HGV Traffic – Concerns had been raised that the signage of the weight limit at Bulmer Tye is insufficient. Essex County Council have confirmed that additional signage will be erected in the new financial year.
Queen Street Priority Scheme –Essex County Council have advised that they cannot do a stage 4 audit at this time as they should only been done 18 months after the scheme has been implemented. However as the safety audit on the original design allowed for 4 static bollards a single rebound bollard would not be considered to cause a problem. Essex County Council has therefore instructed their Contractor to undertake the work and as they already have the bollard in stock they are hopeful that the work will be undertaken within the next few weeks. It was noted that concerns are still being raised by parishioners regarding the effectiveness of the scheme and it will need to be reviewed. Councillors were concerned that the signage is still not adequate. The Chairman will raise these matters at the next Halstead Area Traffic Management Liaison Meeting.
Queen Street, Dog Bin – Councillors were very disturbed to learn that the bin had been burnt very soon after its installation and all that is left is some melted green plastic. Councillors had no information regarding the destruction of the bin and would ask that anybody with information contact the Parish Clerk (Helena Carter 01787 461149)as soon as possible. It was agreed that the bin should be replaced with a metal dog waste bin. It was noted that the dog bin near the tennis courts had been pulled off of its mounting. Mr Moore will be asked to re-erect it.
Laser Game Centre – Gestingthorpe –Braintree District Council has recently approved an application for a centre in Gestingthorpe at a site abutting Castle Hedingham’s parish boundary. Access to the centre will be via Eadies Lane which is in this parish and has a preserved verge as rare plants grow there. The centre’s owner has been made aware of the situation and has arranged parking at Park Gate Farm. It was agreed to write to the District Council to ensure they are aware of the verge’s designation and put the appropriate controls in place to ensure that cars do not park on or damage the verge.
Highway Matters - The up rooted Give Way sign at the junction of Bayley Street and St James Street and cracks in the road in New Park will be reported to Essex County Council. It was noted that Mr Cooke had chased Essex County Council regarding a raised manhole cover on Sudbury Hill.
Parking Problems – The Clerk will establish how parking problems should now be reported and advise the responsible body of problems being experienced in : New Park near Allfrey Court; Crown Street near Pye Corner and, the Bayley Street/Kirby Hall Road junction.
Garden Waste – Braintree District Council has arranged for a refuse lorry to be at the Memorial Hall on Saturday 12th March between 9.00am and 9.45am to enable parishioners to dispose of their garden waste. These visits will take place every five weeks. Visit dates and times will be displayed in the Parish Council notice boards.
Planning Comments
Application 05/00050/FUL - Repair and rebuild front boundary wall - 11, Pye Corner, Castle Hedingham – This is a very welcome addition to the renovation this property.
Application 05/00108/TPOCON - Carry out works to trees - Southerns, 37 Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham –Parish Council comment - quite a reasonable and sympathetic proposal.
Application 05/00083/FUL - Retention of 2.2mtre high vertical close boarded fence - Newmans Farm, Yeldham Road, Castle Hedingham – No objections to the fence but disagree strongly that it should be black tar stained. The Parish Council would want a natural hedge to be planted in front of the fence to reduce its visual impact.
Application 05/00106/TPOCON - Carry out works to trees - Astles, Pye Corner, Castle Hedingham - no objections – they are glad to see that sympathetic and reasonable proposals are under way for the garden. They are glad that this beautiful garden will be restored to the glory it once was having sadly fallen into great decay.
Application 05/00166/FUL - Erection of cart lodge/garage - Bailey Lodge, 4A Pye Corner, Castle Hedingham – this application is still under consideration by the Planning Committee. It was agreed that Braintree District Council should be asked to defer the comment date to allow the application to be considered at the next Parish Council Meeting.
Application 05/00023/FUL - Residential Development of four dwellings - Land to the rear of Blue Boar House, 24 St James Street, Castle Hedingham – The Clerk read letters from parishioners expressing their concerns regarding the application. Councillors discussed this application at length and a wide range of views were expressed although most Councillors had some concerns.
The Parish Council object to the current application -
Density – The Council has concerns regarding the density of the development and its impact on surface drainage to adjacent properties – these concerns have also been voiced by parishioners.
Style – The Council is concerned that the style of the properties is inconsistent with the existing architectural style. This style has already been rejected by the District Council when considering an application at Ibstocks in Castle Lane, Castle Hedingham.
Archaeological Site – The Council is concerned that the development is potentially on an archaeological site of considerable significance over what are the old town ramparts and Hanging Ditch which have been loosely filled in. This could make the construction of the buildings problematic. The Parish Council ask that an archaeological investigation is completed before any development is undertaken.
Precedent - The Parish Council is concerned that a precedent could be created by allowing a development of this nature, serviced by a shared driveway, in the village’s very valuable conservation area.
Meeting Dates: 16th March 2005 and 20th April 7.45 p.m. Old Court House, Castle Hedingham
N.B. For further information about this press release please contact the Clerk (Mrs. Helena Carter 01787-461149) after 4.00pm or Parish Council Chairman (Mrs. Sonia Allfrey 01787-461108).