River Colne – Mr Worley has been in contact with the Environment Agency regarding cleaning the river.
Electricity Supply and Poles - A leaning electricity pole in Sheepcot Road will be reported to EDF. The Clerk had been in contact with EDF regarding power failures and been advised that most recent problems were caused by trees falling on the line. EDF have carried out some works and are looking for a longer-term solution to these problems. It was agreed to monitor the situation and ask a representative from EDF to attend a Parish Council meeting if problems occur again.
Highways Matters -
a) Crouch Green – It was noted that the bollards are scheduled for installation on 14th June. EDF have been commissioned to put in the electricity supply – no date available at present.
b) Pot Holes Nunnery Street – these are scheduled for repair shortly.
c) Keep Clear, Church Lane – There has been no action to date by Highways regarding the ‘Keep Clear’ painted on the wrong side of the road in Church Lane. The County Councillor asked for copies of the correspondence to be sent to him and he will take this matter up
d) Erroneous 4.5 Tonne Weight Sign, Sudbury Hill – This was removed shortly after the meeting.
e) Footpaths - Essex County Council will provide the appropriate documentation for landowners to complete to enable kissing gates to be installed on various footpaths in the parish. Mr Philp has agreed to visit the landowners to get these completed.
f) Overhanging Trees – The landowner has been advised about dead trees overhanging the footpath that runs alongside the cricket field. Mr Bird will be advised of a hole on this footpath.
g) HGVs - There was a discussion regarding the number of vehicles over 7.5 tonnes that travel through the village despite the restriction that is in place. It was noted that trading Standards can prosecute vehicles infringing the restrictions. The County Councillor agreed to arrange for Trading Standards to undertake monitoring in the village.
Changes to District Council Planning Procedures - Councillors noted changes to the way Planning Applications are processed by the District Council. There is now one planning committee for the whole district that will meet every two weeks and consider all applications. Most meetings will be at Causeway House but local venues will be used when there are planning applications that have stimulated a great deal of interest. The committee will visit application sites as a group when deemed appropriate. These new arrangements have been put in place to allow speedy and efficient processing of planning applications. The District Councillors who are on this committee will all have had extensive training on planning matters.
Changes to Area Meetings – These, including the Halstead Area Meeting, will now take place every two months. They will have a budget for their area and they will focus on matters pertinent to their area. The aim is to have a local committee working in the community for the community.
Rural Development Fund – It was noted that in future years the allocation of this funding will decided by the area committees.
Planning Recommendations
Application 07/00888/FUL – Erection of one no. two bedroom dwelling 5 Castle Lane, Castle Hedingham- This application is recommended for approval at Braintree District Council planning Committee to be held on 19th June 2007.
Appeal 06/01373/COU – Site at land rear of Memories, Crouch Green, Castle Hedingham – it was noted the applicant had lost this appeal.
Application 07/00266/FUL & 07/00267/LBC – Erection of first floor extension and alterations to existing dwelling and provision of new conservatory – 3 Crown Street, Castle Hedingham – It was noted that this application had been withdrawn.
Application 07/01075/TPOCON – Carry out works to trees - 6 St James Street, Castle Hedingham - The Parish Tree Wardens support this application and recommend that the tree is completed removed
Casual Vacancy - Two letters expressing interest in the vacancy on the Parish Council were read to the meeting. The Council voted on this matter Mr Southgate was appointed to the Parish Council. Councillors agreed they had been fortunate that two candidates of such high calibre had expressed an interest in this vacancy.
Mobile Library Visits - The review of visits has been completed and Councillors were pleased to note the level of service in Castle Hedingham will remain unchanged. Posters advertising visit times will be placed in Parish Council notice boards.
Friends of de Vere School – The Friend’s Committee is fund raising to put a safe all-weather surface under play equipment at the school at a cost of £10,000. They are asking people and businesses to sponsor square metres of surface at £40 a square metre. It was unanimously agreed to make a donation of £200.
Street Lighting, New Park - It was noted that the first lamp in New Park is in need of replacement. Despite numerous repairs it still fails and is on all the time. To avoid nuisance to neighbours it has been turned off at present. It was unanimously agreed this work be put in hand
Meeting Dates
Wednesday 11th July 2007 and Wednesday 15th August 2007, both 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.