Minutes of Barnston Parish Council Meeting held on

Monday 14th September 2009 at Barnston Village Hall

Present:

Mr R. Burlend (Chairman)

Mr G. Ball

Mrs D. Jackaman (Clerk)

Mr R. Davis (Vice Chairman)

Mrs S. Tuttlebury

Mr R. Townsend (Item 1 -5)

Mrs P. Singleton

Mr. M. Lemasurier

Cllr  E Hicks (Item 4)

Mr J. Clyne

Mrs S. Sellens

7 Members of the public

1.0

Apologies - None received

2.0

Declaration of Interest - None

3.0

Public Forum – There were 7 members of the public present who wished to express their opposition to the potential proposed housing developments in Barnston and requested that the Council oppose this development too.  It was also suggested that the Council request that this goes on the next South Area Forum agenda at the 12^th January 2010 meeting.

 Clerk

4.0

District and County Councillors Report -Cllr Hicks gave a report on behalf of Uttlesford District Council.

5.0

Road Safety – Mr Townsend reported that there had been no accidents this month.  He requested that the salt bins be filled before the winter.  A member of the public also asked about the weight restriction on the B1008.  Clerk to ask Councillor Barker what the latest position is.

 Clerk

6.0

MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 13^th July 2009 were approved and signed.

7.0

CLERKS REPORT

7.0

Community Initiatives Fund – Manufacturers have visited the village and identified two sites for the VAS Signs.  Poles for these signs have been installed and signs should follow shortly.

 Clerk

7.1

Safety Barrier at bus stop – Clerk chased Highways again.  An order has been created for the safety barrier but they are still waiting for Stats information before it can be fitted.

Clerk

7.2

Coloured road surfaces near bus stops – Clerk chased Highways again, they advised that the work should still happen this year.  This work was supposed to be done in combination with some other works which didn’t go ahead which is the reason for the delay.

Clerk

7.3

Re-signing A130 to B1008 – Clerk has spoken to ECC again who advised that this job was put out to consultants who did not do the job properly.  They have been out and taken photographs of lots of in correct signs.  Action is currently being taken to rectify this.

Clerk

7.4

Pedestrian Island – Clerk chased Highways again about this.  They advised that a social crossing survey was undertaken a couple of years ago when we first put in the request, but as with other such schemes requests for crossings are still assessed against other similar requests (which have taken priority) but it looks like this is still on the list.

Clerk

7.5

Raised drain cover outside 30 Barnston Green has still not been repaired – Clerk to chase Highways

Clerk

7.6

It was noted that some vandalism had taken place in the village; the bus stop window being pushed out.  The local pcso has been informed.

7.7

It was noted that the Clerk had been advised of late night noise on a Saturday evening from the Stansted Skyline. 

7.8

It was noted that some kerbs had been replaced in Rayfield Close but that the work has not been to the required standard.  Clerk to contact Highways to rectify.

Clerk

8.0

FINANCIAL  POSITION

The financial positions as at 31.07.09 were as follows: £6741.28 in the current account and £821.47 in the NSB account.  Totalling: £7562.75.

The financial positions as at 30.08.09 were as follows: £6645.30 in the current account and £821.47 in the NSB account.  Totalling: £7466.77.

8.1

It was noted that the Annual Audit has been signed off and completed by the External Auditors.  The Audit Notice will now be displayed.

Clerk

8.2

ECC – Local Government Pension Scheme: Review of Abatement Policy – The Parish Council RESOLVED not to comment on this review.

9.0

Items for previous meeting 

9.1

Track over land around the green at Onslow Green – It was noted that since the last meeting the Clerk had written to resident advising that the PC could not spend money on this track.

9.2

Bus stop markings at Onslow Green – It was noted since the last meeting that the Clerk has asked Highways to mark out the bus stops.  No date for work is available yet.

10.00

Planning Applications

UTT/0993/09/FUL – Single storey rear extension.  Stansted Skyline Hotel, Barnston.  This application was reviewed in between meetings and the Council felt that the proposal is not in itself significant but it is the latest in a succession of applications for this property.  The building is now considerably larger than was ever envisaged for this site and the PC consider that the current development is too large.  There is too much vehicle parking there currently, apparently in excess of number of rooms available and there is concern over airport related parking.  In short the PC believe that this currently represents over development of the site and should be opposed

UTT1058/09/FUL & UTT1059/09/LB – Erection of single storey rear extension and Demolition of single storey rear extension and erection of single storey rear extension.  Internal alterations.  Parkers Croft, Sallets Green, Barnston.  This application was reviewed in between meetings and the Council hope that this application is successful.  The Scheme looks to be very good and improves the appearance of the building.  It is hoped that the revised accommodation is suitable for the families needs.

UTT/1133/09/FUL – Single storey and two storey rear extensions.  Loft conversion with dormer window and roof light to rear elevation and front porch.  Sparlings Farm, Chelmsford Road, Barnston.  This application was reviewed and no objections were made.

10.01

Planning Applications Determined- UTT/0606/09/FUL - Replacement Greenhouse.  Sholdo Hall, Onslow Green, Barnston.  It was noted that this application has received Conditional Approval.

10.02

Planning Appeals and Decisions- None.

11.00

Parish Paths Initiative - This item was deferred until the October meeting.

Clerk

12.00

Clerk advised that the manned dustcart on Sunday 23^rd August in the Village Hall car park for villagers to dispose of their rubbish was a success – The Council RESOLVED to organise another session for later in the next year.

Clerk

13.00

UDC – Sandbags: The Parish Council noted the contents of the letter.

14.00

UDC – Enforcement Issues – Details of enforcement issues in the Parish - No action required.

15.00

Play Areas – Safety Inspection Report – Clerk has discussed Report with Acorn Services who will be undertaking the work required.

16.00

ECC street lighting policy – the PC RESOLVED to comment that it was a good idea.

17.00

General Correspondence to note:

17.01

EALC - various

17.02

Bus Passenger News

17.03

Stansted Airport - various

17.04

The Playing Field

18.00

CHEQUES

£

The following cheques were agreed and signed at the meeting:

Mrs S. Jenkins  (July Wages)

184.95

Mrs S. Jenkins (July Expenses)

14.08

Mrs D. Jackaman (July Wages)

254.86

Mrs S. Jenkins  (August Wages)

157.40

Mrs S. Jenkins (August Expenses)

31.02

Mrs D. Jackaman (August Wages)

254.86

Mrs D. Jackaman (June-August Expenses)

15.05

Essex County Council

71.60

Audit Commission

155.25

Direct Debits/Standing Orders July

UDC – Garage Rent

40.39

Virgin Mobile – Parish Council telephone calls

4.40

A&J Lighting Solutions

49.31

There will be no E.ON direct debit for a few months because the Clerk claimed back some credit due to the part-night street lighting.  Therefore the PC have a credit balance at the moment.

Direct Debits/Standing Orders August

UDC – Garage Rent

40.39

Virgin Mobile – Parish Council telephone calls

6.28

A&J Lighting Solutions

49.31

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.25pm.  The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Monday 12^th October 2009 at 7.45pm.