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Dedham |
Minutes of meeting held on 8th July 2009
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DEDHAM PARISH COUNCIL Minutes of Meeting held on 8th July, 2009 in the Assembly Rooms
Present: In the Chair Cllr R. Laverick Councillors R. Appleby, Mrs. A. Cannon, R. Cannon, M. Dempsey, B. Hindley, Mrs. Spencer Parish Clerk Mrs. J. Flewin Electors 3
Three residents had put their names forward for co-option to the Parish Council to fill the casual vacancy. This procedure was carried out by ballot and Mr. Alan Stock was elected by a majority vote.. The Chairman hoped that Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Flack who were not successful on this occasion would be prepared to stand again in the general election in 2012. There was also a vacancy on the Finance sub-Committee. It was proposed by Cllr. Cannon, seconded by Cllr. Appleby, with all in favour that Cllr. Hindley be elected to this post. 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE received from Cllr. White. 2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING having been circulated were approved and signed subject to the following amendments. The meeting was held on a Tuesday, and not Wednesday as stated. Item 3h. should be “Mr. Appleby”, not “Mrs.” And item 6. should read “Mr. Bodsworth” not “Bosworth”. 3. MATTERS ARISING (a) 106 Agreement Money Cllrs. Mrs. Spencer and Dempsey had met with Mr. Clark and Mr. Hill of the Sports Club to discuss the “fitness trail” project. This had been well received and suggestions made as to where the various items could be sited. Cllr. Dempsey will obtain costings for the preferred artificial surface beneath the equipment and continue his enquiries into available grants. Cllr. Garnett suggested that Beverley Davies be asked to attend the August meeting to give advice on the availability of various grants, etc. This was welcomed and Cllr. Garnett will follow this up. It was also suggested that Charles Clover, Chair of Dedham Vale Society, be put in the picture. PCSO Natalie King and Cllr. Dempsey had consulted with the Youth Club in respect of the youth pod and had been a little disappointed at the lack of enthusiasm. They will try once more when older members of the club are present and if no great interest is shown the project will be dropped. (b) Public Toilets The toilets were still in the process of refurbishment and there has been a great deal of annoyance and criticism from members of the public. A letter from Bernard Jenkin MP to Mr. Tim Young, Portfolio Holder CBC, asked why the toilets had needed to be closed for so long and when the work would be finished. A single temporary toilet had been installed by the Parish Council and this would remain until the toilets re-opened. There had been a problem with the barrier being blocked by a vehicle preventing the emptying of the toilets for two days. Cllr. Laverick agreed to provide a “Keep Clear” laminated notice for the barrier. Only two establishments were involved in allowing the public to use their toilet facilities, i.e. the Essex Rose and the Craft Centre. It was agreed that provision be made for extra toilets for the August Bank Holiday, particularly if CBC remove the temporary toilets at present in the car park should those in the recreation ground be open. (c) Parish Plan The response from those willing to become involved was encouraging and the newly elected Cllr. Stock, along with others, had indicated an interest. Jonathan Flack, John Osborn, John Reid and others involved with the Village Design Statement were happy to come on board. (d) Duchy Barn Shed The Vicar has written to the Duchy of Lancaster explaining the state of the Barn and asking for grant advice. An initial estimate of almost £17,000 has been received for the repair of this ancient structure. (e) Allotments Cllr. Cannon has met with representatives of The National Trust in respect of sites and certain planning matters need to be clarified. He will give a more detailed report at the next meeting. |
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4. CORRESPONDENCE (a) Dedham Run 2009 This will take place on Sunday, 27th September. It was unanimously agreed that as in the past a donation of £50 would be given for a trophy. (b) Dedham Village Day A letter from Mrs. Judith Fowle outlined the general plans for the Bank Holiday Monday event on 31st August. Since receipt of this letter Mrs. Fowle has become concerned about the “at risk” legalities of her being considered the “organiser” of the fete. She has spoken with various representatives of CBC regarding licences, etc. and has been advised to check that all contributors have their own insurance. Basically she wished to know if the Parish Council would be prepared to act as “sponsors” requesting that she co-ordinate the event on their behalf. After some discussion it was agreed that Cllr. Garnett will seek legal advice from Andrew Weaver, CBC, and the Clerk will check the liability risks with the Parish Council insurers. Cllr. Laverick put forward a proposal that if the legal advice was satisfactory, for this year only the Parish Council would serve as “organisers” and delegate Judith Fowle to act as “co-ordinator”. This was seconded by Cllr. Hindley with 4 votes for and 2 abstentions. (c) Dedham Guided Walks Programme Details of tours from July to September will be posted on the parish boards and are in the current parish magazine. (d) Road Closures Road repairs mean that East Lane will be closed for five days from 20th July and Manningtree Road from 27th July. Line repairs mean that Footpath 37 will be closed either side of the rail crossing at night from 24th July until work is completed. 5. REPORT OF PCSO In her absence the PCSO has submitted a written report. Nuisance vehicles have been brought to the attention of the police and there have been some positive results thanks to the support of local residents. Speeding is an ongoing issue and checks have been made. Further police training in the use of hand held speed guns has been given. She warned that other rural areas are suffering from outbuilding thefts and sheds, garages, etc. are vulnerable more so at this time of the year. The first meeting of Business Watch in Dedham will be on Monday, 13th July at 5 p.m. in the Boat House. She hopes all businesses will attend. The next Constable Neighbourhood Action Panel Meeting is at Gt. Horkesley Village Hall on 14th July, at 6 p.m. 6. FOOTPATH/PLAY AREA Dog fouling on villager footpaths is causing much concern and complaint, particularly from Andrew Hodson who strims these paths. There is no easy answer to this problem which is increasing. More dog bins are not available, but Cllr. Garnett wondered if a survey of dog bins in the village would indicate that one could be re-sited to one end of Footpath 34, possibly with a laminated sign at the other end.. Cllr. Garnett agreed to speak to Mr. Moorhouse, the land owner, and suggested he meet with Cllr. Appleby on site to take the matter forward. Cllr. Mrs. Spencer suggested that once again a notice should appear in the magazine and Cllr. Laverick will arrange this. Cllr. Appleby has been trying to find some form of protective clothing which could be worn whilst strimming but has been unsuccessful so far. Essex Way volunteers will be coming to concrete in or repair vandalised kissing gates which should have been done originally. New swing kissing gates have been installed on Footpath 26/27 and the possibility of having a kissing gate on his land is being discussed with Mr. Bodsworth. ROSPA have carried out an inspection and whilst there are no urgent repairs several adjustments will need to be made during the next six months to various items of play equipment. The bark level is considered acceptable but there was criticisms of the hard surface beneath the rockers. The difficulty will be finding someone able to carry out the work and Cllr. Mrs. Cannon initially will contact CBC and endeavour to obtain some quotations. The gate to the play area has been repaired. The Clerk was asked to write to the Sports Club stating that the enclosure was now available for use. |
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7. DEDHAM SURGERY Ardleigh practice has now started surgeries at the Dedham Medical Centre and this was celebrated with a small opening ceremony. Cllr. Garnett said that this was a great leap forward and all concerned were extremely happy with the new situation. A large number of patients had moved to Ardleigh from East Bergholt and Cllr. Garnett wished to thank the Parish Council for their continuous support for the project over the years. The Chairman agreed that it was a great achievement and was happy that this item could now be removed from the council’s agenda. 8. ACCOUNTS It was agreed that the following accounts be paid: £ Mr. A. Hodson – Hours worked in June PPP 300.00 Maintenance 144.00 Mrs. Ruff – Litter 168.00 Mr. R. Cannon – Planning expenses, etc. 102.05 Playsafety Limited – ROSPA 144.90 Armour Engineering – Repair to gate 109.25 Essex Police Authority – PCSO 3,500.00 Capel Plant Holdings – Toilets 112.70 £ Colchester Assn, Local Councils – subs 35.00 RCCE – subs 55.00 Dedham Run 50.00
9. PLANNING The Planning sub-committee has dealt with the following applications: COL/09/0766 Roman Place (Doctor’s Surgery), Manningtree Road, Dedham. Extension to opening hours. Comments: No objections.
COL/09/0795 Gun Hill Garage, Ipswich Roadl, Dedham Bunding and Landscaping (re-submission) Comments: Recommend refusal as before. Other applications not yet resolved.
COL/09/0815 Beech House, High Street, Dedham. Demolish garage and build self-contained annexe and new Re-position garage (re-submission). Comments: Recommend refusal as before.
CBC has approved
the following applications; 0556 Demolish existing extension and erect new. Replace window frames.
COL/09/0375 4 Bargate Lane, Dedham. First floor side extension.
COL/09/0627 Little Netherhall (Listed Building) Princel Lane, Dedham. 0624 Proposed car port to rear garden. . Land. Adj. Berryfields, Coggeshall Road, Dedham Cllr. Cannon reported that having had no response from the Chief Executive, CBC, to his letter regarding the planning anomalies relevant to this property he has advised that he will proceed with a full application to the Ombudsman Cllrs. Cannon and Hindley have spoken with Laura Chase regarding the supplementary document on the core strategy for affordable housing. Submissions have also been made through the Village Design Statement |
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10. REPORT OF BOROUGH COUNCILLOR Cllr. Garnett has called in the Gun Hill application. He queried whether there has been any further communication following the initial report on the Dedham Walkabout. To date there has been none. A request from the PCSO that the nets on the junior football posts be put in place has not been taken up by the Sports Club and the Clerk will write accordingly. Chickens and ducks have re-appeared in Monks Lane and the matter is in hand. A new street sign for the Duchy Barn is in hand. This will combine the name with an arrow pointing towards The Drift and will be sited in Royal Square. Progress is being made with the Council homes repairs, although some difficulties have been experienced in gaining access to one or two. 11. PUBLIC REPRESENTATION None. 12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Cllr. Mrs. Cannon reported that DV & SV Project are to provide a new and updated Dedham Map for beside the church wall. She also felt that the wooden parish board in Royal Square needed attention. She will arrange this. Attention was drawn to additional signage for the Dedham Hall Industrial Area for which planning was required. Paul Gallifant, resident of Lawford, has complained that rubbish has gathered in a concrete pipe left behind by British Rail following work in the area. They will ascertain who is responsible for the land and advise Cllr. Mrs. Cannon accordingly. The DV & SV Project have asked permission to give a presentation of their management plan for the AONB in Royal Square (involving a small van and leaflets, etc.) during the afternoon of Sunday, 9th August. There was no objection to this, although cones will need to be put out in Royal Square the previous evening. A complaint from a resident of The Mill (Mr. Glynn Barratt) about overnight camping at the Mill Pond by anglers and subsequent noise and disturbance has been acknowledged by Cllr. Laverick. The area concerned was not within the parish of Dedham, nor the county of Essex, and it was suggested that Mr. Barratt should write to The Dedham Education Foundation as owners of the land. Cllr. Garnett pointed out that this is the second occasion when Mr. Barratt has complained and previously the matter was passed to Babergh. Cllr. Mrs. Spencer had been asked by John Hill, Sports Club Groundsman, if Andrew Hodson could strim the edges of the playing field. It was suggested she speak to Mr. Hodson direct about this. Cllr. Hindley had received the results of the speed surveys carried out on 10th June, 2009, in Long Road West/East. The criteria for a VAS was met in the 30 mph limit area and Cllr. Hindley circulated a map showing possible sites for a unit. Following discussion it was proposed by Cllr. Dempsey, seconded by Cllr. Mrs. Cannon, with all in favour, that depending on consultation with residents a VAS unit could be sited on the verge by the telephone kiosk, Long Road East side of Coggeshall Road crossroads. This would be activated by traffic approaching from Long Road West.
13. DATE & TIME OF NEXT MEETING It was agreed that a meeting in August was required. This will take place on Wednesday, 12th August, 2009, at 7 p.m., and will be preceded by a presentation by Beverley Davies. There being no other business the meeting closed at 10.15 p.m. |