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Dedham |
Minutes of meeting held on 12 August 2009
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DEDHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Meeting held on
Wednesday, 12th August, 2009,
Present: In the Chair: Cllr. R. Laverick
Councillors R. Appleby, Mrs. A. Cannon, R. Cannon, M. Dempsey, B. Hindley, Mrs. K. Spencer, A. Stock, S. White. Ward Councillor: C. Garnett Parish Clerk Mrs. J. Flewin PCSO Natalie King Electors 7
The Chairman introduced Beverley Davies, CIF Co-ordinator, ECC, who had kindly agreed to attend to discuss the general question of grants. She gave a very comprehensive guide to grants available through ECC, CBC and outside agencies. She advised on how the grants were awarded, what would be considered eligible and other relevant facts. CIF Highways Grant of £50,000 would also be open for bids but the dates have yet to be finalised. The information will be highly publicised and available on a brand new website. Members were grateful to Beverley for the valuable information she imparted which would help in respect of future projects. The Chairman welcomed Cllr. Alan Stock to his first meeting. 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE received from C.Cllr. Ann Brown. 2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING having been circulated were approved subject to the following amendments. Item 3. (a) should read…Cllrs. Spencer, Dempsey and Hindley had met with….3 ( c) John Reed (not Reid). |
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3. MATTERS ARISING (a) 106 Agreement Money Cllr. Dempsey was putting together an application form for a grant for the “fitness trail” and Beverley Davies’ comments had been helpful in this respect. He was also looking at grants other than CIF. He agreed to contact Mr. Charles Clover, Chairman of the DVS, and will publicise the proposal as much as possible, i.e. parish magazine, fliers, etc. There had been little or no feedback from the youth club regarding the youth pod and it was felt that without an input from the youngsters there was little point in continuing with the idea. (b) Public Toilets These were now open in the sports field. Representatives from CBC attended and they were very pleased with the result despite the length of time the toilets had remained closed to the public. It was reported that there was no sanitary bin in the Ladies and Cllr. Garnett will take this up with CBC. Extra toilets have been ordered for Bank Holiday Monday for siting as usual in the Mill Lane car park. This is a precaution against the possibility that CBC will remove the temporary toilets installed whilst the refurbishment took place. (c) Parish Plan Cllr. Stock agreed that he would undertake the co-ordination of the Parish Plan. The first priority was the formation of a Steering Committee and he looked for help from others interested. He felt that it would take at least twelve months to complete and queried the provision of funding. He had contacted RCCE with little or no response in this connection but would try again. Cllr. Stock already had one or two names but an item in the parish magazine giving details and calling for volunteers was proposed. (d) Duchy Barn Shed The initial response to the Vicar’s letter to The Duchy of Lancaster had been luke warm with more information requested. The Duchy Barn surprisingly was not listed but the Vicar is happy for action to remedy this to be undertaken. Cllr. Mrs. Cannon has applied for forms for spot listing but the matter was on hold for the moment whilst it was determined whether listing the building would make the repairs more costly. Cllr. Dempsey had spoken with a Conservation Officer colleague who advised that listing the building should not make a difference. Cllr. Mrs. Cannon agreed to take the matter forward with the support of Cllr. Laverick. (e) Allotments Negotiations with National Trust have progressed and Cllr. Cannon had identified with the Planning Department that no application for the site was necessary although some adjustment for vehicular access needed consideration and this was in hand. Cllr. Cannon felt all was proceeding well but nothing further could be achieved until the present lease on the land expired. Mrs. Appleby wished to thank both Cllr. Robert Cannon and Cllr. Mrs. Ann Cannon for their efforts on behalf of the Dedham Allotment Association. (f) Village Day – August Bank Holiday Monday It was felt that the question of insurance had been adequately covered. Cllr. Garnett had spoken with the legal department of CBC and the Clerk had discussed the matter with Zurich and the Vicar. Mrs. Fowle had obtained written statements of insurance from participating stall holders and all the stalls in Royal Square were covered by the Church insurance. The Chairman hoped the day would be as successful as last year but indicated that Mrs. Fowle might not be willing to continue in 2010. It was suggested that the extremely loud music played at the Marlborough Head during the day was upsetting local residents. Cllr. Laverick agreed to speak with the Licensee (g) Other items not on agenda Several items under AOB had been dealt with. Dedham Hall had contacted the Planning Officer regarding extra signage. The rubbish in the large piece of pipe left by British Rail by the bridge at Jupes Hill had been cleared by CBC. Cllr. Cannon is still waiting to hear who is responsible for removing the pipe. The complaint from a resident at The Mill regarding noise and camping overnight had been passed to the Dedham Educational Foundation as owners of the land. They will arrange for a “Private Property – Footpath Only - No Camping, No Firelighting” sign to be put up. Following the discussion about the VAS unit at the last meeting Cllr. Hindley had delivered 58 notices with only 4 responses. Cllr. Stock, who was not present at the previous meeting but was a resident on Long Road East, felt that the site being considered would not make the best use of the Unit. Other members had given the matter more thought and were also of this opinion. After lengthy discussion Cllr. Hindley agreed to ask Highways to explore a suitable alternative site further along Long Road West before final decisions were made. He pointed out that although funding for a VAS unit was available Highways would not proceed without the full approval of the Parish Council. |
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4. CORRESPONDENCE (a) Bad smells – High Sreet A petition has been raised by residents and sent to the Chief Executive of Anglian Water. This calls for a complete investigation of obnoxious smells which have been endured in the West End of the High Street and surrounding area for very many years. In the past Anglian Water have given various reasons why this happens and sensors were put into the pipes. However, there has been no improvement and residents are asking for a serious investigation in order that the problem is identified and cured. (b) Matters raised by Mr. Malseed Comments which appeared in the Essex County Standard blaming cyclists for vandalising kissing gates were strongly criticised by Mr. Malseed. The chairman apologised if his remarks had upset Mr. Malseed and stated that although there was no positive evidence there were strong indications that some members of the cycling fraternity were not particularly caring when negotiating these gates. Cyclists had no legal right to ride on public footpaths unless they had permission from the landowner although in many instances there were no objections so long as they were considerate of others. Mr. Malseed also raised the question of the clearing of Black Brook. This was the responsibility of the Environmental Agency who had not maintained it for several years. This was a flood risk and he had in the past kept the stream by his property clear in order to alleviate this possibility but the upper reaches of the Black Brook had not been maintained for over thirty years. It was agreed that a letter of enquiry be sent to the Environmental Agency. (c) Complaint by resident of Dedham Mill A copy of a letter of complaint to the Management Company re neighbours has been received from a resident at The Mill, Dedham. This was for information only. 5. REPORT OF PCSO Our PCSO was happy to report that Business Watch is up and running in Dedham. She warned that this was the peak time for thefts from outside, i.e. gardens, sheds, garages, etc. and asked residents to be vigilant. Dedham was getting more than its fair share of police patrols and the unmarked car has been quite active in Dedham. The car park is also monitored on a regular basis following reports of noise from “racers”. |
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6. FOOTPATHS/PLAY AREA The online footpath map and guide was now undergoing trial and so far had been well received. There seemed to have been a slight improvement following the erection of dog fouling notices along some of the worst affected footpaths. Cllr. Appleby wished to purchase 5 disposable trousers at 98p. each in order that Andrew Hodson may see if they were useful when strimming the footpaths. This was unanimously approved. Cllr. Appleby felt that the dog waste bin on Shoebridge Hill would serve a better purpose if it was re-sited along the footpath beside the old Police House. Cllr. Garnett will take this up with CBC. Cllr. Garnett was also asked if he would obtain a supply of “poo bags”. It had been pointed out that a major item of machinery, i.e. the “ground spiker” was still not secure. This was a potentially dangerous item and the Clerk was asked to contact the Sports Club requesting that it be stored safely in the enclosure. The Sports club should also be informed that once the cricket season was over it was expected that the flat bed roller would also be placed in the enclosure for the winter. Investigation into the provision of a disabled access to the sports pavilion had been carried out in conjunction with NPS South East Ltd. They would be prepared to carry out a full survey and provide costs for the sum of £540. However, an initial look at the project suggests that more than just the provision of a ramp would be involved, i.e. doors (internal or external) not wide enough and no disabled toilet facility in the building. Funding for such a major project was not available, but it was agreed that safer railings on the concrete steps would be advisable in view of the use of the pavilion by the Mother and Toddler Group. Cllr. Dempsey agreed to provide a specification for this in order that quotes may be sought. In the play area the seam on the metal tube needed to be repaired. The suppliers advised that it was not under warranty. Cllr. Laverick will look at the problem. The Sports club reported rabbit holes on the sports field and it was felt that they should be prepared to fill in where necessary. The hedge on the sports field boundary with School Lane needed cutting back. The Clerk will write to Mrs. Lucy Marshall the land owner. Essex Football Association is imposing heavier fines for swearing but control of this was still in the hands of the referee. The Sports Club had requested that the trees along The Drift be lopped. The official canopy height would be investigated before work is undertaken. Dogs off the lead on the sports field was becoming a problem and it was agreed that perhaps larger “Dogs on Lead” notices would help. The PCSO pointed out that she could request, but not order, owners to put their dogs on leads. Metal posts left in the ground following the removal of overhead electricity cables from the sports field were a hazard and the Clerk will investigate who is responsible for their removal. The gap in the hedge beside the gate opposite Manningtree Road was again being used to access and exit the playing field on this very dangerous bend. It was felt that the landowner (Mrs. Canham) should be approached for permission to block it off. |
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7. DEDHAM SURGERY Cllr. Garnett reported on the AGM held recently. The four directors were re-elected and the surgery is working extremely well. The appointment book was full and it was hoped to add the services of a chiropodist. The next meeting will be in November. 8. ACCOUNTS It was agreed that the following accounts be paid. £ A. Hodson – Hours worked in July PPP 300.00 Maintenance 180.00 Mrs. O. M. Ruff – Litter 168.00 Assembly Rooms 50.40 Capel Plant Holdings – Toilets 181.70 £ Audit Commission 327.75 E. Tanner – Internal audit 25.00
Income ECC (CIF) £920.00 CBC (CIF) £1,080.00
9. PLANNING The Planning sub-committee has dealt with the following applications: COL/081633 Gun Hill Garage, Ipswich Road, Dedham. Erection of perimeter fencing (re-submission) Comments: Recommend refusal.
COL/081634 Gun Hill Garage, Ipswich Road, Dedham. Erection of storage racking. Comments: Recommend refusal as before.
COL/0975 Leigh Brow, Bargate Lane, Dedham. Alterations and extensions. Comments: Recommend approval with conditions.
CBC has approved the following applications:
COL/09/0697 Heath House, The Heath, Dedham. Annexe accommodation. Certificate of Lawfulness.
COL/09/0815 Beech House, High Street, Dedham. Demolish garage and construct single storey annexe.
CBC has refused the following application:
COL/09/0610 6 Dedham Meade, Dedham. Proposed extension. 10. REPORT OF BOROUGH COUNCILLOR Cllr. Garnett had been advised that the overspill car park in Mill Lane had been locked on a Sunday recently. He will look into this. 11. PUBLIC REPRESENTATION There were complaints about parking on the footway at the Lamb Corner end of Grove Hill, parking at the junction of Southfields with Crown Street, noisy motorbikes and cars. Some coaches were parking in the High Street. The PCSO took note. 12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Having circulated the documents on the proposals for the AONB Cllr. Laverick asked that councillors passed to him their views in order that he can produce a consolidated response. Cllr. White expressed concern at the condition of the road surface in Princel Lane and felt that cars were using it to turn round having missed the car park sign. He also felt that the Marlborough Head’s hanging basket on the corner of Mill Lane covered up the car park sign. Cllr. Garnett advised that this has been looked at and an engineer’s report is awaited. Cllr. Laverick will mention the basket when he speaks to the Licensee. Langham Parish Council enquired if Dedham retained an interest in the bus shelter on the A12 at Birchwood. It was confirmed that there was no interest and that Dedham Parish Council would be happy to endorse any action taken. Cllr. Dempsey asked that the CIF Highways grant be put on the agenda for next month and Cllr. Hindley reminded the meeting that he was standing down as Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator. So far no one had come forward to fill the position which would lapse if not taken up. This matter will be brought up at the NAP meeting on 29th September. 13. DATE & TIME OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be on Wednesday, 9th September, 2009, at 7.30 p.m. in the Assembly Rooms. There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.45 p.m. |