Dedham
Parish Council

DEDHAM PARISH COUNCIL 

Minutes of Meeting held on 13^th January, 2010

In the Assembly Rooms, Dedham.

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

               County Cllr.   Mrs. A. Brown

               Ward Cllr.      C. Garnett

                Parish Clerk  Mrs. J. Flewin

                PCSO            Mark Hibben

                Electors          9 

Mr. Gale of Anglian Water attended to report on measures taken to try to alleviate the problem of bad smells in the High Street, which is something residents have complained of for over ten years.  Louise Parkin of CBC was unable to attend through illness and sent her apologies.

Mr. Gale explained that the pumping system from the Talbooth was a complicated matter but as from 24^th November, 2009, a new system had been installed.   It was now also  much simpler to monitor odour levels    A CCTV inspection of drains in Stratford Road and the High Street had shown high fat levels, but this was not the cause of the bad odours.  Residents were not happy with the explanations given by Mr. Gale and informed him that bad odours had been reported since the installation of the new equipment which was obviously not resolving the problem. .  After much discussion during which residents expressed their concern over the inability of Anglian Water to sort out a problem which had been causing annoyance and distress for such a long time, Mr. Gale suggested that the new pump system should be given a little longer to prove itself and at the request of residents he would endeavour to have odour logs put into more drains to give a better all round indication of the problem and perhaps identify where the smells are worse.  He felt that the situation should be reviewed at the end of February when, if necessary, the matter could be progressed with Anglian Water when the odour logs are read.  This was agreed.   Residents would continue to monitor the situation and asked that they be consulted and informed of any developments in the meantime.    The chairman thanked Mr. Gale for his attendance.

 1.  APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE    None.

 2.  MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING having been circulated were approved.

3.  MATTERS ARISING

      (a)  Duchy Barn Shed   Following discussion at the previous meeting the Chairman has written to John Mitson, Chairman of the Duchy Barn Committee, outlining the situation and the view of the Parish Council.   To date there has been no answer.

     (b)  Jupes Hill – Speeding Traffic   In response to the Parish Council’s request for an extension of the 30 mph speed limit along Long Road East/Jupes Hill, ECC have agreed to conduct a speed survey in the area in conjunction with police accident statistics.

    (c)  Bus Stop – Crown Street  Cllr. Garnett advised that ECC are looking into the matter and see no problem with moving the bus stop a little further away from “Marylee”.  Hopefully this will take place in the near future.

     (d)  Heath Crossroads  Cllr. Hindley has been informed by ECC that the crossroads at The Heath do not qualify for a “Stop” sign.  It was suggested that perhaps an additional  “Give Way” sign on the opposite side of the road to the current sign might make drivers more aware of the danger of not stopping at this junction.  It was also suggested that similarly an extra sign be placed in Coggeshall Road.  Cllr. Hindley will make further enquiries.

  4. PARISH PLAN   A very helpful talk was given by Simon Anstutz of DVSV Project who had  promised support in respect of equipment, workshops and funding, etc.  It was agreed that there should be an initial entry into the Dedham Parish Magazine in February with another in April promoting the first workshop scheduled for 28^th April.  Cllr. Stock outlined future plans which it was hoped would include a logo competition organised at the Primary School.   For information a copy of the PP progress update is attached.

 5.  CORRESPONDENCE

     (a)  Salt Bins   Enquiries from residents of Monks Lane regarding the absence of a salt bin in this area have been received and it was agreed that there was also a need for replacement salt bins in other parts of the village.  C.Cllr. Mrs. Brown agreed to make enquiries as to the cost of black salt bins and the procedure for maintaining them.

     (b)  Trees – Water Board  Veolia have confirmed that a tree surgeon has dealt with the trees on their land opposite the Assembly Rooms.

     (c)  Highway Agency – Area 6   The Highways Agency announced that Area 6. has changed its administrative boundaries.  They now manage less of the A14 and A11 but have acquired lengths of the M11 and A1.  A map of the roads now maintained has been supplied together with complaints procedures. 

6.  REPORT OF PCSO  Mark Hibben advised that there had been no improvement in the parking problem at Southfields despite his having approached the drivers concerned.  He will follow this up.  The Mill Lane car park has been monitored following reports of “ice racing” over the Christmas period.   The Chief Constable has outlined his proposals to reduce anti-social behaviour in all areas and asks that members of the public experiencing such activity report to their Neighbourhood Support Officer in order that appropriate action can be taken.  Farmers’ Watch will be established by the end of February.   PCSO Hibben will meet with councillors after the meeting to discuss objectives for 2010.

7.  FOOTPATHS/PLAY AREA   A warning was given that the present wintry conditions were making footpaths slippery and care was needed.  C.Cllr. Mrs. Brown advised she was willing to contact Baburgh to discuss the extremely muddy conditions and will co-ordinate with Cllr. Appleby.  A new kissing gate will be installed on footpath 26 on 22^nd January and help would be appreciated.  Cllr. Laverick will advise time. 

Cllr. Mrs. Cannon has received confirmation that 106 money will be available to fund the new equipment for the play area and has put the order in hand with the supplier.  The new equipment will be installed as soon as weather permits.   So far as dog notices are concerned CBC only supply dog fouling signage which is free of charge but must be fitted to existing posts.   The Animal Warden will visit to look at the area and arrange for extra signage.  Signs stating that dogs must be kept under control will need to be provided by the Parish Council.   Cllr. Laverick will look into this.

 8.  ACCOUNTS   It was agreed that the following accounts be paid:

                                                                                                                        £

 A. Hodson – Hours worked in December                                                  180.00

Mrs. O.M. Ruff – Litter                                                                              105.00

Essex Police Authority – PCSO                                                               3,814.00    

RCCE – Meeting                                                                                         25.00

R. Laverick – Computer sundries                                                                 13.68

 Income:  Dedham Bowls Club - £430.00           

9. PLANNING     The Planning sub-Committee has dealt with the following applications.

COL/1585   Park Farm Cottage, Coopers Lane, Dedham.

                     Rear extension.

 Comments:  Not opposed in principle but should be more in keeping with existing

                     property in AONB. Therefore recommend refusal.                    

COL/1632    Great Birchwood Cottage, Birchwood Road, Dedham.

                      Shed, garage and summerhouse with wall and gates.

 Comments:   Over development of site along with highway issues.  Recommend

                     refusal.  ECC Highways meeting arranged.

CBC has approved the following applications.

COL/1326   Honeysuckle Cottage, Ardleigh Road, Dedham.

                     Proposed garden room.

COL/1261  Little Netherhall (LB), Princel Lane, Dedham.

1263                   Rear extension.

COL/1465  Dydda House, Crown Street, Dedham.

                    Replacement windows and rear extension.

The following applications have been withdrawn. 

 COL/1395   Jupes Hill House  (LB), Long Road East, Dedham.

1398                    Single storey extension.

COL/1223   2 Baytree Cottages, Crown Street, Dedham.

                     Replacement front door and French doors.

10. REPORT OF BOROUGH COUNCILLOR   Under CBC Decent Homes Plan 18 houses are due to be upgraded.   Three are now on gas supply providing central heating for the first time.  Cllr. Garnett felt that the dustmen had done a good job during the current bad weather spell and should be congratulated on their efforts.  It was agreed that a note of thanks be sent to CBC.  Cllr. Dempsey pointed out that it had not always been so inasmuch as the primary school’s Christmas production had been severely interrupted by the need for parents to leave the hall and move their cars to give the refuse lorry access.  This it was felt was a further example of the parking problems experienced at the school.  Cllr. Garnett suggested that in future or on a similar occasion the school would be advised to contact CBC informing them of any particular activity which may conflict with rubbish collections.

 11.  PUBLIC REPRESENTATION  A resident asked why the pavements were no longer swept on a regular basis,  An “appointment” had been necessary to have the road and pavement cleared for the Dickensian Evening, and Cllr. Garnett was quite willing to investigate the possibility (after the snow) of having an agreed timetable with CBC for having the pavements swept during the year.

12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS  The Courier newspaper had not been distributed throughout the village, and in view of the consultation questionnaire contained in it regarding refuse collections which the public were asked to complete Cllr. Garnett was prepared to collect a supply which could be placed in some village outlets for collection by residents.  He would also attempt to have the closing date extended.

Cllr. Stock agreed to help with this operation.   The Emergency Plan has been reviewed and revised and will be issued within the next few weeks.   A work party for trimming the trees along The Drift was arranged for Saturday, 6^th February at 10 a.m. on the sports field.  Volunteers will be welcome.

 Peter Kay of C-Bus has pointed out that the Saturday bus timetable for Dedham is not as frequent as during the week.  Cllr. Laverick has advised him that should he wish to consult public opinion the parish magazine would probably be a good place to start coupled with a survey of bus users taken at bus stops.   It was also pointed out that this was the sort of item which could be discussed at the Parish Plan workshop planned for April.  Cllr. Hindley reported on the recent CALC meeting.  Richard Watson continues to be the Local Highways Panel member for Langham and Dedham.   CALC has approached CBC with the request that they consider the appointment of an elected CALC nominated representative onto the planning sub-committee as a full member   This nominated representative would have the remit of consulting with relevant Parish or Town Councils prior to meetings to understand local specifics relating to planning applications.  They have also expressed concern that villages to the north of Colchester are not represented in the current make-up of the Planning Committee and have asked for a more balanced mix of members of this important committee.   The next NAPS meeting will be on 19^th January at Great Horkesley.

 13.  DATE & TIME OF NEXT MEETING  The next meeting will be on 10^th February, 2010, at 7 p.m. in The Assembly Rooms, Dedham. 

Chief Inspector Adrian Coombs will attend.

 There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.50 p.m.