence in Lower Road - A quote for replacing a section of the fence has been sent to Mr Spears at Development Securities PLC.
5. REGISTER OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS AND COUNCILLOR CHANGES
It was unanimously agreed that Mr Ashley Hofert be co-opted as a member of the Parish Council to fill the vacancy resulting from the resignation of Cllr Stephenson.
6. MEETINGS
The Chairman and Clerk attended the first meeting of the Parish Council Liaison Meeting on the 24th May. The main topics discussed were:
a) Neighbourhood Plans and theBrentwoodDevelopment Plan.
b) Proposed changes to Code of Conduct and Registration and Disclosure of Interests.
c) Planning enforcement of unauthorised changes to listed buildings.
The Chairman attended the Village Hall AGM on the 28th May.
7. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY
Junction of Church Road and Old Church Road. Essex Highways will implement changes involving new road markings, signs and kerbing. To be followed up.
Finger posts in Padhams Green. Replacing the missing letters at the Church Rd/Hall Lane/Padhams Green Road junction continues to be followed up with the responsible Essex Highways maintenance engineer.
8. CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA PROJECT - With the exception of replacing the signs this project is now complete.
9. LOCALISM – Cllrs Afteni and H Stacey have started on the initial stages of preparing a draft report on potential locations in Mountnessing which could, subject to PC agreement, be considered for inclusion in the Brentwood Local Development Plan. They have agreed that further guidance from Planning Services on the best way forward will be sought.
10. QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE – Despite the rain, which meant that the event took place in the Village Hall, the celebrations went well and was attended by about 200 residents.
11. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc.
A. PLANNING
(i) New Applications
a) BRW/00477/FUL 225 Roman Rd – Extension of time limit to planning permission
BRW/298/2009 for single storey side extension.
No objection.
b) 12/00508/FUL - 8 Crossby Close – Single storey rear extension.
No objection.
(ii) Existing Applications
a) 11/00711/FUL - Roman Triangle - Permanent permission for change of use of land to caravan site with 5 mobile homes, 5 touring caravans, 5 day rooms and various other changes.
Temporary approval given for 18 months at Planning Development Control and Licensing Committee meeting 23.5.12.
b) 12/00375/FUL– 5 Crossby Close – Proposed loft conversion/ extension with rear extension.
Officer recommends approval with conditions (Weekly List 1539 W/E 25.5.12).
c) 12/00376/FUL – 5 Crossby Close – New residential annex.
Officer recommends approval with conditions (Weekly List 1539 W/E 25.5.12).
d) 12/0422/FUL –31 Church Road– Single storey side extension.
Officer recommends approval with conditions (Weekly List 1539 W/E 25.5.12).
e) 11/01224/FUL – 4 Hope Close – Two storey and single storey side extension.
Application permitted (Applications Decided 978 1.5.12 – 7.5.12).
f) 12/00207/FUL –161 Roman Rd - Single storey front extension to enlarges existing porch.
Application permitted (Applications Decided 980 15.5.12 – 21.5.12).
(iii) Enforcement
Hard-standing next to Civic Amenity Site. A meeting with Cllr McCheyne, Chairman of the Borough’s Planning Committee, has been suggested as a way forward. Carried forward from previous meeting.
B. FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – Closure of crossing over the railway line nearHeybridge Road. Various options to reroute the footpath are being evaluated by Network Rail
C. RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE
Arrangements are being made to meet the Cricket Club and Stones Athletic in order to review the present charging structure.
New building. Mr Martins has been asked to replace a section of ceiling following a recent leak as well as replacing the broken meter cover.
D. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA – See 8 above.
E. WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES, and FLOWER BEDS – In response to Cllr Hofert comment regarding the standard of grass cutting at the Water Meadows Mr Harries stated that this was due to grass this work now taking place on a monthly basis. Previously it was done every two weeks.
F. VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENNIUM GARDEN – nothing to report.
G. ST JOHN’S HALL – nothing to report.
H. MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL – Cllr Santry stated that some parents had expressed concern about the perceived lack of experience of the new Headteacher.
I. ALLOTMENTS - The plots have been flooded again as a result of the recent heavy rain. It appears that the cause is inadequate drainage and the Chairman is pursuing the matter with Essex Highways.
Consideration will be given to applying for a grant to increase the number of allotments.
It was agreed that Mr Horner would be allowed to keep bees on his plot.
11. STANDING ORDERS - Revised Standing Orders, dated April 2012, were formally agreed.
12. RISK ASSESSMENT /MANAGEMENT – Reports prepared will be discussed at the next meeting.
13. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent email are available for members to read.
14. FINANCE
a) The Financial Statement as at 31st May was accepted. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted.
b) Renewal of Insurance Policy 1.6.12. The policy has been renewed with Zurich for 3 years.
15. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS – Cllr Naylor briefly outlined the financial pressures that Brentwood, in common with other local authorities, would have to deal with in the next few years.
16. OTHER -
All Weather Court. Members agreed the discussions could take place to develop this area as tennis court. This would be done in conjunction with the Mountnessing Tennis Club and could provide an additional sporting activity for residents and club members. To be a specific agenda item in future.
A review if the condition of the various bus shelters in the Village will be undertaken.
Date of next meeting: Monday 9th July 2012 at 7.30pm
______________________________________________________________________________________
Minutes of the Ordinary and Annual General Meetings of Mountnessing Parish Council, held on Monday 14th May 2012 at 7.30 pm, in St Johns Hall, Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), Stacey, Broughton, King, Santry, H Stacey and Mr Harries (Parish Clerk).
1. APOLOGIES were received from Cllr Read, B/Cllr Sleep and C/Cllr Mrs Naylor.
2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Mr Harries called for nominations for the offices of Chairman and Vice Chairman. Cllr Afteni was nominated as Chairman by Cllr King and seconded by Cllr Santry. Cllr Stacey was nominated as Vice Chairman by Cllr King and seconded by Cllr Broughton. There were no other nominations and the motions were carried unanimously.
Sub Committees, Working Parties and Areas of Responsibility:
Planning Cllrs Afteni, Broughton, Read and H Stacey
Recreation Ground Cllrs Afteni, Broughton, Hofert, Read and Clerk
Children’s Play Area Cllrs Afteni, King, Santry and H Stacey
Footpaths Cllr Santry
Highway Verges, Bus Shelters, Flower Beds etc. Cllr Santry
Village Hall Management Committee Cllr Afteni, Santry and Clerk
St Johns Hall Management Committee Cllr Read and Clerk
BBPCA Cllrs Afteni, Stacey and Clerk.
BBC Planning Development Control Cllrs Afteni, Stacey, Read and H Stacey
Passenger Transport representative Vacant
Village News Clerk
Allotments Cllrs Broughton, Hofert and Santry
(Note: It has been assumed that Mr Hofert will be co-opted as a Parish Councillor).
3. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Mr John Harvey and Mr Paul Harvey attended this part of the meeting to discuss the future of the land adjacent to 361 Roman Road. Although they did not have specific proposals they thought that a three unit tasteful development could be appropriate.
The Chairman explained that the preservation of the Green Belt was paramount until the Brentwood Local Development Plan was updated and that possible acceptance of any future development would be dependent on that land being reclassified as residential. Members were however in broad agreement that they would not be averse to one, or possibly two properties, being built on the plot provided they were of a high quality and in keeping with the other houses in that part of Roman Road. Even though they had been encouraged to attend the meeting no residents of neighbouring properties were in attendance.
4. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 16th April 2012 - The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
5. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING
Replacement of broken fence in Lower Road – Following a meeting with Cllr Afteni and Mr Harries on the 14th May, Mr Spears of Development Securities PLC , agreed to pay for the a new section of fence which would block access to the ‘pond’ on the other side of the fence. Richard Martins to provide a quotation.
6. REGISTER OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS AND COUNCILLOR CHANGES
Cllr Ford has tendered his resignation. A Notice of Vacancy in Office of Councillor has been placed on both notice boards.
Mr Ash Hofert attended the meeting to see if he would interested in filling the vacancy brought about by Cllr Stephenson’s resignation. (After the meeting Mr Hofert advised the Chairman that he was interested - Mr Harries to advise the BBC).
7. MEETINGS – See Minutes 5 and 12B.
8. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY
Junction of Church Road and Old Church Road. Essex Highways will implement changes involving new road markings, signs and kerbing.
Finger posts in Padhams Green. Replacing the missing letters at theChurch Rd/Hall Lane/Padhams Green Road junction continues to be followed up with the responsible Essex Highways maintenance engineer.
9. CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA PROJECT
Work commenced on the 8th May and it hoped that it will be completed by the 19th May.
10. LOCALISM – Cllr Afteni will prepare report, for consideration by members, on potential locations in Mountnessing which could be included in the Brentwood Local Development Plan.
11. QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE – Planning is at an advanced stage and another meeting is scheduled for the 21st May. (Subsequent to this meeting members were advised that the PC had received a grant of £440 from BBC which was the amount claimed).
12. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc.
A. PLANNING
(i) New Application
a) 12/00375/FUL– 5 Crossby Close – Proposed loft conversion/ extension with rear extension.
No objection.
b) 12/00376/FUL – 5 Crossby Close – New residential annex.
No objection.
c) 12/0422/FUL –31 Church Road– Single storey side extension.
No objection.
(ii) Existing Applications
a) 12/01224/FUL – 4 Hope Close – Two storey and single storey side extension.
Officer recommends approval subject to conditions (Weekly List1534 W/E 20.4.12).
b) 12/00259/S192 – The Spinney,St Annes Road – Single storey side and rear extensions and internal alterations. Application for Lawful Development Schedule for a prospective development (Applications submitted list 1505 W/E 6.4.12) No PC consultation.
(iii) Enforcement
Hardstanding next to Civic Amenity Site. A meeting with Cllr McCheyne, Chairman of the Borough’s Planning Committee, is to be arranged. Carried forward from previous meeting.
B. FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – Cllr Afteni attended a meeting of interested parties, arranged by Network Rail on the 10th May, to discuss the closure of the pedestrian crossing over the railway line nearHeybridge Road. Cllr Afteni outlined the various options. The view of members was that their preferred choice would be to reopen the existing crossing. If this was not possible the option of rerouting the path on the Mountnessing side of the River Hay, utilising the existing river tunnel, under the track would be acceptable – with the proviso that the PC would not be involved in any future maintenance issues.
C. RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE – Arrangements will be to meet the Cricket Club and Stones Athletic in order to review the present charging structure
D. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA – See 9 above.
E. WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES, and FLOWER BEDS – nothing to report.
F. VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENNIUM GARDEN – a new bin has been purchased for the car park.
G. ST JOHN’S HALL – nothing to report.
H. MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL – nothing to report.
I. ALLOTMENTS - The Chairman thanked Mr Hofert for all the work he and his fellow allotment holders had done to clear the drainage pipes following the recent heavy rain.
13. RISK ASSESSMENT /MANAGEMENT – Reports prepared will be discussed at the next meeting.
14. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent e-mail are available for members to read.
15. FINANCE
- The Financial Statement as at 30th April was accepted. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted.
- The Accounting Statements for the year ended 31st March 2012 to be submitted to the Audit Commission were approved.
- The Annual Governance Statement to be submitted the Audit Commission were approved.
- The Balance Sheet as at 31st March 2012 and the Receipts and Payments Account for the year ended 31st March 2012 were agreed. It was noted that even though total expenditure, excluding project spend and VAT, was £600 under Budget there was an increase of £5,000 over the previous year. A schedule explaining the reasons for the increase has been circulated showing that approximately £3,000 of the increase was exceptional. It is expected that costs will increase at a substantially lower rate in 2012/13.
- To comply with the requirement that the PC’s financial records for the year to 31st March are available for inspection the Notice of Appointment of Date for the Exercise of Electors’ Rights was placed on both notice boards on the 24th April. The inspection period is from the 8th May to the 8th June.
- Renewal of Insurance Policy 1.6.12. Mr Harries will clarify the policy conditions if a 5 year agreement is entered into.
16. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS – there were no County of Borough Councillors present.
17. OTHER -
As the Play Area Project is nearly complete serious consideration will now be given to what future use, if any, can be made of the All Weather Court.
A review if the condition of the various bus shelters in the Village will be undertaken.
Date of next meeting: Monday 11th June 2012 at 8.00pm.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council held on Monday 16th April 2012 at 7.45 pm, in St Johns Hall, Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/ Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), Broughton, Ford, Santry, H Stacey, B/Cllr Mrs Hones and Mr Harries (Parish Clerk).
1. APOLOGIES were received from Cllrs King, Read and Stacey, B/Cllr Sleep and C/Cllr Mrs Naylor.
2. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME - No members of the public were present.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 12th March 2012 - The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING
Replacement of broken fence in Lower Road – The Chairman wrote to the landowners, Development Securities PLC, on the 20th March.
5. REGISTER OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS – No changes were notified.
6. MEETINGS - No meetings have taken place in the last month
7. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFET
Junction of Church Road and Old Church Road. Essex Highways are not prepared to implement the changes that PC felt necessary as the number of reported accidents is low. In the circumstances it was agreed that more minor changes involving new road markings, signs and kerbing should be proceeded with.
Finger posts in Padhams Green. Replacing the missing letters at the Church Rd/Hall Lane/Padhams Green Road junction will be followed up with the responsible Essex Highways maintenance engineer.
8. CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA PROJECT
Work on Phase 2 is expected to start by the beginning of May.
9. LOCALISM – The Chairman and Clerk will be meeting with Kate Gordon, BBC Planning, on the 23rd April to start considering how the PC can be involved in the BBC Development Plan.
10. QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE – Planning continues and another meeting is scheduled for the 17th April.
11. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc.
A. PLANNING
(i) New Application
a) 12/00207/FUL–161 Roman Road – Single Storey Front Extension.
No objection.
(ii) Existing Applications
a) 12/00039/FUL – 31 Church Road – Single storey side extension.
Application refused (Applications Decided List 971, 13.3.12 -19.3.12).
b) 12/00060/FUL–30 Burnthouse Lane – Single storey rear extension, kitchen extension, formation of two bedrooms and bathroom, internal alteration to walls to accommodate stairs and improve access.
Application permitted (Applications Decided List 972, 20.3.12 - 26.3.12).
c) 11/01232/FUL – Ladybird Kennels and Cattery, Roman Road – Replacement buildings.
Application permitted (Applications Decided List 973, 27.3.12 - 2.4.12).
(iii) Enforcement
Hard standing next to Civic Amenity Site. A meeting with Cllr McCheyne, Chairman of the Borough’s Planning Committee, is to be arranged.
B. FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – Rerouting Footpath 37 as a result of the closure of the right of way over the railway line near Heybridge Road. Meeting of interested parties to take place on the 11th May.
C. RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE – Cllr Stacey stated that it would be necessary to revise charges to both the Cricket Club and Stones Athletic.
D. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA – A flag post from one of the units has been removed and will be refitted when the new equipment is installed.
E. WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES, and FLOWER BEDS – nothing to report.
F. VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENNIUM GARDEN – the top of the litter bin near the Windmill has been removed again and will need to be replaced.
G. ST JOHN’S HALL – nothing to report.
H. MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL – nothing to report.
12. RISK ASSESSMENT /MANAGEMENT – Reports prepared will be discussed in detail at the next meeting.
13. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent e-mail are available for members to read.
14. FINANCE
The financial statement as at 31st March was accepted. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted.
15. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS - no matters were reported.
16. OTHER – Following the resignation of Cllr Stephenson a Notice of Vacancy in Office of Councillor was placed on both notice boards from the 28th February to the 28th March. Electoral Services, BBC, have advised that no election to fill the vacancy was called in the statutory period of time and that it may be filled by co-option.
Date of next meeting, which will be the Annual General Meeting, Monday 14th May 2012 at 7.30pm
______________________________________________________________________________________
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council held on Monday 12th March 2012 at 7.30 pm, in St Johns Hall, Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/ Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), Stacey, Broughton, King, Read Santry, H Stacey, B/Cllrs Sleep, Sparling and Mrs Hones, C/Cllr Mrs Naylor and Mr Harries (Parish Clerk).
1. APOLOGIES were received from Cllr Ford.
2. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME - no members of the public were present.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 13th February 2012 - The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING
Replacement of broken fence in Lower Road– It was agreed that the Chairman would write to the landowners, Development Securities PLC.
5. REGISTER OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS – no changes were notified.
6. MEETINGS - Cllr Afteni and Mr Harries attended the following meetings:
27th February. Phase two of the Children’s Play Area Project – see 8. below.
27th February. Queen’s Diamond Jubilee – see 10 below.
29th February and 1st March. Planning Course at EALC. It was felt that the main benefit of the course was to highlight the importance of Mountnessing being involved in the Brentwood Development Plan. If this is done it may not be necessary for a separate Neighbourhood Plan to be prepared.
7th March. BBPCA quarterly meeting. One of the members advised the meeting that there were new Code of Conduct rules affecting disclosure of the interests of Parish Councillors’ spouses. More information is being sought from EALC.
Cllr H Stacey attended the meeting of the Asset, Infrastructure and Localism Panel on the 28th February
7. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY
Junction of Church Road and Old Church Road. Cllr Afeni continues to follow up possible changes with the designer at Essex Highways.
Finger posts in Padhams Green. The missing post with more robust lettering has been replaced at the Church Road/Old Church Road junction. Replacing the missing letters on the other two will be followed up with the responsible Essex Highways maintenance engineer.
8. CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA PROJECT
A meeting was held with Stuart Petit of Kompan on the 27th February. Members agreed expenditure of £13,684 for a steam engine, seesaw and new fencing. Removal and disposal of the existing fence will be undertaken by Mark Hirons and the quoted cost of £670 was approved. It has been provisionally agreed with Kompan that the work will be undertaken at the end of April.
9. LOCALISM – The position continues to be monitored.
10. QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE – Planning for the event continue and full details will be included in the forthcoming edition of the Village News. Consideration will be given to applying to the Brentwood Share Fund for a contribution towards some of the costs. Details will be circulated by BBC at the beginning of April. Cllr Read told the meeting that an event would also be held in the field behind the George and Dragon on Monday 4th June.
11. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc.
A. PLANNING
In future a link to BBC’s Planning web site will be sent to members when new applications are received. This will give more time to examine the applications before the next PC meeting.
(i) New Applications -
a) 11/01168/FUL– 4a Laundry Lane – Demolition of existing building and erection of replacement dwelling.
No objection.
(ii) Existing Applications
a) 11/01251/FUL – St Michaels Royal, Mountnessing Road – Single storey side extension.
Application refused (Applications decided list 969 from 28.2.12-5.3.12).
b) 12/00039/FUL – 31 Church Road – Single storey side extension.
Officer recommends refusal (Weekly List 1527 week ending 2.3.12).
c) 12/00060/FUL – 30 Burnthouse Lane – Single storey rear extension, kitchen extension, formation of two bedrooms and bathroom, internal alteration to walls to accommodate stairs and improve access.
Officer recommends approval with conditions (Weekly List 1528 week ending 9.3.12).
d) 11/00079/S192 – North Barn, Master John’s Farm, Thoby Lane – Erection of Class B2 additional building.
Application permitted (Applications decided list 968 from 21.2.12 - 27.2.12).
(iii) Enforcement
Hard-standing next to Civic Amenity Site. A meeting with Cllr McCheyne, Chairman of the Borough’s Planning Committee, is to be arranged.
(iv) Other -
Possible changes to the Bacons Farm planning application were discussed. They were felt to be acceptable to members provided concerns regarding access are addressed.
B. FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – Rerouting Footpath 37, as a result of the closure of the right of way over the railway line near Heybridge Road, is under consideration.
C. RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE – Cllr Stacey stated that it would be necessary to revise charges to both the Cricket Club and Stones Athletic.
D. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA – A flag post from one of the units has been removed and will be refitted when the new equipment is installed.
E. WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES, and FLOWER BEDS – nothing to report
F. VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENIUM GARDEN - nothing to report.
G. ST JOHN’S HALL – nothing to report.
H. MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL – Miss Holly Tutton has been appointed as the new head teacher. The school is endeavouring to fill three governor vacancies.
12. RISK ASSESSMENT /MANAGEMENT – Reports prepared will be discussed in detail at the next meeting.
13. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent e-mail are available for members to read.
14. FINANCE
The financial statement as at 29th February was accepted. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted.
The final PC Budget for 2012/13 was agreed.
15. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Cllr Sparling reported Borough Councillors had been allocated £1,350 each to be used for modest improvements in their Wards.
Cllr Sleep reported that, even though there would be a 3% reduction in the 2012/13 Council Tax, expenditure on ‘front line services’ would increase by 8%.
16. OTHER – No other matters were discussed.
Date of next meeting, which will be preceded by the Annual Public Assembly, Monday 16th April 2012 at 7.00pm
______________________________________________________________________________________
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council held on Monday 13th February 2012 at 7.30 pm, in St Johns Hall, Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/ Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), Broughton, King, Santry, D Stacey, H Stacey, B/Cllrs Sleep and Sparling, C/Cllr Mrs Naylor and Mr Harries (Parish Clerk).
At 7 pm Peter Dine from Gerald Eve (Planning Consultants) and Mr Adrian Bohr (Linden Homes) spoke to members about preliminary ideas they had for developing the Thoby Priory site. Their main objective at this early stage was to obtain the views of the Parish Council. Members would be supportive of a tasteful development of this site and it was agreed that continuing dialogue would take place over the next few months.
1. APOLOGIES were received from Cllrs Ford, Read and B/Cllr Mrs Hones.
2. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME - no members of the public were present.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 9th January 2012 - The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING
Broken fence inLower Road– It is understood that Cllr Hones has written to Development Securities Ltd, the owners of the adjacent land, informing them of the potential health and safety risk and asking them to repair the fence. Carried forward to next meeting.
5. REGISTER OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS – no changes were notified.
6. MEETINGS - Cllr Afteni and Mr Harries attended the following meetings:
10th January with Mr Andy Clay (BBC Planning) regarding the poplar tree in Roman Road that is leaning towards the overhead cable Mr Clay will look into the matter to see what action may be taken.
30th January – Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Planning for the event continues and it is proposed that residents will be given details of the event in the Spring edition of the Village News.
7. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY
Junction of Church Road and Old Church Road. Cllr Afeni to follow up the proposed change with the designer at Essex Highways.
Finger posts in Padhams Green. Being progressed by a Essex Highways maintenance engineer.
8. CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA PROJECT
Broken fence at rear of play area. New mesh and line wire has been purchased and Richard Martins has been asked to reconstruct the fence.
9. LOCALISM – The position continues to be monitored.
10. QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE - the next meeting will be held on the 30th January.
11. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc.
A. PLANNING
(i) New Applications
a) 11/01168/FUL– 4aLaundry Lane– Demolition of existing building and erection of replacement dwelling.
No objection.
b) 11/01251/FUL – St Michaels Royal,Mountnessing Road– Single storey side extension.
No objection.
c) 12/00039/FUL –31 Church Road– Single storey side extension.
No objection.
d) 12/00060/FUL–30 Burnthouse Lane– Single storey rear extension, kitchen extension, formation of two bedrooms and bathroom, internal alteration to walls to accommodate stairs and improve access.
No objection.
e) 11/01224/FUL – 4 Hope Close - Two storey and single storey side extension.
Objection. Proposal disproportionately large in terms of size, mass and scale for such a small site.
(ii) Enforcement
(a) Hardstanding next to Civic Amenity Site. It was agreed that the next step was to arrange a meeting with Cllr McCheyne, Chairman of the Borough’s Planning Committee.
B. FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – nothing report.
C. RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE – nothing to report.
D. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA – A flag post from one of the units has been removed and will be refitted as soon as possible.
E. WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES and FLOWER BEDS – EON have trimmed trees near the high voltage cables in the Water Meadows.
F. VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENIUM GARDEN- nothing to report.
G. ST JOHN’S HALL – nothing to report.
H. MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL – interviewing for a new head teacher will take place in the next two weeks.
12. RISK ASSESSMENT /MANAGEMENT – Reports prepared will be discussed in detail at the next meeting. A copy of the Fixed Asset Register will be sent to Cllr H Stacey.
13. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent e-mail are available for members to read.
14. FINANCE - The financial statement as at 31st January was accepted. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted. £3,296.30 was transferred from the Mountnessing Fete Account to the PC in January leaving a balance of £1 on the Fete Account. This will be ‘ring fenced’ within the PC’s financial record
It was agreed that the Precept for 2012/3 would remain unchanged.
The draft PC Budget for 2012/13 was agreed. Depending on the outcome of the Big Lottery meeting on the 14th February and other possible minor changes a revised final Budget will be submitted to the next meeting.
15. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Cllr Sparling reported that:-
The Borough is looking to see what could done regarding difficulties encountered by clashes of Parish and Borough meetings.
More money has been allocated in the Budget to provide for more trees in the Borough.
The Borough is looking at the possibility of re-routing the footpath fromHeybridge Roadfollowing the closure of the railway crossing.
16. OTHER - It appears that the proposal to introduce parking charges in Ingatestone is more complex than first thought. Discussions are taking place to achieve an equitable resolution and it was agreed that this should be discussed again at the next meeting.
Date of next meeting: Monday 12th March 2012 at 7.30pm
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council held on Monday 9th January 2012 at 7.30 pm, in St Johns Hall, Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/ Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), Broughton Read, Santry, H Stacey, Stephenson, B/Cllr Sleep, C/Cllr Mrs Naylor and Mr Harries (Parish Clerk).
Mr Brian Partridge, Head of Localism and Planning at Brentwood Borough Council attended the first part of the meeting. He gave a brief description of his role which includes Localism, developing relationships with parishes, asset management, liaison with Essex Highways and community safety. Neighbourhood Plans were discussed and Brian outlined the possible benefits for communities. The Chairman made the point that Mountnessing was a small parish with substantial infrastructure issues and was not sure whether residents would be interested on this aspect of powers that would become available under the Localism Act. Brian agreed to provide information regarding consultation on the Neighbouring Planning Regulations and the ‘Growing Places’ funding.
1. APOLOGIES were received from P/Cllrs Ford, King, Stacey and B/Cllr Sparling.
2. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 12th December 2011 - The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING
Following the attendance of Mr and Mrs Challis at the last meeting the Chairman has asked the manager of the Plough public house if CCTV can be installed.
Broken fence in Lower Road – It is understood that Cllr Hones has written to Development Securities Ltd, the owners of the adjacent land, informing them of the potential health and safety risk and asking them to repair the fence. Carried forward to next meeting.
5. REGISTER OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS – no changes were notified.
6. MEETINGS – The Chairman and the Clerk met Mr Ash Hofert before this meeting to discuss the new arrangements for the Roman Road Allotments. It was agreed that there would be a management committee consisting of two allotment holders (Mr Hofert as site manager and Mr Tim Burrells as his assistant) and two Parish Councillors. This committee would be a sub committee of the Parish Council and would meet at least annually, one meeting being in May.
At the subsequent Parish Council meeting it was formally agreed that Cllrs Broughton and Santry would be the PC representatives on the new sub committee.
7. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY
Junction of Church Road and Old Church Road. Cllr Afeni to follow up the proposed change with the designer at Essex Highways.
Finger posts in Padhams Green. Being progressed by Essex Highways maintenance engineer.
The Chairman expressed concern about a poplar tree on Roman Road that was leaning towards the overhead cable. The Clerk will arrange a site visit by Mr Andy Laing, BBC Planning, to determine what action may be necessary.
8. CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA PROJECT
The balance of the cost due for the wetpour surface of £5,972.50 (excluding VAT) has been paid in December. The retention balance of £900 would be paid in April when the defects have been rectified.
9. LOCALISM – Mr Partridge attended the meeting – see first paragraph above.
10. QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE - the next meeting will be held on the 30th January.
11. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc.
A. PLANNING
(i) New Applications
a) 11/01215/FUL – Hullbush House, Church Road – Replacement single storey garden store and domestic workshop.
No objection.
b) 11/01232/FUL – Ladybird Kennels and Cattery, Roman Road – Replacement of 2 no. cattery buildings and associated stored with 3 no. linked cattery units to suit current licensing requirements
No objection.
B. FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – Nothing report.
C. RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE
Stones Athletic are making more use of the recreation ground than was agreed last year. The cricket club are concerned that the football club are training near the pavilions and the square where drainage is poor. To be discussed with Stones.
D. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA – See 12. below.
E. WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES, and FLOWER BEDS – nothing to report.
F. VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENIUM GARDEN - nothing to report.
G. ST JOHN’S HALL – Users of the hall have been advised of the new charges applicable.
H. MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL – advertising for a new headteacher is imminent.
12. RISK ASSESSMENT /MANAGEMENT – The assessments made by Cllrs Afteni and Santry will be circulated before the next meeting. It will be then necessary to agree the final layout, frequency of inspection and responsibility.
13. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent e-mail are available for members to read.
14. FINANCE
The financial statement as at 31st December was accepted. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted.
Precept and Budget 2012/13 – carried forward to next meeting.
15. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Cllr Naylor informed the meeting that Essex Highways are proposing to resurface the A12 ((Ingatestone by-pass) and to raise bridge barriers.
Cllr Sleep informed the meeting that he would be organizing a ‘Spring Clean Blitz’ of litter black spots involving Borough employees and resident volunteers. Information about the initiative will be included in the Spring edition of the Village News.
16. OTHER
Cllr Stephenson advised the meeting that, due to increased work commitments he was no longer able to continue as a member of the Parish Council and had decided to tender his resignation.
New Building. The Water Board has completed a satisfactory screening for Legionnaires disease and other contaminants.
Date of next meeting: Monday 13th February 2012 at 7.30pm
______________________________________________________________________________________
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council held on Monday 12th December 2011 at 7.30 pm, in St Johns Hall, Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/ Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), D Stacey (Vice Chairman), Ford, Read, Santry, H Stacey, Stephenson, B/Cllr Sleep, C/Cllr Mrs Naylor and Mr Harries (Parish Clerk).
1. APOLOGIES were received from P/Cllrs Broughton, King, Stacey and B/Cllr Mrs Hones.
2. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Mr Day, a resident living in Church Road near the A12 Bridge, attended the meeting to express his concern regarding instructions given by the Borough telling him to remove concrete blocks from the grass verge outside his house
Mr and Mrs Challis, residents of the Hillway, also attended the meeting. Their car had been burnt a week earlier following what may have an incident involving clients of the Plough public house. There have also been a number of other instances of car vandalism in both Roman Road and Church Road in the last few weeks. Member expressed their sympathies to Mr and Mrs Challis and the Chairman agreed to ask the owners of the Plough if they would install CCTV as soon as possible.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 14th November 2011 - The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING
Broken fence in Lower Road – It is understood that Cllr Hones has written to Development Securities Ltd, the owners of the adjacent land, informing them of the potential health and safety risk and asking them to repair the fence. Carried forward to next meeting.
Dog bin in Burnthouse Lane. Cllr Sparling has been advised that the Borough will not be installing any more dog bins. The option of installing a litter bin which could be used for dog waste, provided the cost was borne by the Parish, was rejected. (Subsequent to the meeting BBC has also advised that the footfall in the area is insufficient to justify the Borough funding a litter bin).
5. REGISTER OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS – no changes were notified.
6. MEETINGS
Parish Council Financing – see Minute 14 below.
Brentwood Borough Council Parish Councils’ Association. Cllr Afteni and Mr Harries attended a meeting on the 7th December at which the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the EALC made presentations.
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. See Minute 10 below.
7. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY
Junction of Church Road and Old Church Road. Cllr Afteni to follow up the proposed change with the designer at Essex Highways.
Finger posts in Padhams Green. The maintenance engineer at Essex Highways has confirmed that she will take up the issues of the missing letters and the non-replacement of one of the posts with the contractor.
8. CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA PROJECT – Cllr Stacey has submitted a grant application to the Essex Big Society Fund in respect of the second phase of the project. An application to Nat West has been rejected.
9. LOCALISM – Mr Brian Partridge, Interim Head of Localism and Partnership at BBC, would like to meet members of the PC and has been invited to the next meeting.
10. QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE
A meeting was held on the 28th November. Various preparatory arrangements are being made and it was agreed that the PC would, if necessary, be prepared to allocate a modest amount to fund any initial expenditure. It was also agreed that any loss or profit on the day would be borne by, or accrue to, the Parish.
11. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc.
A. PLANNING
(i) Existing Applications
a) 11/00873/FUL –21 Church Road– Demolish existing conservatory and garage. Single storey and two storey side extensions. Gable end existing roof, form flat roof dormer.
Application permitted (Applications Decided List 956, 22.11.11- 28.11.11).
b) 11/01005/FUL – North Barn, Master Johns Farm, Thoby Lane – Use of building for
Class B2 Business Use.
Officer recommends approval subject to conditions (Weekly List 1515, Week Ending 2.12.11).
c) 11/01025/FUL – 10 Church Road– Two storey side extension, single storey side extension and new hard standing for parking to front.
Officer recommends approval subject to conditions (Weekly List 1516, Week Ending 9.12.11).
(ii) Enforcement (No breach of Planning Control identified).
a) 11/00276/UNLCOU - Thoby Priory. Alleged breach – non compliance with Green Belt guidelines. Protracted planning history, but following an appeal to the High Court in 1982, it was held that as the use of the land was for General Industrial Purposes there was no breach of planning control.
(iii) Other – Letter from Mr J Harvey relating to the land adjacent to 361 Roman Road.
In view of ‘recent Government legislation allowing development of green belt land without planning permission, providing the local community agree’ Mr Harvey requested a meeting with the Parish Council to discuss ‘possible development opportunities for this land’. After lengthy discussion members came to the conclusion that no real purpose would be served in having a meeting with Mr Harvey at this time. The reasons for this decision are:
The view of all members that any development in the Green Belt would be undesirable, and that permissibility of Green Belt development without planning permission was dependent on the production of Neighbourhood Development Plans. There are many issues to be considered before Mountnessing Parish Council decide whether such a plan would be appropriate and these will not be resolved in the near future.
B. FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – Nothing report.
C. RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE
Stones Athletic are making more use of the recreation ground than was agreed last year. Cllr Stacey will take the matter up with Nick Holmes.
The water in the new building has been drained to avoid any possible burst pipes.
D. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA – See 12. below.
E. WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES, and FLOWER BEDS – nothing to report.
F. VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENIUM GARDEN - nothing to report.
G. ST JOHN’S HALL – Users of the hall have been advised of the new charges applicable.
H. MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL – nothing report.
12. RISK ASSESSMENT / MANAGEMENT – Cllrs Afteni, Stephenson and Stacey, H agreed to share the preparation of risk assessments identified – Cllr Santry had previously agreed to undertake the assessment for the Children’s Play Area.
13. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent e-mail are available for members to read.
14. FINANCE
The financial statement as at 30th November was accepted. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted.
Cllr Afteni and Mr Harries met with Cllr Sleep and Mr A Tidbury on the 5th December. BBC has agreed discretionary grants payable in 2012/13. The principle on which grants will be awarded in future is based on those costs that the Borough would have to pay if a Parish did not exist – recognizing that a certain amount of adjustment may be necessary as the funds available to support Parishes are subject to budgetary constraints. Mountnessing will receive £8,356 (the same as 2011/12) compared with the amount claimed of £12,349. Mr Harries will write to Adrian Tidbury asking for an explanation for some of the adjustments made by the Borough to the amount claimed.
15. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS - nothing to report.
16. OTHER – no other matters were discussed.
Date of next meeting: Monday 9th January 2012 at 7.30pm
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Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council held on Monday 14th November 2011 at 7.30 pm, in St Johns Hall, Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/ Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), D Stacey (Vice Chairman), Broughton, King, Santry,
H Stacey, Stephenson, B/Cllr Mrs Hones, C/Cllr Mrs Naylor and Mr Harries (Parish Clerk).
1. APOLOGIES were received from Cllr Read.
2. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME - No members of the public attended the meeting.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 10th October 2011 - The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING
Broken fence in Lower Road – Cllr Hones has written to Development Securities Ltd, the owners of the adjacent land, informing them of the potential health and safety risk and asking if they would replace the broken fence.
It was agreed that Cllr Ford would decide if it would be sensible to install a litter bin in Lower Road.
Cllr Sparling will be asked if there has been any progress on installing a dog waste bin in Burnthouse Lane.
5. REGISTER OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS – no changes were notified.
6. MEETINGS
Junction of Church Road and Old Church Road. See 7. below.
A photo shoot was held on the 5th November with Cllr Bass, ECC, Mr Vidler, Essex Environment Trust, Cllr Afteni and Mr Harries. Cllr Afteni thanked both Cllr Bass and Mr Vidler for grants received from ECC and the EET towards the cost of new equipment in the Children’s Play Area.
7. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY
Junction of Church Road and Old Church Road. A number of meetings have been held with a designer from Essex Highways and interested local residents to agree a revision to the reconfiguration of the junction. It is understood that the budget for this work may be increased and, subject to a satisfactory safety audit, should be completed before the end of the current financial year.
Inconsiderate parking near the Plough Public House. It is hoped that the recent car accident would make residents more aware of the issue.
8. CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA PROJECT – Two new signs have been installed to thank contributors to the project and provide guidance regarding the age of children using the new equipment.
9. LOCALISM – The Localism Bill will receive the Royal Assent on the 15th November. Implications will continue to be monitored.
10. QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE – It was agreed that the Clerk would try and reschedule the meeting for the 28th November.
11. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc.
A. PLANNING
(i) New Applications
a) 11/01025/FUL – 16 Church Close – Proposed two-storey side extension with a single storey rear addition and new hard standing for parking to frontage and ancillary building works.
No objection
b) 11/01005/FUL – North Barn, Master Johns Farm, Thoby Lane – Use of building for class B2 business use
No objection.
(ii) Existing Applications
a) ESS/44/11/BRW - Civic amenity and recycling centre, Roman Road – Allow the existing timber screen to be replaced with a new steel palisade fence.
Permission granted by ECC.
b) 11/00045/HHREF – St Michaels Royal, Mountnessing Road – Extension to front of existing outbuilding.
Appeal dismissed.
(iii) Enforcement
a) 10/00292/ENF –368 Roman Road. Alleged breach – fence adjacent to highway exceeding 1m in height. Enforcement notice complied with and fence reduced to 1m. Breach remedied.
(iv) Other–Hard Standing on Land adjacent to the Public Amenity Site – It was agreed that the position should continue to be monitored.
B. FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – Nothing report.
C. RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE
The existing dog waste signs have been replaced. New signs have been fitted on the New Building asking that balls are not kicked against the walls.
Stones Athletic are making more use of the recreation ground than was agreed last year. Cllr Stacey will take the matter up with Nick Holmes.
D. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA – See 12. below.
E. WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES, and FLOWER BEDS – It was agreed that a further £30 could be spent on the Burnthouse Lane planters.
F. VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENIUM GARDEN - nothing to report.
G. ST JOHN’S HALL – nothing to report.
H. MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL – Cllr Santry has written to the school suggesting that consideration should be given to applying for the building to have listed building status.
12. RISK ASSESSMENT /MANAGEMENT – Cllr Santry has prepared a Risk Assessment of the Children’s Play Area. This will be circulated before the next meeting.
13. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent e-mail are available for members to read.
14. FINANCE
The financial statement as at 31st October was accepted. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted.
The Chairman has signed an agreement with the Borough which will form the basis on which discretionary grants will be paid to Parishes from 1st April 2012.
The Receipts and Payments Account for the six months to 30th September 2011 was agreed.
It was agreed that the Clerk could purchase a new printer and the current version of the Office software. Total cost £203 plus VAT.
15. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS - nothing to report.
16. OTHER
Prior to the main meeting the Chairman and Clerk met with Mr Ash Hofert. Two matters were discussed and the following was agreed:
i) Allotments inRoman Road. The PC would become an agent on behalf of the English Charity and be responsible for collecting rents from allotment holders. A sub-committee of the PC would be formed, consisting of two allotment holders and a Parish Councillor to be responsible for the new arrangements. The Chairman will prepare a paper outlining how the arrangement will work for agreement by the PC and the English Charity.
ii) Residuary Fete Fund. A sub- committee of the PC will be formed to deal with any matters relating to the residuary funds. This will comprise of Mr Hofert and Cllrs Stacey and Santry. It was agreed that the existing bank account would be closed and the balance of approximately £3,200 would be transferred to the PC to be ‘ring-fenced’, and disclosed regularly, in the Parish Financial Statements.
Date of next meeting: Monday 12th December 2011 at 7.30pm
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Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council held on Monday 10th October 2011 at 7.30 pm, in St Johns Hall, Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/ Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), D Stacey, Broughton, King, Read, Stephenson, Ms Santry, Ms H Stacey, B/Cllrs Sparling and Mrs Hones, C/Cllr Mrs Naylor and Mr Harries (Parish Clerk).
1. APOLOGIES were received from Cllrs Ford and Sleep.
2. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME - No members of the public attended the meeting.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 12th September 2011 - The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING
Broken fence inLower Road– Cllr Hones will write to Development Securities Ltd, the owners of the adjacent land, informing them of the potential health and safety risk and asking if they would replace the broken fence.
5. REGISTER OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS – no changes were notified.
6. MEETINGS
Cllr Santry and Mr Harries met on the 30th October to discuss a Risk Review of the Children’s Play Area. See 12 below.
Cllrs Afteni, Stacey and Mr Harries met Stuart Petit of Kompan on the 22nd September. See 9. below.
7. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY
The Chairman asked Cllr Naylor if she would find out why theWashRoadBridgerebuilding work was taking 17 weeks to complete. He also asked her to thank Essex Highways for the work done by the Highway Rangers.
Details of the new layout of the Church Road/Old Church Road junction are expected from Highways. When the drawings are received it will be possible to see if there is any connection with this work and the non replacement of the finger post. (The other two vandalised finger posts in Padhams Green have been replaced but the lettering is incomplete).
Cllr Sparling agreed to deal with a request to install a dog bin by the footpath inBurnthouse Lanenear the railway bridge.
Inconsiderate parking near the Plough Public House. This was raised by the residents who attended the last meeting. Cllr Afteni reported that the position had improved in the last weeks. However he will continue monitoring the position and, if necessary, write to the owners of the relevant houses.
Cllr Afteni has reported broken fencing on the A12, by the lay by near the Roman Triangle, to the Highways Agency. Repair work is in hand.
The Highway Rangers have been asked to undertake some more tasks.
8. CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA PROJECT
It was agreed at a meeting with Stuart Petit of Kompan that the work to rectify the unsatisfactory surface would take place next April. This will be at the same time as the new equipment forming Phase 2 of the Project will be installed – provided the necessary grant funding is received. Retention of £900 in respect of the unsatisfactory surface was agreed.
9. LOCALISM – The implications will continue to be monitored.
10. QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE – A further meeting will be held on the 21st November at St John’s Hall at 7.30pm (now postponed).
11. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc
A. PLANNING
(i) New Applications
a) 11/00873/FUL –21 Church Road- Demolish existing conservatory and garage. Single storey and two storey side extension. Gable end existing roof, form flat roof dormer.
No objection in principle but Planning Services to be advised of a number of concerns.
b) 11/00807/FUL – North Barn, Master Johns Farm,Thoby Lane– Use of barn for class B1 business use.
No objection.
c) 11/00693/FUl – 4 Hope Close – New two storey detached dwelling adjacent to existing property. Planning application not received. Officer recommends refusal (Weekly list 1506 week ending 30.9.11 pages 9/11). Members agreed with recommendation.
(ii) Existing Applications
a) 11/00758/FUL – Rivendell, Old Church Road
Application permitted (Application Decided List 948, 27.9.11 – 3.10.11).
(iii) Enforcement
a) 11/00341/UNLAD3 – Ingatestone Garden Centre – Alleged breach - advertising on a van at Fryerning Lane. Vehicle and advert not controlled under advertising regulations. Advertisement removed following request by Planning Services. No breach.
(iv) Other–Hard Standing on Land adjacent to the Public Amenity Site - Concern was expressed that this long standing issue had not been resolved and that now there may be a possibility of development of the site. It was agreed to keep a close watch on proceedings.
B. FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – Nothing report.
C. RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE
Covers for goal post holes have been purchased and will be fitted after painting.
The Cricket Club have been asked to ensure that the area around the pavilion and the changing rooms is kept as tidy as possible.
Stones Athletic are making more use of the recreation ground than was agreed last year. Cllr Stacey will take the matter up with Nick Holmes.
D. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA – See 6, 9 and 13. New sign drawings were agreed.
E. WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES, and FLOWER BEDS – A quote for £180 (+VAT) for cutting the hedge between the Water Meadows to the adjacent property was agreed.
F. VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENIUM GARDEN - nothing to report.
G. ST JOHN’S HALL – nothing to report.
H. MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL – Mrs D Read will be nominated to fill the governor vacancy by Cllr Naylor. The possibility classifying the school as a listed building was discussed.
12. RISK ASSESSMENT /MANAGEMENT – Cllr Santry has prepared a Risk Assessment form of the Children’s Play Area which can be used as a template for other areas the PC’s a responsible for. The main concern is the broken fence and post. Mr Harries to follow this up with Richard Martins.
13. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent e-mail are available for members to read.
14. FINANCE
The financial statement as at 30th September was accepted. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted. The grants, in respect of the Children’s Play Area, from ECC and the Essex Environment Trust were received in September. An interim VAT refund for 2011/12 has also been received.
The Notice of Conclusion of Audit and Right to Inspect the Annual Return for the year ended 31st March 2011 was displayed on both notice boards from the 14th September to 6th October 2011.
15. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS - nothing to report.
16. OTHER – Prior to the meeting Cllr Ford reported that the letter sent by the Borough’s dog warden to the resident responsible for fouling the pavement in Roman Road has had the desired effect.
Date of next meeting: Monday 14th November 2011 at 7.30pm
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Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council held on Monday 12th September 2011 at 7.30pm, in St Johns Hall, Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/ Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), Stacey, Broughton, Ford, King, Read, Stephenson, B/Cllr Mrs Hones, C/Cllr Mrs Naylor and Mr Harries (Parish Clerk).
1. APOLOGIES were received from B/ Cllrs Sleep and Sparling.
2. PARISH COUNCIL VACANCY – It was unanimously agreed that Hollie Elizabeth Stacey be co-opted as a member of the Council to fill the existing vacancy. Brentwood Borough Council has approved the co-option.
3. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME - Mr and Mrs Boyles and Mrs Palmer attended the meeting to express their concern regarding the new planning application relating to the Roman Triangle Site. The Chairman stated that the Parish would be writing to the Borough recommending that it refuses permission and would take into account their views in the Parish’s letter. They were also concerned about the parking difficulties being encountered in front of the new houses adjacent to the Plough. The Chairman said that he would write to the owners asking them to show more consideration to all the residents of Roman Road living in the vicinity of their properties.
4. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 8th August 2011 - The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
5. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING
Broken fence in Lower Road– Mr Harries was asked to ensure that there was evidence that the landowner had refused to repair the fence.
6. REGISTER OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS – no changes were notified.
7. MEETINGS
Cllr Afteni and Mr Harries attended a meeting of representatives of all the parishes in Brentwood, chaired by Cllr Sleep, to discuss the new proposals the Borough would like to introduce to replace the existing grant system. Cllr Sleep asked if representatives would send to Adrian Tidbury details of costs that would be incurred by the Borough if Parish Councils did not exist. A copy of our representation will be circulated to members.
Cllr Afteni and Mr Harries also attended a meeting of the Brentwood Borough Parish Councils’ Association on the 5th September.
8. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY
The Chairman asked Cllr Naylor if she would follow up the request made to Essex Highways in January to replace the three vandalised finger posts in Padhams Green.
Cllr Santry has reported the uneven pavement in Church Roadto Essex Highways.
The Highway Rangers have been to the Village in the last month and the Clerk will check that all the work they were asked to do has been completed to a satisfactory standard.
9. CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA PROJECT
Arrangements will be made for Kompan Ltd to rectify the wet pour surface in September.
Work has now started on Phase 2 of the project. Cllr Stacey has submitted a grant application of £10,000 to Essex County Council’s Big Society Fund and another to the National Westminster Bank Community Force ( amount not required to be specified ) in order to part finance new fencing, replace the see-saw and install a static play vehicle for the younger children.
10. LOCALISM – The implications will continue to be monitored.
11. QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE – A further meeting will be held on the 13th September at St John’s Hall. It was agreed that it may be necessary for the Parish to provide some financial support.
12. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc
A. PLANNING
(i) New Applications
a) 11/00711/FUL – Roman Triangle – Permanent permission for the change of use of vacant land to residential purposes. This involves the sitting of 5 touring caravans, 5 mobile homes and development of 5 day rooms/amenity blocks, internal access road, hard standing for parking and fencing/walls to the external boundaries.
Objection submitted 13th September.
b) 11/00758/FUL - Rivendell, Old Church Road - Replace existing ground floor conservatory to the rear elevation.
No objection.
c) ESS/44/11/BRW – Civic Amenity Site, Roman Road – Replacement of 2m timber screen with 2.4m steel fence along Hillway frontage.
No objection (application from ECC).
(ii) Existing Applications
a) 11/00540/FUL -12 Crossby Close – Single storey rear extension.
Officer recommends approval with conditions (Weekly List 1499 w/e 12.8.11).
(iii) Enforcement
a) 11/00334/UNSITE – Street Record, Lower Road– Missing/broken fence.
Request by Planning to landowner to replace fence not successful – not a breach of planning regulations. See 5.above.
(iv) Appeal against refusal of planning permission – St Michaels Royal, Mountnessing Road Appeal Ref: H1515/D/11/2159494 (Extension to front of existing outbuilding).
B. FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – Nothing report.
C. RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE - A number of requests have been received recently to use the ground for charitable/commercial events. After lengthy discussion it was agreed that, with the exception of sporting activities by local clubs, the Recreation Ground could only be used for events for which the Parish Council had control and responsibility. Efforts to find a temporary means of filling goal post holes continue.
D. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA – See 9. above and 13. below. New signs will be installed.
E. WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES, and FLOWER BEDS – the owner of the property next to the Water Meadows has asked if the hedge can be trimmed.
F. VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENIUM GARDEN - nothing to report.
G. ST JOHN’S HALL – nothing to report.
H. MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL – Cllr Read agreed to become a member of a steering group that Mountnessing School is forming in order that it may become successful in its efforts to have the school accredited to be a Rights Respecting School.
13. RISK ASSESSMENT /MANAGEMENT – Cllr Santry and Mr Harries to meet to produce a Risk Assessment form for the Children’s Play Area which can be used as a template for other areas which the PC’s are responsible for.
14. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent e-mail are available for members to read.
15. FINANCE
The financial statement as at 31st August was accepted. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted.
The External Auditor’s (Audit Commission) certificate and opinion for the year ended 31st March 2011 has been received. No matters of concern have been brought to the Council’s attention.
A Notice of Conclusion of Audit and Right to Inspect the Annual Return will be displayed on both notice boards from the 14th September for at least 14 days.
The Annual Return to the Audit Commission for the year to 31st March 2011 is now on the Parish Web Site.
16. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS - nothing to report.
17. OTHER – nothing to report.
Date of next meeting: Monday 10th October 2011 at 7.30pm
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Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council held on Monday 8th August 2011 at 7.30 pm, in St Johns Hall, Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/ Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), Broughton, Ford, Santry, B/Cllrs Sleep, and Sparling, C/Cllr Mrs Naylor and Mr Harries (Parish Clerk).
1. APOLOGIES were received from Cllrs King, Stephenson and Hones.
2. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME - No members of the public were present.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 11th July 2011 - The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING
Broken fence inLower Road – Carried forward.
5. REGISTER OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS – no changes were notified.
6. MEETINGS – Mr Harries met with Adrian Tidbury, BBC, on the 18th July to discuss the proposed new funding arrangements that the Borough plan to introduce from financial year 2012/13. A further meeting of representatives of all parishes, chaired by Cllr Sleep, will be held on the 23rd August.
7. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY
Reduction of speed limit in Roman Road to 30mph. Cllr Stacey expressed concern that West Essex Highways were not responding to his communications. He will continue to progress the issue.
Cllr Santry will report the uneven pavement inChurch Roadto Essex Highways.
The potholes in Roman Road and Church Road have now been filled. The Chairman thanked Cllr Naylor for escalating these long standing defects with Essex Highways.
With Cllr Sparling’s assistance a copy of the letter that the Borough sends to the owners of dogs fouling public places will be obtained.
A list of minor repairs compiled by the PC has been sent to the Highway Rangers and they will be coming to Mountnessing in September.
8. CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA PROJECT
Despite a number of problems, including a delay of nearly two weeks, the new equipment is in place and is welcomed enthusiastically by both children and parents. There remains a problem with the standard of the wet pour surface and Kompan have agreed to rectify in September.
It was agreed that the PC would look at purchasing a fire engine and see-saw and also install a new fence. Cllr Stacey has started completing grant applications for part of the funding that will be required.
Consideration will be given to repainting the existing equipment.
Increased insurance cover. See 15. Finance below.
9. LOCALISM – The proposed new planning regime was discussed and Hollie Stacey agreed to see if a summary of the proposals could be obtained.
10. PARISH COUNCIL VACANCY – Hollie Stacey attended the meeting with a view to becoming a Parish Councillor.
11. QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE – A further meeting will be held on the 13th September at St Johns Hall.
12. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc
A. PLANNING
(i) New Applications
a) 11/00620/S191 – Hunts Farm, Old Church Road – Application for Lawful Development Certificate (Application submitted list 141 week ending 29.7.11 Page1).
(ii) Existing Applications
a) 11/00331/FUL - 4 and 5 Thoby Lane – Pitched roof to existing conservatory at 4 Thoby Lane, single storey rear extension at 5 Thoby Lane.
Application permitted (Applications decided list 936 5.7.11 – 11.7.11).
b) 11/00333/FUL –119 Roman Road– First floor rear extension with pitched roof.
Application permitted (Application decided list 936 5.7.11 – 11.7.11).
c) BRW/00399/2011- 30a Back Cottage, Burnthouse Lane - Retrospective permission for development carried out in breach of condition 7 of BRW/1209/2004.
Application permitted (Applications decided list 939 26.7.11- 1.8.11).
(iii) Enforcement
a) 11/00250/ENLDEV - Ingatestone Nurseries – Unspecified works involving soil grader.
Conditions imposed on use accepted by owner. No breach (Weekly list 1494 week ending 15.7.11).
b) 11/00276/ UNLCOU - Thoby Lane Priory – Inappropriate use of land possibly and illegal scrap business. Borough to consider legal action to remedy the breach.
B. FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – Nothing report.
C. RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE – Nothing report.
D. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA – See 8.above and 15 below.
E. WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES, FLOWER BEDS - nothing to report.
F. VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENIUM GARDEN - nothing to report.
G. ST JOHN’S HALL – nothing to report.
H. MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL - nothing to report.
13. RISK ASSESSMENT / MANAGEMENT – Cllr Santry agreed to undertake a risk assessment of the Children’s Play Area. This can then be used as a template of other areas for which assessments will be necessary.
14. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent e-mail are available for members to read.
15. FINANCE - the financial statement as at 31st July was accepted. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted. Specifically an additional premium of £228.54 to Zurich Insurance was agreed to increase the Sum Assured cover of the Children’s Play Area Equipment to £48,000.
16. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Cllr Naylor informed the meeting that Brian Keane, Head of Governance at BBC would be retiring on the 31st August. He will be succeeded by Steve Boyle.
17. OTHER – The Chairman reminded members that the biennial St Giles Art, Craft and Flower Festival would be taking place over the August Bank Holiday.
Date of next meeting: Monday 12th September 2011 at 7.30pm
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Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council held on Monday 11th July 2011 at 7.30 pm, in St Johns Hall, Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/ Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), Broughton, Ford, King, Santry, Stephenson, B/Cllrs Sparling and Mrs Hones, C/Cllr Mrs Naylor and Mr Harries (Parish Clerk).
1. APOLOGIES – were received from Cllrs Stacey and Sleep.
2. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME - No members of the public were present.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 13th June 2011 - the minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING
Mr Keane, Head of Governance at BBC has written to Cllr Afteni to advise him that the Borough has not made a decision to omit the official titles of Parish Councillors from documentation. Mr Keane apologised for this oversight by officers and will ask them to ensure that this does not happen again.
Broken fence in Lower Road. In view of lack of response from Mr Stathers Cllr Hones will refer the matter to anther officer.
5. REGISTER OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS – no changes were notified.
6. MEETINGS – Cllrs Afteni, Santry and Mr Harries had a first meeting with Jane Leech, St Giles PCC, to discuss what sort of event could be held to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on the 3rd June 2012. It was agreed that the event would be a picnic on the Recreation Ground and that it would involve as many groups in the Village as possible. Another meeting will be held in September.
7. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY
Mr Harries will write to Cllr Naylor regarding potholes in Roman Road and Church Road and the three vandalised signposts in Padhams Green. These are defects which have already been reported and followed up, unsuccessfully, with West Essex Highways.
The Highways and Localism Panel have approved the upgrade of signs and lines at the junction of Old Church Road and Church Road. The work should be completed by the end of 2011.
Councillors have been asked to submit details of work they would like the Highway Rangers to undertake.
It was felt that the best way of dealing with the recent case of dog fouling was for the Chairman to write to the dog owner. Cllr Sparling will endeavour to obtain a copy of the letter which he understands the Borough issue.
8. CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA PROJECT - Work commenced on the 4th July and seems to be going well.
9. LOCALISM – Proposals have been received, and circulated to Councillors, from the Borough regarding a new funding mechanism to replace the discretionary grant with effect from financial year 2012/13. Comments required by the 31st July.
10. PARISH COUNCIL VACANCY – the PC continues in its efforts to fill the vacancy.
11. QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE – see 7. above.
12. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc
A. PLANNING
(i) New Applications
a) BRW/399/2011- 30a Back Cottage, Burnthouse Lane - Retrospective permission for development carried our in breach of condition 7 of BRW/1209/2004.
There was unanimous agreement that this application be approved.
b) BRW/436/2011 – 12 Crosby Close – Single storey side and rear extension.
No objection.
B. FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – Nothing report.
C. RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE – Nothing report.
D. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA – See 8.above.
E. WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES, FLOWER BEDS - nothing to report.
F. VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENIUM GARDEN - nothing to report.
G. ST JOHN’S HALL – nothing to report.
H. MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL - nothing to report.
13. RISK ASSESSMENT /MANAGEMENT – It will be necessary to start preparing individual risk assessments of the areas identified in the Risk Management Policy agreed at the last meeting.
14. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent e-mail are available for members to read.
15. FINANCE - the financial statement as at 30th June was accepted. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted.
16. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS – Cllr Naylor stated that details of the new opening times of ECC’s Recycling Centres for Household Waste would be announced in the next few days.
17. OTHER – None.
Date of next meeting: Monday 8th August 2011 at 7.30pm
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Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council held on Monday 13th June 2011 at 7.30 pm, in St Johns Hall Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/ Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), Stacey, Ford, Read, B/Cllr Sparling, C/Cllr Mrs Naylor and Mr Harries (Parish Clerk).
1. APOLOGIES – were received from Cllrs Broughton, King, Santry, Stephenson, Holmes and Sleep.
2. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME - Mrs Drain attended this part of the meeting and raised a number of issues, generally relating to the overall appearance of the village, the main ones being;
Uneven pavements in Church Road and Roman Road.
The large pothole near theRoman Road/Thoby Lanejunction.
Untidy bus shelters – next to and opposite Roman Close.
Overgrown lime tree near 233 Roman Road.
The rather untidy appearance of Church Road Green.
The overgrowing vegetation in and broken fence around the children’s play area.
Mrs Drain will be given details of the new system for reporting highway problems and the Chairman hoped that the Highway Rangers would be able to deal with most of the other matters.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 9th May 2011 - the minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING
5. Broken fence in Lower Road. Cllr Hones is following this up with Mr Stathers, BBC Enforcement.
6. REGISTER OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS – no changes were notified.
7. MEETINGS – Cllr Afteni and Mr Harries attended a quarterly meeting of the BBPCA on the 6th June. A number of parish councillors attending the meeting expressed concern that they were not now being addressed as Councillors in communications from the Borough. It was agreed that Cllr Afteni, in his capacity as Chairman of the BBPCA, will write to Brian Keane with copies to Borough Councillors.
8. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY - the Chairman stated that the new reporting system for reporting highway defects, either on line or by telephone, could be used by councillors and residents.
9. CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA PROJECT
Cllrs Afteni, Stacey and Mr Harries will be attending a planning meeting with Kompan representatives on the 14th June. It is anticipated that the installation will start on the 4th July and be completed in two weeks.
9. LOCALISM – The Borough has formulated draft proposals on providing future funding support for Parish Councils. Cllr Sleep will be undertaking a consultation process with PC’s in the next few weeks with a view to presenting full details to the September meeting of the Highways and Localism Panel in order that a decision can then be taken on the way forward.
10. PARISH COUNCIL VACANCY – Mr Harries will reply to the letter from the Borough’s Electoral Services Officer explaining what is being done to fill the existing vacancy.
11. QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE – Cllrs Afteni, Santry and Mr Harries are to meet up with Jane Leach, St Giles PCC, on the 20th June.
12. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc
A. PLANNING
(i) New Applications
a) BRW/321/2011- St Annes Cottage, St Annes Road – Erection of 1.7m high fence
Recommend refusal as incompatible with the surrounding rural setting
b) BRW/333/2011 - 119 Roman Road – First floor rear extension with pitched roof
No objection
c) BRW/331/2011 – 4 Thoby Lane – Pitched roof to existing conservatory. 5 Thoby Lane-Single storey rear extension
No objection provided application meets permitted development conditions
d) S191/BRW/4/2011 – Hunts Farmhouse, Old Church Lane – Certificate of Lawful Use for the existing use of a mobile home as a dwelling for more than 10 years
No objection
(ii) Existing Applications
a) BRW241/2011 – St Michael’s Royal, Mountnessing Road – Extension to front of existing outbuilding
Application refused – Planning applications decided list 931/2 - 24.5.11 to 30.5.11
b) BRW/225/2011 – 4 Thoby Lane– Single storey rear extension
Application approved – Planning applications decided list 929/3 – 10.5.11 to 16.5.11
(iii) Enforcement ENF/BRW/79/2011 – Land at junction of Thoby Lane with Thoby Priory.
Display of advertisements for tyre company. Illegal advertisements? Site revisited, sign removed as requested (Weekly List 1487/76 week ending 13.5.11).
B. FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – Cllr Sparling will see what can be done regarding members of the public who allow their dogs to foul pavements and other public areas.
C. RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE – The legionnaires test has been undertaken by the Water Board. Also Cllr Afteni has been involved with the electrician in resolving problems with the wiring of the new building. It will also be necessary to move the water sub-meter to ensure that the water returning to ground is accurately recorded.
D. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA – See 8.above.
E. WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES, FLOWER BEDS - nothing to report.
F. VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENIUM GARDEN - nothing to report.
G. ST JOHN’S HALL – a number of health and safety issues have been resolved.
H. MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL - nothing to report.
13. RISK ASSESSMENT / MANAGEMENT – It will be necessary to start preparing individual risk assessments of the areas identified in the Risk Management Policy agreed at the last meeting.
14. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent e-mail are available for members to read.
15. FINANCE
(i) The Accounting Statements to be submitted to the Audit Commission were approved.
(ii) The Annual Governance Statement to be submitted to the Audit Commission was approved.
(iii) The Balance Sheet as at 31st March and the Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31st March 2011 were also approved.
(iv) The financial statement as at 31st May was accepted. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted.
(v) The PC approved the renewal of the Insurance policy withZurich. This had been previously agreed with the Chairman as the premium of £1,302 was £351 (21%) lower than that quoted by AON.
(vi) An increase in the hourly rate of pay for litter pickers from £7 to £7.50 was agreed.
16. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS – Cllr Sparling reported that the Borough was planning to introduce the recycling of waste food by the end of 2011.
17. OTHER – None.
Date of next meeting: Monday 11th July 2011 at 7.30pm
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Minutes of the Ordinary and Annual General Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council held on Monday 9th May 2011 at 7.30 pm, in St Johns Hall Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/ Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), Stacey, Broughton, King, Read, Santry, Stephenson, B/Cllrs Sleep, Sparling and Mrs Holmes, C/Cllr Mrs Naylor and Mr Harries (Parish Clerk).
1) APOLOGIES – were received from Cllr Ford.
2) ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Mr Harries called for nominations for the offices of Chairman and Vice Chairman. Cllr Afteni was nominated as Chairman and Cllr Stacey was nominated as Vice Chairman by Cllr Broughton. Both nominations were seconded by Cllr King. There were no other nominations and the motion was carried unanimously.
Sub committees, Working parties and Areas of responsibility:
Planning Cllrs Afteni, Broughton, Ford and Read.
Recreation ground Cllrs Afteni, Broughton, Ford and Read and Clerk
Children’s play area Cllrs Afteni, Ford, King and Santry
Footpaths Cllr Ford
Highway verges, bus shelters, flower beds etc. Cllr Ford
Village Hall Management Committee Cllr Afteni
St Johns Hall Management Committee Cllr Read
BBPCA Cllrs Afteni, Stacey and Clerk.
BBC Liaison Cllr Read
BBC Planning Development Control Cllrs Afteni, Stacey, Ford and Read
Passenger Transport representative Vacant
Village News Clerk
3) PUBLIC QUESTION TIME - none.
4) MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 11th April 2011 - the minutes were approved and signed by the chairman.
5) MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING
Broken fence in Lower Road - carried forward to next meeting.
6) REGISTER OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS – no changes were notified.
7) MEETINGS – see 13C below.
8) HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY
ECC engineers have advised theWash Roadbridge over the River Wid is structurally unsound and will be replaced during the Summer. It is anticipated that the work will take 17 weeks. Concern was expressed by all members that traffic will be diverted along Church Roadand this will cause major disruption in the village.
Rectification of potholes. Experience to date of the new system is mixed.
Essex Highways have advised that the signposts vandalised in Padhams Green at the end of 2010 should be replaced in the Summer.
9) CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA PROJECT
The Chairman outlined the evaluation process of the bids received to supply and fit new play equipment in the children's play area. From consultation and research it was decided that two play systems were required to meet three distinct age bands. One was a unit for the very young which would also be suitable for the 4 to 6 years old's and something more testing for the 7 to 10 year old's.
After examining a number of systems available it a short list of two companies was drawn up – Park Leisure and Kompan. The Park Leisure proposal did not meet the above needs as both units offered would not meet our play requirement. Other equipment in the Park Leisure catalogue was looked at but there was nothing suitable to fully meet our needs, fit into the footprint available and be in the agreed price range. The Kompan proposal fully met the needs established and the Chairman visited a park in Beckton to see how the same equipment we have been offered has stood up to use in an area that suffers from vandalism and abuse. He was satisfied that the equipment was well made and was in good order despite hard use. The Kompan bid of £43,000 was also £3,000 cheaper than Park Leisure’s. The project will be funded by £15,000 from the Essex CIF, £10,000 from the Essex Environment Trust and £15,000 from a specific PC Reserve. Members discussed the project in detail and it was decided to approve the Kompan proposal. There was also discussion on the Vice Chairman seeking further grants in order to replace other play area equipment as a separate project.
The Parish Clerk was authorised to progress the order with a view to having the work complete before the six week school holiday.
10. LOCALISM – Cllr Sleep reported that he would be meeting with the Leader and Chief Executive of the Borough following on his discussion with all the parishes. It was hoped that these discussions would lead to a solution to the ‘double taxation’ issue.
11. PARISH COUNCIL VACANCY – Attempts continue to be made to fill the vacancy.
12. VILLAGE FETE – A request from Jane Leech, a member of the St Giles Parochial Church Council, to use the Recreation Ground for a picnic event next Summer was approved. Cllr Santry reminded the meeting that, even though it was agreed not to hold a Fete this year, consideration would be given to holding a Jubilee ‘party’ in June 2012. It was generally felt that a joint event involving the Parish Council, Church, School and possibly other local organizations would be a good idea. Mr Harries will suggest this to Jane before she attends the next PCC meeting.
13. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc
A) PLANNING
(i) Existing Applications
a) BRW/196/2011- 4 Hope Close – Erection of new dwelling to create an end of terrace property. Application refused. Applications Decided List 928/3, 26.4.11-3.5.11.
b) BRW/99/2011 – 124 Heybridge Road – Two storey side extension and front dormer window. Application refused. Applications Decided List 925/2, 5.4.11 – 11.4.11.
BRW/121/2011 – 30A Burnthouse Lane – Retention of existing porch - Application approved. Applications Decided List 926/1,12.4.11-18.4.11.
c) TPO/BRW/31/2011 – Land adjacent to 375 Roman Road – Fell one sycamore crown etc. Officer recommends approval. Weekly List 1585/49 week ending 21.4.11.
B) FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – nothing to report.
C) RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE – Cllr Afteni and Mr Harries met Richard Martins on the 12th April to agree how the goal post holes can be filled when the posts are not in position.
D) CHILDRENS PLAY AREA – see 9. above.
E) WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES, FLOWER BEDS - nothing to report.
F) VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENIUM GARDEN - the holes in the car park were filled on the 18th April.
G) ST JOHNS HALL – the hall is in the process of being repainted.
H) MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY CHOOL – the acting headmaster has agreed to remain at the school until September 2012.
14. RISK ASSESSMENT/MANAGEMENT – the Risk and Safety Management Policy prepared by Cllrs Afteni, Stephenson and Mr Harries was approved. It will now be necessary to allocate responsibility for undertaking risk assessments and putting in place an inspection programme to members.
15. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent e-mail are available for members to read.
16. FINANCE
The financial statement as at 30th April was accepted. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted.
The revised Budget, previously circulated, for 2011/12 was agreed.
The unaudited Receipts and Payments Account for the year ended 31st March, previously circulated, was agreed. It was noted that total expenditure, excluding project spending and VAT, was approximately 17% under budget. In view of the large overall under spend it was agreed that it was unnecessary to make any budget transfers to cover the small overspend on general administration and verges and greens expenditure.
Transfers to reserves, as at 31st March 2011, were also agreed with the exception of that for bus shelter replacement. Cllrs Naylor and Sleep thought this could be a County/Borough responsibility. Mr Harries to ascertain the exact position.
To comply with the requirement that the PC’s financial records for the year to 31st March are available for inspection the Notice Of Appointment Of Date For The Exercise Of Electors’ Rights was placed on both notice boards on the 6th May. The inspection period is from the 20th May to the 17th June.
17. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS – none.
18. OTHER – none.
Date of next meeting: Monday 13th June 2011 at 7.00 pm. The Annual Public Assembly will precede the meeting.
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Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Mountnessing Parish Council held on Monday 11th April 2011 at 7.30 pm, in St Johns Hall Church Road, Mountnessing
ATTENDANCE: P/ Cllrs Afteni (Chairman), Stacey, Broughton, Ford, King, Santry, Stephenson, B/Cllrs Sleep and Mrs Holmes, C/Cllr Mrs Naylor and Mr Harries (Parish Clerk).
1. APOLOGIES – were received from Cllr Read.
2. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME - none.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 7th March 2011 - the minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING
Agreement has been reached to return the black plaque to the Prince of Wales.
Broken fence in Lower Road. Cllr Hones is following this up with Mr Stathers, BBC Enforcement.
5. REGISTER OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS – no changes were notified.
6. MEETINGS – Cllrs Afteni, Santry and Mr Harries attended the Village Hall AGM on the 21st March. The financial statement presented showed a reduction in bookings income of approximately 20%. Cllrs Afteni and Santry suggested that the Committee should consider having an on-line booking system.
7. HIGHWAYS AND ROAD SAFETY
The large pothole in Church Road has been reported to Essex Highways using the new system.
The signposts vandalised in Padhams Green at the end of 2010 have not been replaced even though the matter has been reported to Harlow twice and to Essex Highways once using the new reporting system.
8. RECREATION GROUND BUILDINGS PROJECT - As the project is now complete it will not be a specific item in future agendas.
9. CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA PROJECT
Subject to making a thorough appraisal of the two estimates under consideration the Chairman and Vice Chairman were authorised to proceed with a final evaluation of the equipment to be purchased. Cllrs Afteni, Stacey and Mr Harries will meet on the 12th April and Cllr Afteni will then write to members with a detailed progress report.
The Chairman reported that the Parish Council had been awarded funding of £10,000 from the Essex Environment Trust towards the renewal and upgrading of equipment at the Mountnesssing Children’s Play Area. Accordingly it was resolved to enter into the deed with Essex Environment Trust in the form before the meeting, and to authorise the Chairman to execute the deed on behalf of the Parish Council, and to agree any minor amendments which may be necessary to execute any supplementary deeds or documents require by the deed.
10. LOCALISM – Cllr Sleep reported that he had seen all the parishes in the Borough and stated that it was likely that the powers given by the new legislation were likely to be used in different ways.
11. PARISH COUNCIL VACANCY – Attempts continue to be made to fill the vacancy.
12. VILLAGE FETE – Cllr Afteni is in discussion with Mr Hoffer to agree how Parish Council can be involved in ensuring that funds built up by the Fete Committee up to 2009 can be monitored.
13. SUB-COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES, etc
A. PLANNING
(i) New Applications- four were considered and it was agreed that the PC did not have objections to any of them
a) BRW/196/2011 - 4 Hope Close – Erection of new dwelling to create an end of terrace property.
b) BRW/225/2011 - 4 Thoby Lane – Single storey side extension.
c) BRW/241/2011 - St Michaels Royal, Mountnessing Road – Extension to front of existing outbuilding.
d) TPO/BRW/31/2011 – Land adjacent to 375 Roman Road – Fell one sycamore crown etc.
(ii) Existing Applications
a) BRW/99/2011 – 124 Heybridge Road – Two storey side extension and front dormer window. Officer recommends refusal – Weekly list 1482/32 week ending 1.4.11.
b) BRW/121/2011 – 30A Burnthouse Lane – Retention of existing porch. Officer recommends approval - Weekly list 1483 week ending 8.4.11 (pages not numbered).
(iii) Enforcement ENF/BRW/79/2011 – Land at junction of Thoby Lane with Thoby Priory.
Display of advertisements for tyre company. Illegal advertisements? Removal sought. (Weekly List 1481/56 week ending 25.3.11).
(iv) Application for Certificate of Lawful Use – Hunts Farm, Old Church Lane – For existing use of a mobile home as a dwelling for more than 10 years (Applications Submitted 1449 week ending 11.3.2011).
B. FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY – nothing to report.
C. RECREATION GROUND AND SPORTS AND LEISURE – Cllr Afteni and Mr Harries to meet Richard Martins on the 12th April to agree how the goal post holes can be filled when the goal posts are not in position. Cllr Stacey agreed to ask the football club for a contribution towards the cost.
D. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA – Cllr Afteni and Mr Harries to meet with Tracey Lynch on the 12th April to clarify some of the comments on the Borough’s regular safety inspection reports.
E. WATER MEADOWS, CHURCH ROAD GREEN, HIGHWAY VERGES, FLOWER BEDS - Nothing to report.
F. VILLAGE HALL AND MILLENIUM GARDEN - See 6.above. The quotation of £1,213 from Mr R Oliver for filling the holes in the car park was agreed. This work has been provisionally scheduled for the 18th April.
G. ST JOHNS HALL – Nothing to report.
H. MOUNTNESSING C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL – the school has been given a good report by OFSTED which is an improvement on the previous satisfactory report.
14. RISK ASSESSMENT / MANAGEMENT – Cllrs Afteni, Stephenson and Mr Harries will finalize a Risk Management Policy so that it can be agreed at the next meeting.
15. CORRESPONDENCE – Correspondence items detailed in the recent e-mail are available for members to read.
16. FINANCE
The financial statement as at 31st March was accepted. Payments made were agreed and receipts noted.
It was agreed that adjustments would be made to the 2011/12 Budget to provide for the higher than anticipated cost of filling holes in the Village Hall car park and to include the last CIF grant instalment in the Budget (it was wrongly anticipated that this would be received before the end of the last financial year). The revised Budget will be circulated.
17. COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS – none.
18. OTHER – A Notice of Uncontested Election has been received from the Returning Officer at BBC confirming that existing members have been elected.
Date of next meeting: Monday 9th May 2011 at 7.30pm. Please note that the AGM will precede the monthly meeting
The Annual Public Assembly will precede the monthly meeting on the 13th June.
