Castle Hedingham Parish Council and Burial Board

Report of the meeting of the Parish Council of Castle Hedingham held on Wednesday, 15th August 2007, issued by the clerk

River Colne – Mr Worley had arranged to meet a representative of the Environment Agency regarding cleaning the river and the removal of two fallen trees. Thanks were recorded to Mr Finch for helping the Parish Council make contact with the agency.  It was noted that recent heavy rain has reduced the amount of clearance works that will be required.

Electricity Supply – EDF had not yet responded to the parish council’s request for an open meeting to discuss problems with the power supply in the village – particularly frequent power cuts and power surges. The clerk will continue to chase this request. 

Fly Tipping, Coppingdown Farm – The Community Warden had traced the person responsible for the fly tipping of grass cuttings in a ditch at Coppingdown Farm.  The cuttings have been cleared and the perpetrator will be prosecuted.

Post Office Closures -  It was noted that a consultation regarding the future of the Parish‘s post office will take place shortly but as yet there is no information regarding Post Office plans for this branch.  A petition has been started to support the maintenance of the village post office.  It was agreed that the parish council gives its full support to maintaining the post office.  Parishioners and the parish council will need to work together to oppose any closure plans as strongly as possible. Information regarding the consultation process and plans for the village post office will be circulated as soon as it is received and parishioners will be encouraged to support the local post office.

Highways Matters -

a) Pot Holes, Nunnery Street – The pot hole outside 61 Nunnery Street has been repaired but the pot hole near Nunnery Street bridge has not.  It was agreed that this pot hole is very dangerous to pedestrians and Essex County Council will be asked to take urgent action.
b) Overgrown Footpath, Nunnery Bridge – The chairman will contact the landowner regarding the nettles over growing the pavement between Nunnery Bridge and Crouch Green.

Planning Recommendations

a) Application 07/01489/FUL – Erection of garden gymnasium with cart lodge  - Newmans Farm, Yeldham Road, Castle Hedingham - No objections as long as it is not for commercial use.
b) Application 07/01423/LBC -  Conversion of existing buildings to create single residential dwelling and construction of new garage and workshop - The Old De Vere Primary School, Queen Street, Castle Hedingham - This is an application for listed building consent: the plans have already been passed. The alterations to the school to make a single dwelling are sympathetic and in keeping – no objections.
c) Application 07/01506/FUL -  Erection of new dwelling on part of garden of existing dwelling - Land adjacent to The Trees, Bayley, Street, Castle Hedingham - This is a very unimposing and small-scale application for a dwelling in a very strategic and environmentally sensitive area.  Providing the materials – tiles, rendering etc are sympathetic to the conservation area the Parish Council  supports the application.  A small two storey house is preferable to the landscape than another bungalow.  Access arrangements are fine and the actual footprint will have a minimal visual effect on surrounding properties.
d) Application 07/01625/TPOCON – carry out works to tree- St Nicholas Churchyard, Castle Hedingham - If this tree is to be removed then another native tree ought to be planted in a more suitable location as recommended by Brian Stacey, Diocesan Advisor for Trees/Nature Conservation.

Church Ponds - Essex County Council  had carried out a speed and volume survey in Church Ponds.  The survey indicates there is a slight element of excessive speeds but not enough to consider imposing a 20mph speed restriction.  A copy of the findings had been circulated to the residents that signed his original petition.

Meeting Dates

Wednesdays 12th September, 17th October and 21st November starting at 7.45p.m. in Castle Hedingham Club, Church Lane, Castle Hedingham.

N.B. For further information about this press release please contact the clerk (Mrs. Helena Carter, 01787 461149)  after 6:00pm, or Parish Council Chairman Mrs. Sonia Allfrey, 01787-461108. 

Return to the Castle Hedingham Parish Council index page

Castle Hedingham website

Google
Web http://castlehedingham.mysite.orange.co.uk