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Langham Parish Council |
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Roads & Transport |
Recreation Ground |
General Purpose |
Housing |
Community Council |
Ward Councillor |
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Langham Parish Council
Roads & Transport
Recreation Ground
General Purpose
Housing
Community Council
Ward Councillor
Minutes of the meeting held on 22nd May 2008
1 Election of Chairman
Cllr. Watson proposed and Cllr. Stacey seconded that Cllr. Schofield be elected as Chairman. There were no other nominations and this proposal was accepted unanimously.
2 Election of Vice-Chairman
Cllr. Garnett proposed and Cllr. Ellis seconded that Cllr. Durlacher be elected as Vice-Chairman. There were no other nominations and this proposal was accepted unanimously.
3 Attendance and Apologies for Absence
Cllr. E. Schofield Chairman
Cllr. W. Durlacher after item 11.2
Cllr. C. Garnett Borough Councillor
Cllr. A. Stacey
Cllr. A. Ellis
Cllr. R. Watson
There were no apologies for absence and no residents present.
Also present was Mr D. Winter, Clerk to the Council
4 Process of Co-option
Notices of a vacancy are to be posted on the notice boards and in the village news sections of the local papers. Councillors were asked to urge people to put their names forward if they are interested, saying why they are interested, what they would like to see happening in the village and any skills they are able to bring to the Council. Applicants must be Commonwealth citizen or Euro nationals, over 21, and an elector. They should have resided for the previous 12 months either in the Parish or within 3 miles of it, or had their principal place of work there. Action – David Winter
5 Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
6 Minutes of the Meeting held on 29th April 2008
Cllr. Ellis proposed and Cllr. Watson seconded the proposal that the minutes be agreed as accurate. This was accepted unanimously and Cllr. Schofield signed the minutes.
7 Matters Arising from the Meeting of 29th April 2008
Any items where action is carried forward are shown in the minutes.
Ref
Item
Action By
Status
9.4 from 25/03/08
The Emergency Plan will be updated after the next election.
David Winter
Carried forward until new responsibilities agreed with Councillors following any changes from 1ST May
5
An extra key to the pavilion is needed for Cllr. Stacey. Mr Bob Schofield was arranging for this.
Cllr. Schofield
This has been provided.
6.5
Mr. D Stevens - He has informed Langham Council that he has written to Colne Housing wishing to be rehoused in Langham. The Clerk was asked to write to Colne Housing to support his application once a vacancy arises.
David Winter
Spoke to Colne Housing on 7/5/8. They do not keep a waiting list. Mr. Stevens contacted on 12/5/8 to inform him that when there is a vacancy he will be considered with any other applicants.
6.11
Colchester BC – A leaflet on services for older people. The Clerk was asked to pass this to Charles
Hewitt to take to the Good Companions Club.
David Winter
Done 1/5/8.
6.16
Essex CC - Letter regarding - Localism Agenda – Proposed Highway Rangers. A copy is to be e-mailed to Cllr. Watson and Cllr. Garnett.
David Winter
Done 7/5/8.
6.19
Essex CC - Letter regarding introduction of
1 APP Application forms for planning. A copy is to be e-mailed to Cllr. Garnett and the new planning officer when appointed.
David Winter
7/5/8 sent to Cllrs Garnett, (and as members of the planning committee) Ellis and Stacey.
6.21
Colchester BC - Letter regarding applications for HGV operators licences. A copy is to be e-mailed to the new planning officer when appointed.
David Winter
7/5/8, as members of the planning committee, sent to Cllrs Ellis and Stacey.
6.24
Rayners Court Grass Cutting – This is to be discussed between Cllr. Garnett and the Clerk.
David Winter
7/5/8 discussion took place and Cllr Garnett agreed to contact Highways about this, possibly to arrange a site visit.
6.25
2008 Colchester Youth Awards – details are
to be passed to the Scouts.
David Winter
6/5/8 details left with Roger Hobday.
7
An asset register has been discovered but will have to be updated
David Winter
Outstanding. Cllr Schofield is to accompany the Clerk around the village to check this.
7
The Clerk’s contract has to be approved by Cllrs. Durlacher and Watson.
David Winter
Contract e-mailed to the Councillors.
8 Residents Questions.
There were no questions.
9 Village Handyman.
It was agreed unanimously that Mr. Ernest Schofield had done an excellent job around the village. Cllr. Garnett proposed and Cllr. Watson seconded the proposal that once Mr. Schofield was fully recovered, he is to be asked if he would carry on with the work. Action – David Winter
10 The Election of Chairmen for Committees and the Allocation of Councillor Responsibilities.
10.1 Planning:
Chairman Cllr. Ellis
Others Cllr. Stacey
The Chairman may appoint up to two non-Council members. Mrs Hardy was suggested as a possible candidate.
The Clerk was asked to write to Mr. S. Gallup to thank him for all his work on the planning committee over many years. Action – David Winter
10.2 Roads and transport
Chairman Cllr. Watson
Others Cllr. Garnett
The Chairman may appoint up to two non-Council members. Mr. Brawn was suggested as a possible candidate.
10.3 Recreation Ground
Chairman Cllr. Durlacher
Others Cllr. Ellis
The Chairman may appoint up to two non-Council members, probably Mr. Bob Schofield and Mr. Charles Hewitt.
10.4 General purposes
Chairman Cllr. Watson
Others Cllr. Stacey
Cllr. Stacey has work commitments until October, but once these were reduced, he and Cllr. Watson might reverse responsibilities.
10.5 Housing: Chairman
Chairman Cllr. Garnett
Others Cllr. Schofield
The Chairman was keen to oversee the completion of Colchester Borough Council’s Decent Homes project.
10.6 Community Council
Cllr Schofield will be the Parish Council representative on this.
10.7 Footpaths
Chairman Cllr. Stacey
Others Cllr. Durlacher
10.8 Finance
Chairman Cllr. Durlacher
Others Cllr. Ellis and Cllr. Watson
The Chairman and Councillors signed their Declarations of Acceptance of Office.
11 Reports to the Council.
11.1 Planning
Mr. S. Gallup provided the planning report for May 2008
There were no new applications.
Approved:
080319 Orchard House, implement shed
080412 Barnfield, Park Lane. There was an amended plan, which we did not see, but I think that the approved area of 'garden' is in line with the garden of Mantons and not the original larger area.
080543 Land adjacent to Alefounders Barn. Full details of the plans must be approved before any development takes place.
080463 The White House, Dedham Road
080484 Barns at Park Lane Farm
080489 Gun Hill Trading Estate
Withdrawn:
080425 and 080426 East Lodge, Gun Hill
The planning committee was asked to keep an eye on developments at Alefounders Barn.
11.2 Roads and Transport
Cllr. Watson has been appointed as a Parish Council member to the Highways panel. The five members to represent all the rural Parish Councils were from West Bergholt, East Donyland, Stanway, Myland and Langham. Cllr. Garnett was of the opinion that this composition of Council members, including two “urban” Parish Councils as part of the rural representation, was not as the original representation. This matter will be on the agenda to review in November. Action – David Winter
.
11.3 Recreation Ground
Cllr. Durlacher provided a report from the Recreation Ground Committee Meeting of 17th April 2008.
(a) Recreation Ground Entrance Gate
Mr. Schofield’s rough design was presented to the Parish Council. Two quotations have been received each about £3,000 depending on the materials used. However, there was concern that the cost of the groundwork involved had not been costed accurately. The requirements of this work are to be investigated and Mr. Whitnell approached for a quotation. Action – Cllr. Durlacher
David Winter
Following this, if the decision was to proceed grants would be sought. It will be important to remember to keep the plaque and to take photographs of before and after.
(b) Leasing the Pitch under the FA Scheme
Provided there was a minimum 10 year lease to a football club, this scheme could attract a grant of up to £10,000 for improvements. The general feeling was that it would be inappropriate to pass control of part of the Parish’s recreation ground to a third party.
(c) Pavilion Improvements
There had been a general feeling that improved amenities, such as separate changing and shower facilities for youngsters and access to toilets would be welcome at the recreation ground and that this might be provided by improving the pavilion.
Cllr. Garnett, supported by Cllrs Watson and Stacey, made the following points.
Reasonable access to toilet facilities when teams are playing or practising, including access to Community Centre should not be beyond organising. For example, the Tennis Club pays an annual amount for having a key.
All drainage, sewerage, water and electrical facilities were already at the Community Centre and this would seem to point to any developments being done in that location.
Community Centre resources should be used rather than piecemeal development. He advised strongly that we should not go down the “Boxted” route where there are several different buildings on their recreation ground each under different control.
He said that back of envelope calculations were not a sound way forward. Proper costed plans are needed.
The Tennis Club were making tentative plans designed to improve the attractiveness of their club. These will need to be inspected when available.
11.4 General Purposes
The Parish Plan was discussed and the possibility of using the same people as involved in the Village Design Statement (VDS) plus any remaining funds was discussed. The constitution of the VDS committee is to be investigated.
Action - Cllr. Watson
11.5 Housing
No report.
11.6 Community Council
The Chairman asked for all the Councillors to let her know what should be raised at the next Community Council meeting. This should include any questions that should be raised that relate to the Tennis Club proposals.
Action – All Councillors
11.7 Ward Councillor
(a) Colchester Borough Council (CBC)
With the new Council controlled by Labour, Liberal Democrat and Independent members, the emphasis is likely to be more on urban rather than rural schemes. This may affect the Town and Parish Clerks’ fund in future years.
(b) Decent Homes
CBC is committed to completing this programme by 2010.
(c) Licensing Committee
Cllr. Garnett suggested that Simon Harvey be contacted to see if the Community Council might be able to obtain better licensing terms.
Action - Cllr. Schofield
(d) Waste
CBC aim not to have local incineration schemes either in or next to the Borough.
11.8 Footpaths
Cllr Stacey reported that a gate has been installed by Mr. Rix on footpath 44.
12 Invitation to Geoff Harris of Essex County Council Highways
Cllr Garnett proposed that Geoff Harris or a Senior Officer be invited to a Parish Council meeting. The feeling was that this should be at our September meeting when facts might be available and budgets settled. The topics could include
· The results of the highway traffic flows. There is one on Park Lane now. What remedial actions we could expect & at what level of vehicle movements we might see some response.
· What are the estimated effects of the stadium traffic on our village roads? Could all frontages be leafleted prior to the stadium opening with their statutory rights vis a vis car parking across drive ways and other disturbing acts?
· What; when; where are major improvements to the Langham road hierarchy to be made?
· What impact have the Highway Rangers had?
· What is the target date for the footpath in School Road?
· The lack of safety in Park Lane (especially outside Floraldene & Langham Oak Cottage) and elsewhere in the village for cyclists.
Interested residents, including Mr. Brawn, Mr. Elmer and Mr. Sutherland would be invited.
This invitation is to be e-mailed to Mr. Harris. Action – David Winter
The poor signposting to Dedham from the northbound A12 was mentioned, and Mr. Alan Bligh was thought to be the correct contact. Action – Cllr. Watson
13 Correspondence received.
1 Planning Application for Development of Work Units on Park Lane – passed to Cllr. Ellis for attention.
2 Essex Wildlife Trust – Spring/Summer newsletter passed to Cllr. Garnett.
3 NE Essex NHS PCT - Request for views on passed to Cllr. Ellis.
A new GP-led health centre at the Colchester Primary Care Centre on Turner Road incorporating the existing Colchester NHS Walk-In Centre
Relocating out-of-hours service, currently based at the Colchester NHS Walk-In Centre to the Colchester Primary Care Centre on Turner Road
This was passed to Cllr. Garnett to respond if required.
4 Public Transport Information - A record of changes to bus timetables throughout Essex. No changes in this area.
5 Invitation to Apply for Parish Grant Scheme 2008/2009
6 Colchester Borough Council – Forward Plan of Key Decisions - 1 June to 30 September 2008 - An outline of the key decisions CBC intends to take in this period. Passed to Cllr. Ellis.
7 Clerk & Councils Direct – Newsletter passed to Cllr. Durlacher.
8 Making the Links - Essex CC newsletter passed to Cllr. Garnett.
9 River Stour Trust - Notice of AGM and canvassing for election of trustees passed to Cllr. Watson.
10 Bernard Jenkin MP - Thanks for the invitation to the monument unveiling and re-dedication.
11 Planning Application - 4 Hillcrest Cottages, Greyhound Hill passed to Cllr. Ellis.
12 Countryside Gates and Fencing - A quotation for Langham Recreation Ground gate has been received. There has been a query as to whether or not they have made a site survey because of the difficulties likely to be encountered on installing the gate supports. See Recreation Committee report above.
13 Letter from Mrs Elmer - A complaint about the hedges overhanging the footway in Birchwood Road and the pedestrian gate at the A12 end of Perry Lane has been received. Paul Maplestone has been contacted and has said the Rangers would be asked to do this. The Clerk will reply to Mrs. Elmer. Action – David Winter
Essex County Council Highways are to be informed of similar hedging problems and raised manhole covers on Park Lane. Action – David Winter
14 Essex CC - An e-mail has been received to ask for comments on the letter presented at the last Parish Council meeting. This is to be forwarded to Cllr. Watson.
Action – David Winter
They would like an official contact here, and a list of any small activities we would like the Rangers to do. Action – Cllr. Watson
15 Tennis Club – Outline details of their proposals for a third court and club house were presented. When more details are known, these will be discussed.
14 Administrative Matters
April and May have been busy months with the major events including
The run up to, opening and post event action concerning the USAAF Monument
The Annual Parish Meeting on 29/04/2008
Entry to the Best Kept Village competition
The Recreation Subcommittee meeting of 17/04/2008
East Essex Forum on 08/04/2008 at Walton-on-the-Naze, where the emphasis was on policing in this area
Town and Parish Clerks’ Meeting in Colchester on 17/04/2008
A visit to see Stanway and Marks Tey village halls.
These all took a considerable amount of time. On 27th May, Cllr. Schofield and the Clerk will be checking the village’s assets.
The Clerk was asked to write to John Faulkner to thank him for all his work he has done for the village, volunteering to help set up the post office. Thanks also to Elaine Busbridge. Action – David Winter
The Clerk’s contract has to be approved by Cllrs. Durlacher and Watson.
Action – Cllrs. Durlacher and Watson
15 Receipts and Payments
A list of receipts (£10,702) and payments (£12,900) was circulated as part of the financial report. A number of payments will be ring fenced from the previous financial year, including
Those relating to the opening of the USAAF Monument - £5,293
Staff costs for January to March – £1,593
The Wick Road seat - £1,292
Village design statement - £450
VAT of £10,792 was received on 31st March 2008, covering three years’ payments.
50% of the precept and grant support, £10,313, was received on 10th April.
A key activity for June is to finalise last year’s accounts and prepare the annual return for audit. Action – David Winter
Grants of about £4,000 towards the cost of the War Memorial and USAAF Monument are to be claimed. Action – David Winter
VAT is to be reclaimed quarterly. Action – David Winter
16 Next Meetings
The next meetings will usually be on the last Tuesday of each month at Langham Community Centre at 7.30pm. The specific dates are 24th June, 29th July, 30th September, 28th October, 25th November, 27th January, 24th February, 31st March, and the Annual Parish Meeting on Thursday 30th April 2009.
Ian Hollands and Jean Brandreth are to be informed. Action – David Winter
17 Any other urgent business
17.1 Gypsies in Boxted
Several caravans are at the site of the old Wig and Fidget. Cllr. Garnett told the Council that CBC had been informed.
17.2 Letters of Condolence
The Clerk is to write to Mr. Hawksbee and Mrs. Salt, with Cllr. Schofield to sign them.
Action – David Winter
There being no other urgent business, the meeting closed at 10.10 pm.