Electricity Supply – Councillors had a detailed discussion with EDF representatives regarding problems experienced with the power supply in the parish. Arising therefrom:
Trees touching the line - Most of the power cuts had related to trees touching power lines. Mr Barton outlined in detail the works that had taken place to address these problems. A number of the trees were along the disused railway and getting permission to cut these trees had involved protracted negotiations with Braintree District Council. It is anticipated that tree cutting works will be completed by the end of February. Tree works run on a three year cycle. It was noted that Mr Barton has recommended to EDF that the power supply running along the disused railway is put under ground. This would be for EDF to action if funds allow. The Parish Council would support this proposal.
Voltage variation – Problems with variations in voltage are due to repairs and improvements being carried out at the Halstead Substation. Once these are complete there will be an improvement in the power supply to the parish. Long term EDF are looking to provide an additional feed directly from Braintree to the Hedinghams to address increased demand for power
Short power cuts – It was noted that very short loss of power was caused by an “auto re-close circuit breaker”. This stops the power flow if the line is struck by an object such as a bird and will automatically try to reconnect two seconds later and if the obstruction has cleared power is restored.
Youth Council Report – Mr Tame was welcomed to the meeting and reported on the work of Hedingham Youth Council. Arising therefrom:
Projector – The Youth Council had purchased a projector with grant funds and plan to use it to show films at St Peter’s Primary School. This will enable the Youth Council to strengthen links with younger members of the community and encourage them to join the Youth Council once they reach Secondary School.
Youth Club – The Youth Club has reopened at Hedingham school and the Youth Council are seeking grant funding to improve the equipment they have available.
Tennis Court Refurbishment - Sible Hedingham Parish Council are working on a large project to improve the recreation field in Sible Hedingham. The Youth Council have received a £10,000 grant towards the cost of this project and they are represented on the steering group.
Youth Fest – A Youth Fest is once again being planned for July and preparations have already started.
Peter Garlick Award – The Council congratulated Mr Tame on receiving the Peter Garlick Award, which commends those who have made a significant contribution towards crime prevention or detection
Kirby Hall Road – The Chairman and Mr Philp had met Olive Cowell from Essex County Council to look at problems with parking on the bend at the junction of Kirby Hall Road and Nunnery Street. After looking at the site and discussing the situation it was decided that extending yellow lines would address the problems being experienced with parking on this bend which is contrary to the Highway Code. A formal request that the lines be extended from 13 metres to 24 metres had been sent to Essex County Council. A white van parking on the double yellow lines at this junction will be reported to Braintree District Council.
Planning Recommendations
Application 07/02415/LBC – Replacement of frame and front door, 07/02416/LBC – Installation of ensuite bathroom and , 07/02417/LBC – Replacement of existing non-original softwood staircase and replace with a ‘not so dangerous’ staircase - 6 Falcon Square, Castle Hedingham - No objections.
Application 07/02198/FUL – Erection of detached dwelling and single garage - Land at rear of 1 and 3 Castle Lane, Castle Hedingham – This application was refused by Braintree District Council at Officer level.
Application 08/00044/FUL– Creation of hard standing for 2 no. vehicles - 36 Nunnery Street, Castle Hedingham – had just been received and is under consideration by the Planning Committee.
Application 07/02283/FUL & 07/02284/LBC – Conversion of youth hostel into two dwellings, demolition of outbuildings and formation of two new dwellings within curtilage - 7 Falcon Square, Castle Hedingham – This application had been refused by Councillors at Braintree District Council’s Planning Committee. The applicant has lodged an appeal against this decision. The Parish Council will reiterate their objections to the application at the appeal.
Meeting Dates
Wednesdays 13th February and 12th March 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.