Dedham
Parish Council

Minutes of meeting held on 14th July 2010

DEDHAM PARISH COUNCIL

 Minutes of Meeting held on 14th July, 2010,

in the Assembly Rooms

Present:  In the Chair    Cllr. R. Laverick

               Councillors     R. Appleby, Mrs. A. Cannon, R. Cannon, M. Dempsey

                                       B. Hindley, Mrs. K. Spencer, A. Stock

                Parish Clerk    Mrs. J. Flewin

                PCSO              Mark Hibben

                Electors           3 

1.  APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE  received from Cllrs. Garnett and White. 

2.  MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING  having been circulated were approved subject to the following amendments: Item 3(a) line 6 should read “..and will be in touch with Offwatch”. Item 12 para 2. line 5 should read “..Allotment Rules..” 

3,  MATTERS ARISING

   (a) Bad Smells  There continued to be reports of bad odours in the High Street but in the absence of Cllr. White there was nothing new to report. 

   (b)  Salt Bins   In the absence of Cllr. Garnett there was nothing new to report. 

  (c)  Duchy Barn Shed   This matter is in abeyance until the autumn. 

4. PARISH PLAN  The Steering Panel is still in the process of producing a questionnaire.

5.  CORRESPONDENCE 

   (a)  Fund Raising Walk  There were no objections to a request for permission to use Royal Square as the Registration Point for a fund raising walk in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association on Tuesday, 28th December. 2010. 

   (b)  Noise disturbance  A resident in Dedham Mill complained of a “noise and public disturbance” incident relating to The Boathouse Restaurant when the police had been called.  PCSO Hibben reporting on the incident agreed that the noise was excessive and prolonged.  It was understood that this was on the occasion of the owner’s birthday and although there had been past incidents it was not a regular happening. Whilst agreeing that this sort of disturbance is upsetting the chairman pointed out that the Parish Council had no input whatsoever in the licensing process and complaints should be directed to the appropriate section of Environmental Health within CBC. 

  (c)   Churchyard Grant  The Parish Council has in the past given a grant to the local church to assist in the maintenance of the village churchyard.  In view of the expected future restraints on the parish precept it was agreed to consider this matter when the parish finances are a little clearer.

 

 

 (d)   Dedham Vale Hopper Bus  The Hopper Bus will operate from 3rd July until 26th September and details of times and stops will be published in the magazine and on the notice boards. 

 (e)  Traffic Speeds – Jupes Hill   In response to a request from the Parish Council a survey was carried out on Long Road East/Jupes Hill.  We have been advised that this is an important route in the County Council’s road hierarchy and as such it has already been determined that the speed limits on all these types of roads are to be reviewed.  This is being managed by County Hall. When results of the review are available we will be advised of the outcome.  Copies of  Highways’ response will be sent to residents Mrs. Parker and Mr. Gallifant. 

  (f)  Bad Language on football pitch   Serious complaints are still being received about the swearing on the football pitch in the sports field.  This continues despite letters to the local Football League and their assurance that referees should take action against any player guilty of offensive bad language. The problem is endemic at all levels and the Football Leagues state that referees should take responsibility for the behaviour of players on the field.  Notices have been placed in changing rooms in the sports pavilion and Cllr. Mrs. Cannon has attended before matches to speak with the referees.  PCSO Hibben was present during the recent five-a-side competition and agreed that there was a considerable amount of bad language used.  He felt that the sports association should produce a letter explaining to all participants that the use of foul language would be monitored during the game and fines issued. Councillors felt that if the situation does not improve and referees do not take control of the game as they should then consideration should be given to stopping football on the sports field.  The Chairman will write a further letter to the Football League making it quite clear that such behaviour will not be tolerated.   

   (g)  The Chairman had been approached to see if Dedham would be interested in twinning with Rethem, Germany.  There was no support for this suggestion. 

   (h)  Allotments  The Chairman had received correspondence from local resident Mr.Mercer, which was read to the meeting.  Members pointed out that as minuted on 9th December 2009 the Dedham Allotment Association, in conjunction with The National Trust, is responsible for ensuring proper attention is paid to the Rules and Regulations of the Association. 

Cllr. Dempsey proposed the following statement be minuted. 

The Parish Council has reviewed the Dedham AA Rules & Regulations and is happy that everything agreed at previous meetings has been incorporated in this document. 

This proposal was seconded by Cllr. Hindley with all members in favour. All future correspondence should be addressed to the Chairman of the Dedham Allotment Association.

(i)  Changes to our Revenue Grant  Parish Councils have been informed that in line with Government cuts there will be no help from CBC in the immediate future in the form of  grant aid when considering the Parish Precept.  In the past this has formed approximately 20% of our revenue budget which pays for the various services and goods required to run the parish.  The precept may have to be raised but the Parish Council will need to make savings where possible and examine expenditure closely.

Capital grants may not be too adversely affected, nor 106 monies.  Further advice is awaited from CBC.

 

 

6.  REPORT OF PCSO  There has been a recent spate of burglaries in the village, although nothing has been reported as stolen.  PCSO Hibben asked the public to contact the police with any information they may have.  Double sided road parking had made traffic movement very difficult during the 5-a-side competition and he asked if it would be possible for advance notice of future events to be given in order that extra parking arrangements might be made.  Cllr. Mrs. Cannon will raise this at the next Sports Club meeting. 

7. FOOTPATHS/PLAY AREA   Cllr. Stock asked how often footpaths were cut and it was suggested he speak with John Osborn who has a chart showing the frequency of cutting for individual paths. 

ROSPA has carried out its annual check and happily nothing needed immediate attention.  Councillors have carried out a site visit to go through each item.  The flatbed roller should be kept in the enclosure but the Cricket Club wish to keep it available during the season putting it in the enclosure for the winter.  The Parish Council has advised the Cricket Club that they accept no responsibility and have asked for proof of the Cricket Club’s Public Liability insurance.   The surface under the roundabout needs repairing again, and it was agreed that two cans of the solution should be obtained from Bounceback.  Cllr. Dempsey advised that Dedham Vale & Stour Valley Project will not help with the shortfall for the Fitness Trail.  It was proposed by Cllr. Hindley, seconded by Cllr. Mrs. Cannon, with all in favour, that 106 Agreement money be requested to complete this project. 

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

                                                                                                                £

Mr. A.P. Hodson   Hours worked in June      Maintenance                 187.50

                                                                         PPP                          287.50

Mrs. O.M. Ruff – Litter                                                                      168.00

Playsafe – ROSPA                                                                             272.60

CALC – Subs.                                                                                     35.00

RCCE – Subs.                                                                                     55.00

CBC – Litter bin emptying (Playing Field)                                             70.50

Essex Police Authority                                                                     3,814.00

D. Perry – Flower tubs                                                                         33.00

Duchy Barn – Meeting                                                                          10.00

Parish Plan Steering Group (RCCE Grant)                                           400.00

 

 

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

 COL/1127    Castle House, Castle Hill, Dedham. 

                      3 signs  

 Comments:   Recommend approval.

 

COL/1133     Duntons Almshouses, Crown Street, Dedham. 

                       Repairs to windows and flat roof. 

 Comments     Recommend approval.

 

COL/1174       Gun Hill Place, Gun Hill, Dedham. 

                        Conservatory extension. Pool enclosure and two dormer windows. 

  Comments:    Recommend approval but require clarification on dormers.

 

COL/1181       Crown Cottage, Crown Street, Dedham. 

                        Single storey rear extension and alterations. 

  Comments:    Recommend refusal.

 

COL/1184        Crown Cottage, Crown Street, Dedham. 

                         Demolition of part of rear bedroom. 

  Comments:     Withdrawn.

 

COL/1270         The Gables, Coles Oak Lane, Dedham. 

                          Single storey and two storey extension. Demolition of conservatory. 

  Comments:      Recommend approval with conditions.

 

COL/1296         Mulberry House, Gun Hill, Dedham. 

                           Rebuild damaged wall and railings and extend wall. 

  Comments:      Recommend approval.

 

COL/1336         Dunnets, East Lane, Dedham. 

                           Two storey side extension. 

  Comments:       Recommend refusal.  Not in keeping.  Minded to “call in” if

                            necessary.

 

The following applications have been approved by CBC.

 

COL/0806   Silver Birches, Old Ipswich Road, Dedham. 

                    Change of use of woodland to garden as shown on revised drawing. 

COL/0482/   Le Talbooth, Gun Hill, Dedham.

0481                      New services building.

 

COL 0948     8 Crownfields, Crown Street, Dedham.

                        Single storey front extension.

 

The following applications have been refused  by CBC.

 COL/0973     Lower Park Cottage, Colchester Road, Dedham.

                       Extension.

 

The following applications have been withdrawn.

 COL/0797       Blackthorn, Ardleigh Road, Dedham.

                         Demolition of existing and erection of new dwelling.

 

COL/1184       Crown Cottage, Crown Street, Dedham.

                         Demolition of part of existing bedroom.

 

 

10. REPORT OF BOROUGH COUNCILLOR   In the absence of Cllr. Garnett there was nothing to report.

11. PUBLIC REPRESENTATION   Local resident Mr. MacArthur  reported an increase in motorbikes racing round the village.  The war memorial was a meeting place and the noise levels high.    It was suggested that should there be a continuing disturbance the police should be contacted.

 12.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS   Mrs. Ruff advised that the litter bin by the roundabout is not being emptied and the open bin in the children’s play area is constantly being pulled out by birds and other animals creating a mess.  This is also not being emptied regularly.  Cllr. Mrs. Cannon will advise CBC and  her suggestion that the covered bin beside the bus shelter in Crown Street, which is little used, should be transferred to the play area was unanimously approved. 

The DV&SV “Managing a Masterpiece” roadshow would like to use Royal Square on 11th September, 2010, from10 a.m.  There was no objection to this.  The changes to the bus route published in the magazine gave rise to some comment which has resulted in a slight adjustment to the route. The Primary School production of Cinderella had been a great success and congratulations were due to all who took part.   Cllr. Cannon suggested that Moira Groborz of RCCE might be invited to attend a meeting to talk about housing needs in Dedham.  He felt that such an analysis coupled with her advice would be extremely useful.  It was agreed that an invitation be issued for 8th September at 7 p.m. Cllr Cannon will follow this up.

 13. DATE & TIME OF NEXT MEETING   There will be no meeting in August.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, 8th September, 2010, at 7 p.m. in The Assembly Rooms.

 

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