Minutes of
Meeting
Held on: 3rd
April 2008
At: OSCA, Henham
PRESENT:
Cllrs. Mr M. Nicholson (Chairman), Mr N. Baker, Mr D. Bishop, Mr D. Sturgeon, Ms
M. Pennino, Mrs M. Lohmeyer, Dist. Cllrs. Mr D. Morson and Mrs C. Dean, Cty
Cllr. Mr R. Gooding and Mrs C. Lenihan (Clerk)
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
Cllrs. Mr O.
Griffiths, Mr J. Pimblett and Mr D. Jaques
Approval of the Minutes of the LAST Meeting
Minutes
of the March 2008 meeting were approved and signed.
Matters Arising from the Minutes
Chairman sent another letter regarding
the property at 13 Mill Road to Mr John Mitchell on 26 March 2008 enclosing the
file of previous correspondence to Mr Theobald and advising that he has had no
response to any of his letters. To date there has been no response from Mr
Mitchell either. Dist. Cllr Morson advised that Mr Woolcott is now heading the
planning department and agreed to follow up this matter with Mr Woolcott
STANSTED AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT
It was agreed that the Chairman will
write to UDC to express the parish council’s opposition to the G2 development.
Carol Barbone from Stop Stansted Expansion has been invited to the next meeting.
REPORTS
AND RECOMMENDATIONS
(i)
Greens and Village Estate
The new grass cutting contractor
has undertaken the first cut and strim of the village greens. Several villagers
have complimented the parish council on the improvement.
The parish council has established that the turning point in Carters Lane, which
has been damaged by turning lorries, is the responsibility of Essex County
Council and not part of the village estate.
Cllr. Baker to obtain quotes for replacing the two posts missing from the
beginning of Carters Lane. The purpose of the posts is to protect the green.
Cllr. Baker has entered Henham in the ‘Best Kept Village’ competition. Criteria
to be posted in The Dragon and all villagers will be encouraged to keep their
properties tidy.
The 2008 dates for the village skips
are:
§
Saturday 18th May – pm
§
Saturday 16th August – pm
§
Saturday 22nd November – pm
The skips are for half a day on each date and will
be manned.
Cllr. Baker is obtaining a second estimate for clearing the ditches between
Starr Garage and the village hall. Aiming for the work to be undertaken in
May/June. Cllr. Baker to obtain an estimate for repairing the two breaks in the
pipe in the same area.
Essex County Council have confirmed their offer of a grant for £750 towards the
pond clearance work.
Cllr. Baker to arrange for a professional tree expert to make recommendations
regarding the trees in Woodend Green, some of which are cause for concern.
The parish council agreed for the two untidy vacant allotment plots to be
cleared as per the estimate obtained of £252.60. The council further agreed
that a new condition should be added to the allotment tenancy agreement stating
that rubbish and personal items must be cleared from the plot by the outgoing
allotment holder.
Chairman to contact Environmental Health regarding the problem with rats caused
by feeding the ducks.
Chris Swain has written on behalf of the Parish Council to the Public Rights of
Way Officer at Essex County Council to advise of problems associated with
certain footpaths within the parish.
(ii) Finance
Accounts for Payment:
Clearing lime trees in Crow Street
£180.00
War memorial
garden £15.00
Clerk’s fee
(March 2008) £166.66
Grass cutting
(March 2008) £446.50
Water
rates for allotments £81.92
(iii) Liaison
David Forkin from West Essex
Highways in Harlow has been asked to undertake a review of speeding vehicles in
Pledgdon Green, particularly delivery vans and courier vehicles. Cllr Baker to
contact the police to follow up the previous suggestion of speed gun training.
Highways have advised that the signage for Toot Bridge will not be installed
until the next financial year. It is anticipated that this will be early in
2008/09 financial year. Cllr. Griffiths to obtain a firmer date from them.
(iv) Planning
Plans and advices received were
discussed:
UTT/0090/08/FUL:
Mill Pond Garden Centre, Henham – Extension to glass house and construction of a
cold store
§
No
comments or objections to construction plans but the council want a condition
added that this proposal is subject to no more than 16 van movements and 4 post
movements per day and 2 heavy deliveries per week.
UTT/0482/08/FUL:
The Old Dairy, Henham Lodge Barns, Henham – Single storey front extension
§
No
comments or objections.
UTT/0384/08/LB:
Glebeside Cottage, Carters Lane, Henham – Removal of partition wall and internal
alterations
§
No
comments or objections.
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AT ELSENHAM
News
had just been received that the Developer (Fairfield) has put forward a proposal
to Government which has been shortlisted for a 5,000/8,000 home Eco-town on the
site. The consultation period has started and will finish at the end of June
with a decision being made at the end of 2008 for development to start 2010.
The Eco-town is thought to be required in addition to the 4,000+ homes still to
be 'sited' by UDC. It was noted that Uttlesford District Council and Essex
County Council are totally opposed to this Eco-town proposal and a Press
Conference is being held by the District Council on site on 4th April. Chairman
will attend probably with JPCSG Councillors.
The JPCSG campaign continues and, in light of the news about the proposed
Eco-town, plans to increase its profile. Public meetings have been called for
16th April and the Group will be discussing with our planning and legal advisers
how to respond to the latest proposal. The group is still waiting to hear the
outcome of the application for Judicial Review.
POST OFFICE CLOSURE
County
Councillor Gooding reported slow progress in the Essex County Council
discussions with Post Offices Limited but advised discussions are ongoing and it
is hoped that some indication of ECCs/Post Offices talks will reach us soon.
CORRESPONDENCE AND NOTICES
Nothing to report.
ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
Nothing
to report.
DATE OF
NEXT MEETING
Thursday 1st May 2008 at 6.30pm. This will incorporate the Annual
Parish Meeeting and a presentation by SSE on the Second Runway proposal.
