Minutes of Barnston Parish Council Meeting held on

Monday 9^th January 2012 at Barnston Village Hall

Present:

Mr R. Burlend – Chairman

Mrs P. Singleton

Mr V. Ranger

Mrs S. Sellens

Mr M. Sully

Mrs S. Tuttlebury

Cllr. Hicks

Mrs J. Hammond (Clerk)

Mr R. Townsend (Road

Safety Representative)

1.00

Apologies – Mr C. Brooks, Mr M. LeMasurier, Mr J. Clyne, Cllr. Barker

2.00

Declaration of Interest – None.

3.00

Public Forum – No members of the public present.

4.00

District and County Councillors Report – Councillor Hicks gave a report on behalf of Uttlesford District Council.  He also reported that the £500 New Homes Bonus has been awarded to the Barnston Mission to assist in the funding of their new kitchen.

5.00

Road Safety – Mr R. Townsend thanked the Parish Council for his Christmas Appreciation Gift.  He reported that there had been no accidents since the December Parish Council meeting.

6.00

MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 12^th December 2011 were approved and signed.

7.00

CLERKS REPORT

7.01

Deer Crossing

There has been no reply from Highways following the request for deer signs to be put up.  Clerk to follow up.

Clerk

7.02

Uneven Pavements/raised drain covers – Watts Close

Further assessment is being undertaken by the Highways Engineering Team to see if the case is severe enough to pass for funding.  There has been further damage to the roads and pavements in the same area.  This has been caused by the refuse lorry and was subsequently reported to Highways.  Clerk to request Highways to upgrade the specification of the footpath opposite Watts Close Play Area.

Clerk

7.03

Sign at the entrance of Miller’s Close

A complaint has been made by a resident in respect of the white supporting poles left in the ground following the dismantling of a sign at the entrance to Miller’s Close.  Uttlesford District Council has been contacted and they will speak with their Enforcement Team to find out if anything can be done with regards to their removal.  Clerk to follow up.

Clerk

7.04

Winter Salt Bag Scheme

Salt bags have been distributed to volunteers around the village together with accompanying paperwork.

7.05

Handyperson

Alan has been out regularly working on the village and has recently serviced the lawn tractor.  Alan will also be taking care of maintenance within the village which will require him to work over his 10 contracted hours per week.  It was RESOLVED that until Easter 2012 the Handyperson should be allowed to work up to 15 hours per week.  After this time the situation will be reviewed.

7.08

Dog signs in Play Areas

Prior to Christmas signs were erected in both play areas warning dog owners of the dangers of Toxocariasis.  One of the signs at the Village Hall play area was vandalised within 2 days.

7.09

Lighting Repairs

A&J Lighting was called out twice during December to repair faulty street lamps sited at 19 Watts Close and the junction of High Easter Road and Barnston Green.

7.10

Breach of Planning Control

A letter has been received from UDC regarding an alleged breach of planning control in respect of Airport Related Parking at Stansted Skyline Hotel, Chelmsford Road.  Following discussions with the property owners, reference to airport parking facilities has been removed from the company’s website and the unauthorised use of land has ceased.  No further action will be taken regarding this matter and UDC is closing their file.

8.00

FINANCIAL POSITION

The financial position as at 31.12.11 was as follows: £18,818.92 in the current account.

9.00

Community Speedwatch Campaign

Mr V. Ranger presented a report on the activities of the Speed Watch team who have continued to carry out checks on both the B1008 Chelmsford Road and High Easter Road.  Mr Ranger reported that he has received a letter from Councillor Chapman stating that the proposed scheme for a pedestrian crossing should not proceed at this time.

VR

10.00

Planning Applications

UTT/2406/11/FUL – Replacement conservatory, utility area and garaging (alternative scheme to that approved under UTT/1331/07/FUL). Demolition of single storey rear extension and erection of two storey and single storey rear extension.  Mawkinsherds Farmhouse, Wells Tye Green, Barnston.  It was noted that the Parish Council had no objections to this application.
UTT/2407/11/LB – Demolition of existing conservatory, utility area and garaging and erection of replacement conservatory, utility area and garaging (alternative scheme to that approved under UTT/1332/07/LB).  Demolition of single storey rear extension and erection of two storey and single storey rear extension.  Internal alterations.  Mawkinsherds Farmhouse, Wells Tye Green, Barnston.  It was noted that the Parish Council had no objections to this application.

11.00

Planning Applications Determined:

UTT/2141/11/FUL – Two storey side extension and porch.  31 Barnston Green, Barnston.  Conditional Approval

12.00

Planning Appeals

None received.

13.00

General Correspondence to note:

14.00

EALC - None.

15.00

Bus News – None.

20.00

CHEQUES The following cheques were agreed and signed at the meeting

         £

Mrs J. Hammond  (December Wages)

332.34

Mr A. Vince (December Wages)

224.00

Mrs S. Jenkins (December Wages)

25.84

Mrs J. Hammond (December Expenses – including files for 2012)

47.82

Mr A. Vince Hammond (December Expenses)

48.21

Essex Pension Fund (actuarial deficiency – December 2011)

10.92

Acorn Services

96.00

Acumen Wages Service (Payroll – December 2011)

21.00

Acumen Wages Service (Payroll – January 2011)

21.00

Post Office Limited (HMRC – tax for period up to 05/02/12 for Handypersons’)

27.20

Barnston Village Hall (Hire of Hall for December Parish Council meeting)

11.55

Barnston Village Hall (Annual Rent of Play Area Land - 2012)

120.00

Direct Debits/Standing Orders

Virgin mobile

0.40

EON

42.14

A&J Lighting Solutions

51.46

UDC – Garage Rent

43.91

A&J Lighting Solutions (Street lamp repair – 19 Watts Close)

105.30

A&J Lighting Solutions (Street lamp repair – junction of High Easter Road/Barnston Green)

113.34

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.00 pm.  The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Monday 13^th February 2012 at 7.45pm.