Minutes of Barnston Parish Council Meeting held on

Monday 11^th September 2006 at Barnston Village Hall

Present:

Mr R. Burlend (Chairman)

Mr C Brooks

Mrs S. Sellens

Mrs S Tuttlebury

Mr M LeMasurier

Mrs P. Singleton

Mr G Ball (Vice Chairman)

Mrs D Jackaman (Clerk)

Helen Rothwell

Mr R Townsend

Apologies: Cllr Eric Hicks

1.0

ROAD SAFETY

ACTION

Mr R. Townsend reported that there had been another accident on the Barnston Bends which involved a car leaving the road and ending up in a field.  It was requested that Highways clean the chevrons before winter.

Clerk

It was noted that drains throughout the village had been emptied today and that EDF Energy were carrying out general maintenance in the area before winter.

Highways have been notified of the large dip in the road on the A130 as you go towards Great Dunmow just before Buttles.  Clerk to chase if nothing heard from Highways within 10 days.

Clerk

The Council discussed the letter from ECC regarding the Variable speed signs.  Clerk to send ECC a copy of Parish Council’s Public Liability insurance

Clerk

2.0

MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 10^th July 2006 were approved and signed.

3.0

CLERKS REPORT

3.1

Play Areas:

Written confirmation has been received from UDC and work will go ahead on the trees at Watts Close on the 13^th September. 

The Village Hall Play Area lease was signed at the meeting.  This now needs to be signed by the Village Hall Committee.  Once Clerk is in possession of both signed play area leases from Solicitors, the purchase of new football posts via a grant can be pursued.   Mini Soccer Football posts have been offered for use at Watts Close play area from Barnston Football Club until new posts are received.

Clerk

It was unanimously decided to replace the existing roundabout with a new style roundabout called the ‘Rota-rider.  Clerk to try and obtain a grant to pursue this purchase.

Clerk

3.2

The Council unanimously agreed that after reviewing various options concerning fencing in the Village Hall Play Area to wait and see how the situation is when the new goal posts and nets are erected.

3.3

It is understood that UDC are proceeding with planning enforcement action against the owners of the Bushel and Sack Pub.

Clerk

3.4

5 Mill Field – A query regarding the field at the back of the property has been raised and UDC will investigate and let Council know the outcome.

Clerk

3.5

Contact information for the two notice boards was unanimously approved.

3.8

Speed Gun – Several Parishes donated money towards a radar speed detection gun for Police use some years ago and Councillors would like to know what has happened to it.  The Clerk has found out that the speed guns were purchased in 2000 and Dunmow Police are trying to locate the guns but don’t hold out much hope.

Clerk

3.10

It was noted that the Council had a received a response to their letter from the owners of 5 Rayfield Close.  The Clerk has been in touch with UDC and they recommend exemption from these bins.  Clerk to inform resident.

Clerk

4.0

FINANCIAL  POSITION & NOTICE OF AUDIT

The financial positions as at 30.07.06 were as follows: £5,979.34 in the current account and £726.44 in the NSB account.  Totalling: £6,705.78.  As at 31.08.06 £5,827.10 in the current account and £726.44 in the NSB account.  Totalling: £6,553.54.

4.1

It was noted that a thank you letter had been received from Homestart Uttlesford.

5.0

EDF Energy – Diversion of 11KV – Wellstyle Green – this item was discussed and unanimously agreed at the meeting.  The agreement between the Parish Council and EDF Energy was signed at the meeting.

6.0

Mini Ramp at Village Hall play area – This item was discussed and it was unanimously agreed that a mini ramp would not be suitable in the play area because of the amount of space available and the noise that would be generated.

7.0

ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA

Relevant Matters Arising from this meeting would be put on the Agenda for next month’s meeting.

8.0

PLANNING APPLICATIONS (dealt with between meetings)

UTT/1187/06/FUL – Proposed change of detached recreation room to self contained annex.  Addition of two windows in east elevation and two roof windows in north elevation.  Haydens, Onslow Green, Barnston.  Members raised the following concerns: that dwelling would have separate property status and that of Access on to the A130.

UTT/1324/FUL/UTT/1325/06LB –Additions, alterations and conversion of barn to form offices.  Mawkinherds Farm, Wellstyle Green, Barnston.  This application was considered and there were no objections raised.

UTT/1319/06/FUL/UTT/1320/06/LB – Change of use and conversion of agricultural barn to residential dwelling.  Martels Farm, Barnston.  This application was considered and there were no objections raised.

UTT/1449/06/FUL – Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of replacement dwelling with garage.  Temporary siting of a mobile home.  The Bungalow, Berners End, Barnston.  This application was considered and there were no objections raised.

 UTT/1507/06/FUL – Retention and change of use of former dwelling to outbuilding incidental to the use of the main dwelling.  The Courtyard, Onslow Green, Barnston.  The Council unanimously decided that original conditions should stand.

UTT/1401/06/FUL – Detached dwelling. The Poplars, High Easter Road, Barnston.  This application was considered and there were no objections raised.

8.01

Results:

UTT/1005/06/FUL – Erection of two storey side extension, rear conservatory and detached garage.  19 Barnston Green, High Easter Road, Barnston – It was noted that this application has been GRANTED

UTT0743/06/OP – Demolition of existing buildings (total 7 including portacabins) and erection of workshop and storage buildings.  Mawkinsherd Farm, Wellstyle Green, Barnston.   It was noted that this application has been GRANTED

UTT/1029/03/FUL/UTT/1115/06FUL – Removal of condition C.90B attached to UTT/1029/03/FUL (the existing dwelling and buildings shown on the approved plan to be demolished shall be removed from the site within one month of the first occupation of the new dwelling). The Courtyard, Onslow Green, Barnston.  It was noted that this application has been REFUSED

9.0

CORRESPONDENCE

Parish Liason meeting 3/10/06 – GB to attend

GB

Sustainable homes show, Saffron Walden 16/9/06 – RB to attend

RB

10.0

CHEQUES

The following cheques were agreed and signed at the meeting:

Acorn Services

£211.50

Just Lamps

£ 76.26

Stevens Solicitors

£ 40.00

Rural Community Council of Essex

£ 50.00

Direct Debits/Standing Orders

UDC – Garage Rent

£36.66

Virgin Mobile – Parish Council telephone calls

£0.54

E-on Energy

£66.51

Just Lamps

£45.53

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.30pm.  The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Monday 9^th October 2006 at 7.45pm