Dedham
Parish Council

Minutes of an Extraordinary Meeting of the Planning
Sub-Committee held on 17th November 2009

DEDHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of an Extraordinary Planning Sub-Committee Meeting

held on 17th November, 2009.

This meeting was called following the 21 day public consultation period on a proposal to provide allotments at Bridges Farm, Dedham.
 

    Present: Cllr. R. Cannon (Chair)
     

    Cllr. R. Laverick
    Clir. R. Appleby
    ClIr. M. Dempsey
    Cllr. B. Hindley
    Mr. Martin Atkinson, National Trust
    Mrs. J. Flewin (Clerk)

Cllr. Cannon opened the meeting by re-stating the terms of reference under which the Parish Council had gone forward on the matter of allotments. In 2007 the Chairman of the Parish Council (Mr. Moorhouse) had suggested that the Parish Council should look for "a piece of land for allotments which would meet all the necessary requirements". A number of locations had been pursued and finally the National Trust had agreed to offer a piece of land.

A total of 54 letters of support from residents had been received. 5 letters against or expressing concerns had also been received.

It was pointed out that when the Village Design Statement was being prepared a letter from The National Trust stated that there would be diversification of use of their land in the future. This information was given a high profile and prominently posted during VDS consultations. Not one member of the public commented or sought clarification of this statement at that time.

The Dedham Allotment Association had been formed and it had been made quite clear that this would be an independent association which would work closely with The National Trust. In order to give what assistance it could during the early stages the Parish Council had made enquiries regarding planning and highways matters. It is clear that planning permission for the use of the field as allotments is not required. Planning permission would be necessary if the proposed orchard was made available to the general public and therefore at the present time The National Trust would plant local variety fruit trees for screening purposes. Planning permission would also be necessary if hard standing was required for parking purposes which must be limited to five cars. This is not envisaged. The Allotment Association now know exactly what conditions surround the plot and must work in conjunction with The National Trust. A need for allotments has been established although it is appreciated that there are still issues to be addressed and The National Trust still has some consultation processes to go through.

Cllr. Laverick (Chairman Dedham Parish Council) had listed the concerns raised by residents and proposed a question and response list in order that these may be addressed.

 

Q. How is the number of parked cars going to be restricted to five?
R. This will be enforced by NT and the AA. Permits might be introduced for members but it is expected that the majority will walk. The NT Area Warden will be on síte and in a position to monitor the situation. Should parking become a problem then it may be withdrawn.
Q. Where will other cars park?
R. This will be down to the individual. Two local residents have offered off-street parking.
Q. How will cars pass up and down the farm track since it is a single lane without passing places?
R. A passing place will be created where the old gate now exists. Priority will be given to traffic coming in from the road.
Q. How will this affect walkers and dogs?
R. Traffíc is expected to be very light and extremely slow. Walkers can use the passing bay, but if necessary a permissive path could be considered.
Q. Where will the opening to the orchard be?
R. Only from within the field itself.
Q. Who will maintain the orchard?
R. Planted and managed by The N.T.
Q. How will access to the orchard be granted?
R. At present there will be no routine general public access.
Q. Is it just for Dedham residents or for the general public?
R. Allotment Association members only.
Q. Who is going to pay for the orchard?
R. The N.T.
Q. Is planning permission required for all or part of the scheme?
R. Planning permission would be necessary if the orchard was made available to the general public or hard standing required.
 

 

Q. Were ECC Highways consulted re vehicles using the Essex Way to access the car park?
R. Yes. Consulted and no problems.
Q. When will the orchard open and for how long?
R. Not applicable - see above.
Q. Is there a demand for allotments?
R. At the moment applications exceed availability.
Q. Do all the applicants reside in Dedham?
R. Yes, from all over the parish.
Q. Toilets?
R. No proposals at present. Public toilets do exist in the village. N.T. might consider a composting toilet if necessary. This would require full consultation and would go through the planning process.
Q. Procedure for bonfires?
R. No bonfires permitted
Q. Areas in which the NT has already responded to the views of neighbours?
R. The NT has looked at all issues raised and demonstrated their willingness to respond to concerns by taking action where necessary.. A proposed holly hedge will provide screening on the eastern boundary of the plot. There will be no public access to the orchard at present and fruit trees will be planted for screening purposes. The local PCSO has been consulted and sees no extra risks involved. He is happy to speak with residents if they desire. A survey of the environmental impact has been carried out and information is available from the NT. Essex Wildlife Trust are aware and have not commented and Natural England supports the scheme. The site does not impinge on the general landscape, does not feature in any Constable painting or conflict with historical views, is well screened by hedges and trees. It was appreciated that the use of the track was a very sensitive issue and the NT has taken action to alleviate any perceived problems regarding vehicle access. Veolia Water Company have been consulted and are happy that the lane should be used. Normal pest control measures can be taken. No sheds will be permitted. It was suggested that equipment could be stored by individuals in boxes within an existing barn. A special shed would need to be grant aided or funded by the AA.
The Allotment Association Rules will be discussed with the NT and will certainly reflect the issues raised and decisions made.
 
In closing Mr. Atkinson stated that the proposal for allotments in Dedham will go before Regional Committee members at their next meeting on 12th January, 2010.
 
Members of the Planning sub-Committee unanimously agreed that the proposal for allotments at Bridges Farm, Dedham should go forward for full approval at the next Parish Council meeting on 9th December, 2009.
 
 
Cllr. Laverick thanked Mr. Atkinson for his attendance and input during the meeting.
 
The meeting closed at 9 p.m.

 

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