Queen Street Priority Scheme – Essex County Council have sent the Clerk details of new ‘bounce back’ bollards. Councillors discussed this matter and felt that the ‘bounce back’ type bollards would not be suitable. It was noted that combine harvesters would only need access for a very short time each year. It was therefore agreed to request lockable bollards and ask whether they could be removed for six weeks each year from mid July when combine harvesters need access via this stretch of road.
Halstead Flood Prevention Work – It was agreed that Councillors would like some additional information regarding the proposed works in the form of a map showing the new flood plain, as there is still a significant amount of concern about the proposals among local residents. Councillor Beavis agreed to pursue this matter.
Planning Applications The Parish Council had no objections to the following applications: Appln:. 04/01099/FUL - Erection of conservatory – Newholme, Sudbury Road, Castle Hedingham; Appln.: 04/01203/TPOCON –carry out works to trees - Former bowling green, Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham and, Appln: 04/00322/FUL - Formation of all weather gallop - Great Lodge Farm, Rushley Green, Castle Hedingham
Appln 04/00343/FUL – Erection of one two bedroomed dwelling, alterations and extensions to existing house and improvements to courtyard - Ibstocks, 5 Castle Lane, Castle Hedingham - – no objections however the council has some reservations regarding the current design of the cottage.
Appln: 04/01116/FUL & 04/01117/LBC - Erection of front dormers – 37 Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham – Object - Dormers seem an unnecessary addition to this property in the conservation area – not in keeping with the existing roofscape and appearance.
Appln: 04/01118/FUL & 04/01119/LBC - Erection of one single storey and one two storey rear extension - 37 Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham – Object – scale of the extension is too large and the impact on the neighbouring properties is too great.
District Councillor Information Regarding Planning Applications – Please note that as District Councillors no longer receive copies of all letters sent to the District Council regarding planning applications. Copies of any letters submitted by parishioners regarding planning matters should be sent to District Councillors to enable them to be fully informed when they consider applications.
Resurfacing Works Castle Hedingham – The Parish Council had received numerous complaints about the quality of this work. After a discussion it was agreed that the Clerk write to Essex County Council to raise the following concerns:
Fire Hydrants - These need to be reinstated as a matter of urgency.
Quality of the Work – The workmanship was very poor and the materials used have already started to break up.
White Lines – The white line and ‘Keep Clear’ notice repainted on the junction of Church Ponds and Church Lane are not in the correct place.
Notice of Works – Parishioners were given too short notice of the start of the works.
Gully Clearance – The gullies have not been cleared after the works.
Supervision – there was no supervision of the works. Supervision could have had a positive impact on the quality of the work undertaken.
7.5 Tonne Weight Limit Castle Hedingham – This restriction came into place on 1st July 2004 but signage has not yet been erected. The Clerk will contact Essex County Council regarding this matter.
Village Booklet - A draft copy of the revised booklet had been circulated to Councillors. It was agreed that a separate section in which details of businesses based in the village should be included. Businesses are invited to express an interest in being included in the booklet by the end of September 2004. If you are interested please write to the Clerk at 3 Hawthorns, Sible Hedingham CO9 3PD
Parish Magazine Donation – The PCC would like Sible and Castle Hedingham Parish Councils to make a donation towards the production of the magazine. Councillors agreed that it would be appropriate to support the village magazine financially and suggested a donation of £50. Mrs Moffat will report this offer to the PCC.
Meeting Dates: 11th August and 15th September - 7.45 p.m. Old Court House, Castle Hedingham .