Purleigh Parish Council

Members present: Mr. B. Oliver (Chairman), Mr. K. Ascott, Mr. L. Cooper (District Councillor),

Mr. S. Potter, Mr. G. Staines.

Also in attendance: Mrs. Jane Potter (Clerk)

Mr John Archer (District Council Ward Member) attended the public session prior to the meeting.

Two members of the public attended part of the meeting.

Apologies were received from Mr. D. Fleming, Mrs. S. Owen, Mr. G Strathern and Dr. R. Woodcock who were unable to attend due to prior personal and professional commitments.

2/07/06. THE MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 9^TH JUNE 2006, having been circulated to all Members, were approved, and signed by the Chairman.

3/07/06. TO DISCUSS ANY MATTERS OF INFORMATION ARISING FROM THOSE MINUTES:

3.1/07/06 Clerk: 7/06/06 Maldon District Council Consultation re: Standards Committee composition: Members noted that Mr. Quelch (Solicitor, Maldon District Council) had acknowledged the Parish Council’s comments on the proposed composition of the Standards Committee and would add them to the other responses received.

3.2/07/06 Members’: Members did not have any matters arising from the June 2006 Parish Council meeting to discuss.

4.1/07/06 Decisions taken between meetings: Members noted that the Parish Council had not made any recommendations to Maldon District Council between meetings.

4.2/07/06 Current applications: OUT/MAL/06/00563 Proposed 4 bedroom chalet bungalow with double garage. Little Paddock, Chelmsford Road, Purleigh. Mr. and Mrs. D. Adams.

The Parish Council RECOMMENDED REFUSAL on the grounds that contrary to policy M/H/1 of the Maldon Draft Replacement Local Plan, the application would, if permitted, create a separate dwelling outside an area intended for development and would set a precedent for similar development elsewhere in the locality.

FUL/MAL/06/00767 Two storey dwelling. Bay Tree Cottage, Fambridge Road, Purleigh. Mr. and Mrs. Sinden.

The Parish Council RECOMMENDED REFUSAL on the grounds that contrary to policy M/H/1 of the Maldon Draft Replacement Local Plan, the application would, if permitted, create a separate dwelling outside an area intended for development and would set a precedent for similar development elsewhere in the locality.

FUL/MAL/06/00739 Demolish existing dwelling. Erection of new dwelling (3 bedroom bungalow). Ferndale, Birchwood Road. Mrs. G. Radmall.

The Parish Council RECOMMENDED APPROVAL.

4.3/07/06 Notification of Appeals: Members noted that the Parish Council had not been notified of any appeals between meetings.

4.4/07/06 Maldon District Council planning decisions: Members noted that Maldon District Council had APPROVED the following applications:

And had REFUSED to grant permission for the following development:

4.5/07/06 Maldon District Council planning seminar for Town and Parish Councils: Members noted that James Doe (Chief Planning and Development Services Officer, Maldon District Council) had invited Parish Councillors to attend one of two seminar events to be held in the Training Room at Maldon District Council on Wednesday, 2^nd August 2006.

It was agreed that Mr. Ascott would attend the morning seminar and the Chairman would attend in the evening.

The Parish Council wished to raise the implications of government targets on the balance between delegated and Committee decisions on planning applications with Officers.

4.6/07/06 Other planning matters: Notification of a Tree Preservation Order (TPO):

The Parish Council received a copy of the above-mentioned TPO, which was made by the District Council on 7^th June 2006. Members noted that since Section 201 of the 1990 Act was applicable, the Order had become provisionally effective on the date it was made and would remain so until confirmed or otherwise within the period of six months from that date.

It was noted that the Order related to various trees within the burial ground (Oak, Ash, Elm, Hawthorn, Horse Chestnut, Laburnum and Cedar).

Montrose, Birchwood Road: Members noted that Linda Chamberlayne (Planning Enforcement Officer, Maldon District Council) had written to the Parish Council in response to its enquiry about the use of the garage at Montrose. Mrs. Chamberlayne advised that Condition 3 of planning permission FUL/MAL/98/00056 stated that the garage should be used for domestic purposes only incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling and not for any industrial, commercial or business use. Therefore its use for residential purposes, incidental to the use of the main house, did not require planning permission.

It was agreed to ask Mrs. Chamberlayne to provide further clarification of condition 3, given that in January 1997 the residents of Bramble Lodge (then Plot 2) Lodge Lane, who were living in their garage pending the completion of building work, were required to apply for planning permission to do so. In May 1997 when the occupants failed to submit a planning application, the North West Area Committee authorised enforcement action to seek the cessation of the use of the garage for the purpose of human habitation and to remove from the building all fixtures and fittings installed in connection with that use.

Maldon District Council Formal Submission Draft Statement of Community Involvement: Members noted that the District Council had prepared the final draft of the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) for submission to the Secretary of State. As the final consultation period ended on 14^th July 2006, the document had been circulated prior to the meeting for Members’ information.

The Parish Council did not wish to comment on the Draft Statement of Community Involvement.

The determination of planning applications: Mr. Cooper reported that the District Council was considering ways to try to ensure that government targets relating to the time taken to determine planning applications were met. Under consideration were changes to the area committee structure and changes to the scheme of delegation. It appeared that in future, where a Parish Council’s view differed from that of the Officers, the application may not automatically be referred to Committee for determination. Members felt that this seriously undermined the democratic process and would be detrimental to the quality of decisions made.

It was agreed to write to the District Council expressing the Parish Council’s concern that an increase in delegated planning decisions to speed up the application process to meet government targets, could undermine the true democratic process, and to oppose any such change in procedure.

5.1/07/06 Temporary road closure – Fambridge Road (Kit’s Hill): Members noted that Fambridge Road (Kit’s Hill) would be closed from the junction with the B1010 Lower Burnham Road to the junction with the B1012 Latchingdon Road for a distance of approximately 1.56km for a period of 2 weeks commencing 17^th July 2006. The closure would be for 24 hours a day, Monday to Friday, and was required for the safety of the public and workforce whilst resurfacing and footway works were carried out.

Access for residents and the emergency services would be maintained up to the works area throughout the duration of the works.

5.2/07/06 Bridleway claim: Birchwood Road to Chelmsford Road via Kent Wood: Members noted that Mary Morris ((Principal Legal Assistant, Essex County Council) had put arrangements in hand for an Order to be made in line with the route of the footpath shown on the draft declaration (circulated at the May 2006 Parish Council meeting). A copy of the Order would be served on the Parish Council in due course.

Mr. Ascott reported that he was in the process of arranging a meeting with a representative from Woodland Investment Management with a view to speeding up public access to the bridleway.

5.3/07/06 Locally determined programme 2006/2007 – Maldon District: The Parish Council received details of the Locally Determined Programme 2006/2007.

It was noted that footways within the Roundbush area of Fambridge Road had been included under ‘New Schemes’ (yet to be started) and under Mundon in the section entitled ‘Locally Determined Budget 2006/2007’ it appeared that a proposal to extend the 40mph speed limit from Burnham Road to the existing 30mph limit in Mundon village had been put on hold awaiting new government guidance and a review of speed management policy.

Details of the Locally Determined Programme 2006/2007 were placed in the circulation for Members’ information.

5.4/07/06 Other highway matters: Essex County Council new contracting arrangements: Members noted that from 1^st April 2006 the County Council had changed its contracting arrangements for the provision of various services as follows:

6.1/07/06 Children’s play area: Mr. Ascott reported that he had carried out his usual weekly inspections of the Children’s Play Area and that all items of play equipment therein appeared to be in a satisfactory condition.

It was agreed to continue to monitor the condition of one of the cradle swing seats.

Log walk: It was noted that the Parish Council had ordered 2 replacement split logs for the bridge at a cost of £16.71 each plus VAT and delivery, as agreed at the June Parish Council meeting.

It was also noted that Dr. Woodcock had carried out an extremely thorough inspection of the chains of the log walk. A copy of his report was placed in the circulation folder for Members’ information.

Members noted that Dr. Woodcock had recommended that the worn link at inspection point 8 (see report) be replaced, and that a similar critical inspection of the chains should be carried out in not more that 12 months time.

Playdale Playgrounds Ltd (the manufacturers) had advised however that it was not possible to purchase replacement chain links. It was however possible to buy complete chains (ref CH08) at a cost of £83.41 per side, plus VAT and delivery.

It was agreed to ask Dr. Woodcock if he would purchase a replacement link from Ernest Doe and Sons on the Parish Council’s behalf and be reimbursed from petty cash.

Safety surface: Members noted that Adventure Playgrounds had repaired the safety surface beneath the tyre traverse and ladder walk.

Mr. Potter reported that he had sprayed the weeds in the play area, as required by RoSPA. He proposed, and it was agreed that Mr. Ovel be asked to purchase and sow some grass seed in the play area in the autumn to replace the unnecessary bark. Mr. Ovel would be asked to ensure that before sowing, the ground levels were sufficient to remove any trip hazards etc. from the surface of the play area. The newly grassed area would then be incorporated into the Parish Council’s grass cutting contract 2007/2008.

6.2/07/06 Pavilion extension: the Parish Council noted the contents of a letter from Mr. Bernard Steeples, Chairman, Purleigh Playing Field Association (PPFA).

Kitchen equipment: Members noted that the PPFA would like to purchase a fridge and roller shutter for the new kitchen. Mr. Steeples had enquired whether the Parish Council would be prepared to purchase the goods on the PPFA’s behalf, and then accept a donation by way of reimbursement.

It was agreed to purchase a fridge for the new kitchen and not to accept any donation towards its cost from the PPFA. The Parish Council would however ask the PPFA to purchase the roller shutter.

Members noted that as the PPFA had chosen more expensive kitchen units than those allowed for in Mr. Lynch’s quotation, two additional wall units would need to be purchased. It was agreed to purchase the wall units required and to accept a donation from the PPFA towards their cost.

Electric Oven: It was agreed to ask the PPFA to purchase a sign from Directa (or a similar manufacturer) instructing users of the kitchen to turn off the electric oven when not in use.

Hall floor and external redecoration: The PPFA asked the Parish Council to consider having the hall floor sanded and re-sealed and the outside of the hall painted so that it matched the new extension. It was noted that the PPFA might be able to make a contribution towards cost or with labour, although this had yet to be confirmed.

Members noted that to sand and re-seal the floor properly would cost several hundred pounds and that an estimate of the cost would therefore have to be incorporated in the precept 2007/2008. Members were also concerned about the damage studded footwear caused to the hall floor, despite the fact that cricketers were supposed to take off their studs before entering the hall.

It was agreed that the Clerk would explain the situation to the PPFA and ask the Cricket Club to desist from wearing studs in the hall. The Parish Council would monitor the situation and consider sanding and re-sealing the floor at the precept meeting to be held in January 2007, by which time the Clerk would have obtained quotations for the work.

It the PPFA wanted a temporary improvement in the appearance of the floor in time for the formal opening of the new extension, the Parish Council was prepared to purchase the necessary amount of varnish, provided that PPFA members were willing to carry out the work.

External re-decoration: As the Parish Council hadn’t budgeted to repaint the exterior of the Pavilion during the current financial year, it was agreed to obtain quotations for the work and to consider incorporating a sum to cover the cost in the precept 2007/2008.

Pavilion showers: Mr. Potter reported that Mr. Lynch had advised that the water supply to the showers was not sufficient when all eight were in use and that this was the reason why the electric showers burnt out from time to time. He suggested removing one shower from each changing room and installing a 20-gallon header tank, and pump, above each bank of showers to increase water flow and pressure.

In the first instance the Parish Council agreed to ask Mr. Lynch to arrange for the removal of one shower and from each bank (disconnecting the water and electricity supply) and to invoice the Parish Council for the work separately. Members would then monitor the performance of the showers to see whether the situation improved.

Hall Lighting: It was agreed to inform the PPFA that the Parish Council was happy for the fluorescent light removed from the hall to accommodate the kitchen, to be re-installed at right angles to the other light fittings.

Door stop: The Parish Council also agreed to ask the PPFA to ensure that a door stop was fitted to prevent the handle on the door leading from the hall to the changing rooms damaging the kitchen wall

Opening celebration; The Parish Council noted that the PPFA planned to combine the extension opening celebration with the Cricket Club’s President’s day on Sunday, 13^th August 2006. Local dignitaries and the press would be encouraged to attend.

6.3/07/06 Other playing field and open space matters: Signs banning horses from the playing field: Members noted that the Clerk had obtained the following quotations for signs prohibiting horse riding on the playing field.

Stocksigns: Stoved aluminium sign reading ‘No Horse Riding’ size 300mm x 250mm @ £16.87 each plus VAT and delivery.

Archer Safety Signs: 3mm PVC rigid board. Picture of an encircled horse with a line through, above the words No Horse Riding, 300mm x 400mm @ £6.35 each plus VAT and delivery.

The Chairman reported that there had not been any further incidents of horses being ridden on the playing field. It was therefore agreed to continue to monitor the situation.

Members noted that Aon Insurance had been informed that an extension was being built onto the Pavilion, which was currently insured for the sum of £134,493.00. It was agreed to increase the insurance value of the Pavilion by £30,000 (roughly the cost of the extension) for an additional annual premium of £161.11 inclusive of insurance premium tax.

It was noted that the PPFA had requested that the Parish Council considered greatly increasing the insurance value of the Pavilion, based on replacement costs in the event of fire etc. Mr. Steeples had verbally suggested that an insurance value of £250,000 would be appropriate.

It was agreed to ask Mr. M. Taylor to provide the Parish Council with an estimate to re-build the Pavilion in a variety of materials (timber framed, brick, steel framed etc) for insurance purposes. The adequacy of the Pavilion’s insurance would then be re-considered.

The Parish Council received a copy of the Essex Rural Transport Partnership’s final report on transport needs in the Dengie Hundred. The raw data presented in the report would contribute to Essex County Council’s transport planning for the future.

A copy of the introduction, summary and section relating to Purleigh was placed in the circulation folder for Members’ information.

9.1/07/06 To receive a Statement of accounts for the period 1^st April 2006 to 30^th June 2006: It was unanimously agreed to approve the Statement of Accounts for the period 1^st April 2006 to 30^th June 2006:

Bank Statements detailing the transactions to date in all four of the Parish Council’s bank accounts for the financial year 2006/2007 were available for Members’ inspection at the meeting, as part of the internal audit process.

9.2/07/06 To carry out a financial review 2006/2007 and consider forward estimates 2007/2008: As part of the Parish Council’s internal audit process, Members received a detailed breakdown of receipts and payments for the period 1^st April 2006 to 30^th June 2006, and considered and approved forward estimates of income and expenditure to the end of the financial years 2006/2007 and 2007/2008.

Members noted that the Chairman would carry out an internal audit of the Parish Council’s accounts for the period 1^st April 2006 – 30^th June 2006 on 3^rd August 2006.

9.3/07/06 To receive a report of receipts: Members received a report of the following receipts:

9.4/07/06 To approve payment of an account between meetings: Members noted and approved that the following account had been paid between meetings, as agreed at the June 2006 Parish Council meeting (Min 11.2/05/06) and adhering strictly to the procedures outlined in the Parish Council’s Financial Regulations 5.3 - 5.7.

9.5/07/06 To approve payment of the following accounts to hand: It was unanimously agreed to approve payment of the following accounts to hand:

9.6/07/06 Community Initiatives Fund – Second Round 2006/2007: Members noted that Essex County Council had again made the sum of £150,000 available for disbursement in grants during the financial year 2006/2007, to enable inclusive, active communities in the Maldon District.

The closing date for the receipt of grant applications was 10^th November 2006 and Essex County Council planned to hold the judging panels in January 2007.

Amongst other criteria, qualifying projects needed to have the support of the Parish Council, be capital in nature, and the facility or project needed to be available to all sectors of the local community but must not be political or religious in nature.

The Chairman agreed to inform parishioners about the grant scheme in his forthcoming article for the August edition of the Parish Magazine.

Gambling Act 2005 – Consultation on Draft Statement of Licensing Principles: The Parish Council was invited to comment on the District Council’s Draft Statement of Licensing Principles – Gambling Act 2005. As the deadline for comments was 4^th September 2006, the Statement was placed in the circulation folder for Members’ information.

Members noted that the EALC had been offered tickets to allocate to its membership in Essex for the Buckingham Palace Garden Party in July 2007. The Lord Chamberlain had taken the view that invitations were in recognition of past service and felt that it was therefore appropriate that outgoing members rather than those newly elected should be invited to attend.

Nominations made by the Chairman had to be received by the EALC by 5^th September 2006 in a sealed envelope marked ‘Nomination’ on the front.

It was agreed to nominate Mr. Gavin Strathern.

Dengie Hundred Group of Parish Councils: Mr. Ascott reported that at the Group’s annual meeting, Mr. Helm had been elected Chairman and Mrs. Norman Vice-Chairman of the organisation.

Subscriptions had also risen to £15 per council per annum.

Consideration was given to the crime and disorder implications of all decisions made at this meeting.

There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.25p.m.

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