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Dedham |
Minutes of meeting held on 12 July 2006
| DEDHAM PARISH COUNCIL Minutes of Meeting held on 12th July, 2006 in the Assembly Rooms Present: In the Chair Cllr Mrs. V. Guglielmi Councillors D. Bradbrook, R. Cannon, R. Cort, R. Laverick, P. Moorhouse, J.Osborn, Mrs. L. West. Parish Clerk Mrs. J. Flewin Electors 15 Electors The Chairman welcomed Mr. Geoff Harris, East Area Highways Manager, Mr. Ray Smith, Function Manager Operational Traffic Management, Inspector Brewer and P.C. Clothier, Essex Police, Stanway. Mr. Smith provided members with a copy of a large goods vehicle survey which had been carried out over a period of seven days in June, 2006, at Mill Lane and Grove Hill, Dedham. The counts detected vehicles in both directions and apportioned them into categories according to wheel axle arrangements. The visual survey was carried out on a Wednesday as this day of the week appeared to generate the highest LGV activity. Observations were made at three strategic road junctions. LGV registration numbers and clock times recorded to show direction of travel. The visual survey confirmed the accuracy of the automatic traffic count. A survey of lorry movements had also been conducted in October 2003 and the results were very similar, suggesting that whilst matters may not have improved, they have not deteriorated. The survey confirmed that a relatively high number of drivers continue to contravene the restriction at Ardleigh Road, presumably to gain access to and from the A12 trunk road. The numbers recorded do not indicate a serious problem with signage on the B1029 Mr. Smith explained that many lorries which appeared overlarge did not, in fact, come into the HGV category and mostly were delivering or accessing shops and properties in the village. Insp. Brewer said that whilst monitoring the traffic they had stopped and spoken with drivers, questioning destination, etc. They had turned some drivers back and had given tickets in other instances. |
| Cllr. Cort said that it was not the local
lorries making deliveries which were a problem but those HGV lorries attempting short cuts which found themselves lost down narrow rural roads. He asked what had been done about the numerous sightings with dates, names and registration numbers which had been reported direct to Mr. Harris. Insp. Brewer said that little could be done without the police and witnesses, etc. being actively involved on the spot, especially where foreign drivers were involved. Mr. Harris said that they had no access to the data base for registration numbers and it was virtually impossible to trace some of the offending firms from all over the country and abroad without full information of addresses and telephone numbers. The satellite navigation system was very much to blame for many drivers finding their way into villages and this problem was being looked at amongst a whole raft of initiatives being undertaken nationwide to combat the problem of HGV’s in rural areas. He left a copy of the presentation paper outlining these plans with the Chairman. It was suggested that enhanced additional signage at the western end of Birchwood Road, Grove Hill and Dedham Road, Ardleigh, could be considered, together with a clearer directional sign at Mill Lane/High Street junction indicating that lorries needed to turn right. Mr. Harris agreed to discuss the enforcement of weight restrictions with CBC and to enquire of the Highways Agency what information the new sign to go up on the A12 at the Stratford St. Mary turn off will carry. He was reminded that the Highways Agency had not in the past considered a weight restriction sign necessary on the A12 or appropriate for the B1029 despite several requests from the Parish Council. The Chairman thanked the speakers for their time and efforts on behalf of the village. The matters raised would be discussed during the course of the meeting to follow and Mr. Harris would be contacted. --------------- |
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE received from Cllrs. Clover and Garnett. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING having been circulated were approved subject to the following amendments: Minute 3. Dedham Village Design Statement. Mrs. West was not a representative on this committee as stated but was a member of the Duchy Barn Committee. Minute 5 (a) should read BMX not BMK. MATTERS ARISING War Memorial The Clerk had been unable to make contact with Mr. Clive Smith, Langham Clerk, for information regarding the possibilities of grants for the cleaning of the village war memorial. However the CBC publication “Common Ground” indicated general funding sources and Cllr. Mrs. West agreed to make enquiries of them. (b) Skateboarding Day Lawford organisers have thanked the Parish Council for their donation towards a further skateboarding day. This has now been advised as being on Friday, 28th July, 2006, from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Posters have been put up around the village and passed to the Youth club. (c) Affiliation to EALC In the absence of Cllr. Clover who had taken the relevant information from the last meeting there was nothing new to add to the discussion. However, it was pointed out that we are members of the Rural Community Council of Essex which offers a similar service and with whom the Village Design Statement is already being discussed. (d) Long Road West – Traffic CBC acknowledge the receipt of the Parish Council’s letter regarding Mrs. Beeton’s comments on traffic conditions in Long Road West. The issues she raised will be investigated and a response will be made to the Parish Council shortly. (e) Village Design Statement The Planning sub-committee had held an open debate with Judith Fowles and Frances Weeks in respect of the Dedham Village Design Statement. Cllr. Cort reported that the very comprehensive questionnaire will be circulated in September. Cllr. Moorhouse had made the point that although the questionnaire dealt with many things affecting the village there was little or no emphasis on employment within the village which he felt was a vital basic part of life in the community. It was pointed out that this was amongst items to be covered under the Parish Plan which the Parish Council was working towards producing early next year in conjunction with the VDS. (f) Trees in Recreation Ground Cllrs. Laverick and Osborn will be obtaining quotes for an examination of the trees but as it was still the growing season it was felt this should be left until October/November. (g) Village Welcome Pack Cllr. Mrs. West reported that some time ago she had been asked to help produce a “welcome Pack” in conjunction with the Church pastoral group. This she had done but since then there has been nothing further from the Church. Cllr. Osborn raised this subject with Rev. Moate who agreed that a “summary” could be printed in the parish magazine once a year. It was agreed that this would be helpful. Information will also be available on the website. Cllr. Mrs. West will endeavour to update the original information which she had provided. (h) Horse Chestnut Tree Cllr. Osborn had asked the vicar for an update in respect of the horse chestnut tree in front of the church. Rev. Moate will be happy to speak with the Parish Council possibly in the autumn. (i) Trees – Car Park CBC will look at the tree encroaching on the village sign and will advise what action will be taken. (j) Police Community Support Officers Following the visit of Inspector Mays to the last meeting he has agreed to attend on Monday, 4th September, 2006, at 8 p.m. for a public meeting which will be held in the Assembly Rooms, Dedham. This will be advertised as widely as possible. |
CORRESPONDENCE (a) Royal Mail All households will be advised of a change in the manner in which it charges for postage. This will now be calculated not simply by weight but the size and shape of the item. This change will also be advertised on television, radio and in the press. (b) Proposals for improved liaison with Parish/Town Councils CBC wish to explore the possibility of improving the way in which it communicates with local councils and to this end proposals were put forward covering proposed groupings for liaison, a defects report form and a feedback form. The main proposal covered the reporting and subsequent action time plan of reported defects. Mr. Harris had attended the recent Clerk’s Forum in Colchester to discuss the new proposals and asked each Parish Council for their views. Members were of the opinion that perhaps a year’s trial might be appropriate and the Clerk will put this viewpoint to Mr. Harris. 5. DEDHAM SURGERY Work is progressing well and an opening date for the new building is planned for early December. The centre will be officially known as the Dedham Vale Community Health Centre and a properly constituted management group is in the process of being formed. A member of the Parish Council will be elected to the group and neighbouring parishes supplying patients will be asked if they wish to be part of this. The two PCT meetings noted in the previous minutes will not now take place until later in the year, presumably following the merger between Colchester and Tendring PCT’s. Cllr. Osborn said that anyone wishing to attend should contact him and he will ensure they are advised once a date is known. A financial breakdown for the surgery will be presented at the September meeting (no meeting in August). 6. FOOTPATHS/PLAY AREA New fingerposts for Footpaths 32 and 34 are now in place. Playquip Leisure has replied to our query regarding the overall cost of repairing the surround to the roundabout. They state that an earlier charge was less because it followed soon after the original surface was laid. A minimum charge of £350 is made on all wet pour repairs regardless of size. Cllr. Osborn was worried that with vandalism on the increase the Parish Council could be faced with heavy repair bills on an item which has only recently been overhauled. He wondered if there was any other way of dealing with the problem and had written back to Playquip asking if they had any helpful suggestions to make. 7. ACCOUNTS It was proposed by Cllr. Bradbrook, seconded by Cllr. Osborn, THAT the following accounts be paid: Mr. A. Hodson – Hours worked in June £156.72 Mr A Hodson - PPP £250.00 Mrs. O.M. Ruff – Litter £144.00 Playsafe Construction Ltd. £111.62 Assembly Rooms – Hire - Dedham VDS £ 20.00 Rural Community Council of Essex – Subs. £ 50.00 Income: CBC rebate of energy costs: £ 33.40 |
| 8. PLANNING Cllr. Cannon reported on a
meeting with Borough planning officers in Dedham when it had been possible
to air views and thoughts on local planning issues which it was considered
were not in the best interests of the parish. This had proved to be a very
informative meeting on both sides and it is hoped to have further
discussions in September, with a view perhaps to quarterly future meetings. The Planning sub-committee has dealt with the following applications: COL/06/0952 Crabtree Cottage, Long Road East, Dedham. First floor rear extension. Comments: No objections. COL/06/0980 Oaklea, Coles Oak, Lane, Dedham. Demolition of double garage. Single storey rear extension. Comments: No objections. COL/06/0986/ Mount Pleasant, Birchwood Road, Dedham. LB/06/0987 Single storey rear extension Comments: No objections. COL/06/1043 The Oaks, Bargate Lane, Dedham. Single storey rear and first floor extension. Comments: No objections. COL/06/1112 Heathway, Long Road West, Dedham. Formation of new roof and first floor accommodation and new vehicular access. Comments: No objections. COL/06/1114 Glen-Helen, Ardleigh Road, Dedham. Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of 3-bed. house. Comments: Awaiting additional information. TPO problems. COL/06/1108 Keepers End, Coggeshall Road, Dedham. Two storey/single storey rear extension for private use. Comments: More information needed. Difficult application. Possible Site visit required. Plot adj. Berryfields, Coggeshall Road, Dedham COL/05/2031 Considerable concern over the handling of this application has been expressed by the Parish Council whose representations had not been considered because they had not been transferred to the computer system, which in turn meant that they, and other objectors, had not been given a hearing. However, the application has now been approved and there is no redress on this decision. Cllr. Cannon has written to our Ward member to ensure that this situation is not repeated in the future. 9. REPORT OF BOROUGH COUNCILLOR In the absence of Cllr. Garnet there was nothing to report. 10. PUBLIC REPRESENTATION A resident reported that Angel Court, Colchester, had advised her that the low-cost flats would be apportioned via the Borough’s Home Choice List Cllr. Osborn stated that whilst this was true, those Dedham residents on the list would be given priority for the flats in Manningtree Road. This had been a condition of the agreement to build. However, the accommodation being erected in Crown Street was on land belonging to CBC and the Parish Council was not involved in their allocation. He would ensure that Angel Court gave out the correct information. Further complaints were made about the footbridge in Mill Lane. Cllr. Osborn is continuing to endeavour to get something done about the structure and will ensure that the foliage is cut back. 11. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Cllr. Laverick announced that the new Planning Application section of the website was up and running. Ready access to the CBC site dealing with planning applications was available Cllr. Osborn and Mr. Hindley had attended the Police Community Consultative Group (PCCG) Forum. This forum enabled the local public to air their grievances to a panel of senior police officers and hear what action will be taken. It was planned that further meetings would be held in the future. A copy of the minutes of the forum will be supplied to Cllr. Osborn. The Clerk was asked to write to CBC requesting that the verges in Dedham Meade receive attention for weeds. The verge to the footpath used by the school walking bus in Crown Street needed cutting back as did the Castle House hedge. The Clerk will write. 12. DATE & TIME OF NEXT MEETING There will be no meeting in August. The next Parish Council meeting will be on Wednesday, 13th September, 2006, at 7.30 p.m. in the Assembly Rooms. Note: Inspector Mays, PCSO’s, Assembly Rooms, 4th September, 2006, at 8 p.m. There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.50 p.m. |