Minutes of Barnston Parish Council Meeting held on

Monday 11th June 2007 at Barnston Village Hall

Present:

Mr R. Burlend (Chairman)

Mr G. Ball (Vice-Chairman)

Mr M. LeMasurier

Mr R. Davis

Mrs S. Tuttlebury

Mr R. Townsend (Item 4)

Mrs P. Singleton

Mrs D. Jackaman (Clerk)

Mrs S. Sellens

1.0

Apologies – Mrs H. Rothwell, Cllr E. Hicks

2.0

Declaration of Interest - None

3.0

Co-option of new councillor

Mr R. Davis was proposed by Mr G. Ball and seconded by Mrs P. Singleton on to the Parish Council.  All Councillors unanimously agreed that Mr R. Davis would be an asset to the Parish Council.

4.0

Road Safety

4.1

Mr R. Townsend reported that there had been no accidents this month that he was aware of.  He also reported that the curb on the bend near Brook House had not been repaired correctly.  Clerk to contact Highways.  Mr R. Townsend to supply list of areas where grass cutting needs to happen earlier in the year.

Clerk / Mr R. Townsend

5.0

MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 14^th May 2007 were approved and signed.

6.0

CLERKS REPORT

6.1

Clerk still chasing Highways regarding white bridge over the river.  Letter and telephone calls made to Highways. No indication of what action they will take.

Clerk

6.2

Clerk chasing for a response to the forms sent to Highways for Consent to erect a gate on a Public Right of Way at the Watts Close play area.   Highways now want photographs.  Clerk to action.

Clerk

6.3

The Clerk reported the dead tree outside the boundary of Millers to Highways – still waiting for tree to be cut down.

Clerk

6.4

The pavement that was damaged at the bottom of Berners End where it joins Watts Close was reported to Highways and has been repaired.

Clerk

6.5

Highways have been asked to repaint the mini roundabout – awaiting a response.

Clerk

6.6

The multiclimber unit at the village hall play area has been removed as part of the metal was rusty.  Also looking at replacing the steps on the slide at Watts Close play area.

Clerk

6.4

Waiting to see if PC given grants from UDC and ECC for play areas.

Clerk

6.5

Wording for signs at both play areas was unanimously approved - Clerk to arrange for signs to be made up.

Clerk

6.6

Salt Bin now received.  Salt currently on order at a cost of £180.95.

Clerk

6.7

Street light outside 19 Watts Close was been reported and repaired. 

Clerk

7.0

FINANCIAL  POSITION

7.1

The financial positions as at 31.05.07 were as follows: £8,332.02 in the current account and £768.21.  Totalling: £9,100.23. 

7.2

A copy of the completed annual return was handed to all members together with copies of bank statements.   It was noted that the total cash balance as at 31.3.07 was £6.136.12.  The accounts and statement of assurance were approved by all members of the Parish Council and signed by the Chairman and Clerk.  Kate Coyne to review the annual return.

Clerk

7.3

It was reported that the Clerk had completed and sent off this years VAT return – awaiting confirmation of amount to be paid.

Clerk

8.0

Minor Matters for immediate attention

8.1

Planned Parish Visit – List of repairs is currently being collated.  Councillors to email Clerk with other repairs in the village.  Clerk to advise Highways.

Clerk

8.3

It was noted that Councillors were given a copy of 2007 Code of conduct.

8.4

It was unanimously agreed to amend Councillors areas of responsibility to:
Mr R. Burlend – Chairman & Finance
Mr G. Ball – Vice Chairman/Civil Defence/Essex County Council/ Chelmsford Borough Council
Mr M. LeMasurier – Village Hall, Footpaths & Stansted Airport
Mrs P. Singleton – Neighbourhood Watch/Charities
Mrs S. Tuttlebury – Public Transport
Mr C. Brooks – Barnston United Charities
Mrs H. Rothwell – Community/Health Issues
Mr R. Davis – Environmental Issues/Uttlesford District Council

8.5

It was requested that the Clerk write to Jerry Wormald at Sparlings Farm House to see if he still has the pattern for the village sign.

Clerk

9.0

Planning Results:

UTT/0847/07/FUL – Removal of agricultural occupancy condition and transfer by legal agreement to Martels Barn, Barnston.  Sparlings Farm, Chelmsford Road, Barnston.  This application was considered and there were no objections raised.
UTT/0944/07/FUL – Erection of a double garage.  Sparlings Cottage, Chelmsford Road, Bannister Green, Barnston.  This application was considered and there were no objections raised
P/A/2/14/263 – Agricultural and Forestry Determinations – Erection of an agricultural storage building at Apton Fields Farm, Onslow Green, Barnston.  This application was discussed in between meetings and it was noted that this might be an acceptable proposal but the quality of the application meant that it is difficult to judge.  It should be rejected on these grounds alone and a professionally prepared application be resubmitted so that an informed judgement can be made.
UTT/0920/07/FUL – Demolition of garage/utility room and erection of two storey side extension and detached single garage.  Pantiles, The Chase, Barnston.  This application was considered and the view was that it was over development of the site with insufficient parking.

Planning Appeals:

APP/C1570/A/07/2043847/NWF – Retention and change of use of former dwelling to outbuilding incidental to the use of the main dwelling – The Courtyard, Onslow Green, Barnston. 

10.0

CHEQUES

The following cheques were agreed and signed at the meeting:

Slingsby

£131.72

Just Lamps (UK) Ltd

£  52.88

Wicksteed Leisure Ltd

£  14.00

Acorn Services

£  82.25

Direct Debits/Standing Orders

UDC – Garage Rent

£  38.37

Virgin Mobile – Parish Council telephone calls

£    5.07

Just Lamps

£  45.53

E. On Energy

£  66.51

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.20pm.  The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Monday 9^th July 2007 at 7.45pm.