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HENHAM PARISH COUNCIL Minutes of Meeting Held on: 4th February 2010 at OSCA, Henham PRESENT: Cllrs. Mr N. Baker (Chairman), Mr D. Bishop, Mr D. Sturgeon, Mr O. Griffiths, Mr S. Lee, Ms M. Pennino, Mrs K. George-Lafferty, Dist. Cllr. Mr D. Morson, Dist. Cllr. Mrs C. Dean, Mrs C. Lenihan (Clerk) APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Cllr. Mrs M. Lohmeyer and Cty. Cllr. Mr R. Gooding Approval of the Minutes of the LAST Meeting Minutes of the December 2009 meeting were approved and signed (a meeting had not been held in January 2010). Matters Arising from the Minutes Cllr. Lee and Cllr. Griffiths to chase up John Fox who had agreed to coordinate the community speedwatch programme as no activity has been undertaken. Cllr. Griffiths is discussing the location of the new bus shelter in Old Mead Lane with the Highways department. The traffic calming measures for Pledgdon Green have all been completed. At the last meeting it was noted that UDC had called in the Environment Agency to resolve the issue of the ever-growing pile of earth at the yard next door to the nursery on Mill Road. Cllr. Morson to follow-up and report back. The first draft declarations for the formal registration of parish land should be received shortly. The new tenancy agreement for Blossom Farm is now with Stanley Tee Solicitors. Chairman will circulate the Aborist’s report regarding the village trees. Highways department have confirmed that the clearing of the ditches at the approach of Pledgdon Green is the responsibility of the landowner. Chairman has written to Bob Smith (landowner) asking that this be undertaken. A letter was sent to the Church council regarding the corrugated iron shelter and two tin baths in Glebe Field. No response to date. Chairman will follow up with Simon Pilcher, Chair of the PCC. Cllr. Penino will also discuss the matter with the tenant of the land. The double yellow lines on Mill Road have been re-instated to their original length. CROW STREET / MILL ROAD RE-SURFACING A letter has been received from Iain Hurwood of Environment, Sustainability and Highways advising that these works will be undertaken in the summer surface dressing season. It was agreed that this matter will be carried forward to be discussed at a meeting later in the year. USE OF SAND/GRIT CONTAINERS County Highways have advised that the cost per salt bin is £300 which includes the bin being topped up with salt. Elsenham Parish Council feels that the price is excessive and is seeking support from Henham on contesting this cost. It was agreed, in the first instance, that the Chairman will formally write to County Highways advising of the areas of concern that are not currently gritted (e.g. from Woodend Green to the Rugby Club, Old Mead Road in the vicinity of The White House and the B1051 at Plegdon Green) and requesting that Highways enlarge their gritting programme. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS (i) Greens and Village Estate The grass cutting contractors have agreed to continue mowing the village greens in 2010 and will maintain their costs at last year’s charges. The Arborist has reported on the condition of the village trees. The report will be circulated electronically to all Councillors for discussion at the March meeting. Pat Doughty is continuing his treatment of the village benches but is waiting for better weather before completing the task. The small pond next to Bury Cottage has gone black and smells of sulphur. This was caused by ice forming on the pond and staying in place for several weeks meaning the natural sulphurs from the mud at the bottom of the pond had no escape route. It will take time for nature to restore the situation. (ii) Finance Accounts for Payment:
The 2010/11 precept has been prepared and submitted to UDC. The parish council would like to convey their sincere gratitude to Trevor Judd for undertaking this task again. (iii) Liaison The 317 bus which currently runs from Henham to schools in Bishop’s Stortford (term time only) is being withdrawn from 1st April 2010. This will only affect two pupils who use it as a standby in the event of car problems. The trial period for changes to the 7/7A bus route finishes on 28 February 2010. Comments on the new service are sought by Essex CC Transport Liaison. Cllr. Bishop will contact Stutton Parker in Chelmsford (managing agents) again about the self-made gate that has been installed at ‘Rough Apple’ at Pledgdon Green. The property is owned by BAA and has recently been rented out. Chairman has booked the village skips for 2010 for three half-days as per 2009. Awaiting confirmation of dates from UDC. (iv) Planning UTT/1668/09/FUL: The Cot, Woodend Green – Replacement Dwelling Concerns include:-
The parish council also recommend that owners of neighbouring properties obtain the deeds to their properties to ascertain if there are any restrictive covenants and easements about the use of boundaries. PROPOSED HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT ELSENHAM The JPCSG is liaising with other communities who are threatened with single large settlements. The Housing Consultation starts on 14 February 2010 and at present the JPCSG is asking residents to wait until advice is received before responding. This is a crucial time for the communities and it will be vital that the consultation is answered in a logical and thorough manner, ensuring the facts are underlined to undermine any suggestion that it would be sensible to site 3000 houses in Elsenham, CORRESPONDENCE AND NOTICES A meeting about the consultation for the Local Development Framework will take place on Tuesday 2 March at 7.30pm at Helena Romanes School in Great Dunmow. Additional briefing meetings are also being considered by UDC. The parish council agreed that these should be arranged. Chairman will contact UDC about Henham’s viewpoint. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA Nothing to add. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Thursday 4th March 2010 at 7.30 pm. Catherine Lenihan/Clerk |
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