Purleigh Parish Council

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

Mrs. S. Owen, Mr. S. Potter, Mr. G. Staines, Dr. R. Woodcock.

Also in attendance: Mrs. Jane Potter (Clerk).

The meeting was not attended by any members of the public.

Apologies were received from Mr. D. Fleming, Mr. G. Strathern and Mr John Archer (District Council Ward Member) who were unable to attend the meeting due to prior personal engagements.

2/11/06 THE MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 13^TH OCTOBER 2006, having been circulated to all Members, were approved, and signed by the Chairman.

3/11/06 TO DISCUSS ANY MATTERS OF INFORMATION ARISING FROM THOSE MINUTES:

3.1/11/06 Clerk: The Clerk did not have any matters of information arising from the October 2006 Parish Council meeting to report to Members.

3.2/11/06 Members’: Members did not have any matters arising from the October 2006 Parish Council meeting to discuss.

4.1/11/06 Decisions taken between meetings: FUL/MAL/06/01177 Conservatory. New Redgates Farm, Fambridge Road, Purleigh. Mr. and Mrs. G. McDonald.

The Parish Council RECOMMENDED APPROVAL.

4.2/11/06 Current applications: There were no current planning applications for the Parish Council to consider.

4.3/11/06 Notification of Appeals:

Appeal by: NPower Renewables

Site address: Land at Hockley Farm, Proposed Wind Farm, Hockley Lane, Bradwell-on-Sea.

Appeal ref: APP/X1545/A/06/2023805/NWF

Application ref: FUL/MAL/06/00291

Description of development: Construct Wind Farm comprising of 10 turbines of maximum 121m to blade tip height, sub-station building, anemometer mast and ancillary infrastructure.

Members noted that an appeal had been made to the Planning Inspectorate in respect of the District Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for the above development.

4.4/11/06 Maldon District Council planning decisions: It was noted that Maldon District Council had APPROVED the following application:

4.5/11/06 Other planning matters: Little Wood Place, Fambridge Road: Gordon Nisbet (Senior Enforcement Officer, Maldon District Council) advised Members by letter that he was investigating the Parish Council’s concerns about the storage of large amounts of what appeared to be building rubble around the occupants’ field boundary. Members noted that Mr. Nisbet’s recent inspection of the site had shown that storage of plant and machinery was taking place and that soil was being deposited on the premises. At the time of the inspection however Mr. Nisbet had been unable to gain access to the property, so he had written to the owner requesting a meeting to discuss the planning position and to establish exactly what was taking place on the site.

4.6/11/06 Other planning matters: Historical Settlement Assessment: Mr. Potter reported that in January 2004 he had produced an Historical Settlement Assessment for Purleigh’s conservation area at the request of Maldon District Council’s Planning Department. He had undertaken the work free of charge so that the District Council wouldn’t have to commission an external body to carry out the assessment. Since publication, copies of the document had been available to members of the public from the District Council’s Planning Department and several parishioners had commented that it was a shame that the assessment was not readily available in the parish.

It was agreed to put a copy of the Historical Settlement Assessment in the circulation folder for Members’ consideration and to decide at the December 2006 Parish Council meeting whether to fund a print run for distribution in the parish. If the Parish Council decided in December to proceed, a note could be placed in the Parish Magazine to gauge the number of parishioners who would be interested in receiving a copy of the document. It was suggested that interested parishioners could obtain copies from the Post Office (if the proprietress was willing) or from the Clerk.

5.1/11/06 To receive a report of a Highways Liaison meeting held on 1^st November 2006: Members noted that on Wednesday, 1^st November 2006 the Clerk and Mr. Potter had met with Rob Venables (Essex County Council) to review outstanding highway matters in the parish.

Members noted that the following items had been discussed at the meeting:

The Street - Potential encroachment onto the highway (Land adjacent Turnstone)

Mr. Potter explained that concern existed about the construction of a new dwelling on land adjacent to Turnstone, The Street. Specifically, parishioners were worried that the developers may extend their property boundary to the edge of the pedestrian footway in The Street, rather than keep it in line with the existing brick walls fronting the properties on either side of it, which delineated the edge of the highway. This had happened at the site of Old Orchard House and Chestnut Cottage further down The Street a few years ago, and had left these property boundaries protruding into the highway, although at the time the County Council had decided to ignore the encroachment as de minimus. Mr. Potter was concerned that this should not be allowed to happen again. As the land lay in Purleigh’s conservation area it was essential that the character of the street scene was preserved and not adversely affected by a new wall (or boundary fence) which would stick out and encroach onto the highway.

Members noted that the Parish Council had also drawn this matter to the Highways Department’s attention in writing, following the liaison meeting, as Mr. Venables was moving to a new department on 6^th November 2006.

The Parish Council also noted and approved that Mr. Potter had contacted the Police to complain about building contractors parking their vehicles on the pavement in The Street, which was forcing pedestrians with pushchairs to walk in the road near a dangerous bend.

The Parish Council’s request for the permanent deployment of Speed Indicator Devices or Vehicle Activated Signs in Fambridge Road, one just to the north of Beekeepers Cottage and the other near Newbury, was repeated, as was the Parish Council’s request for replacement and extra 40mph repeater signs.

Members noted that the County Council had advised that the road should be resurfaced during November 2006.

The County Council agreed to try to improve drainage in the lay-by, particularly in front of the post box.

Burnham Road

At the meeting, the County Council’s attention was drawn to the Give Way sign which had been obscured by a new utility pole near the junction with Fambridge Road, and the Parish Council’s request for traffic calming measures on the bend near 3 & 4 Roundbush Cottages was repeated.

The County Council was reminded about the need for a replacement finger post (missing since November 2002) and a new metal sign indicating Purleigh Village, to replace the dilapidated sign opposite Barons Lane. In an effort to reduce the volume of heavy goods vehicles using Barons Lane and Chelmsford Road it was agreed that neither sign would direct Chelmsford bound traffic along Barons Lane.

The County Council was reminded about the need for the roadside ditches to be reinstated to improve drainage and Mr. Venables agreed to repeat the County Council’s instruction to the landowner to remove the bollards on the roadside verge outside Montrose House.

The County Council was also reminded that the missing arm of the fingerpost at the junction of Slough Lane, Marlpits Road, Hackmans Lane and Goat House Lane needed replacing. It was agreed that the arm would indicate Bicknacre and Hazeleigh. Mr. Venables was also reminded that a new ‘Give-Way’ sign was needed (Slough Lane to Marlpits Road).

Cold Norton Road

At the meeting, the utility poles in the pedestrian footpath (reported to the Highways Department on 18^th May 2006) were drawn to Mr. Venables’ attention.

5.2/11/06 Condition of the stile at the end of Rigby’s Path: The Parish Council was asked by a parishioner to improve the safety of the stile at the end of Rigby’s Path. The parishioner was concerned that the wooden step which was used for climbing over the high bar did not have enough room on the field side to give users a safe foothold. Members noted that at the parishioner’s request Mr Potter had also hammered in some nails, which were protruding from the step.

Although the step had always been the same length since it was put up in 1985, it was agreed to ask Mr. Graham Cornell to replace the step with a longer one (made of Oak) and to support the end of it appropriately, to assist any parishioners who may be having difficulty climbing over the stile.

5.3/11/06 Other highway matters: Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, section 53 Purleigh. Birchwood Road to Chelmsford Road via Kent Wood: Members noted that the Order, which modified the Definitive Map, had been confirmed on 2^nd November 2006.

Members noted that the effect of the Order was to modify the Definitive Map for the County of Essex by:-

1. Adding a length of public bridleway from Birchwood Road, approximately 100 metres east of Footpath 16, in a generally north easterly direction for a distance of approximately 600 metres. The width of the way varied between 2.5 metres and 3 metres.

2. Adding a length of public footpath from a point on Bridleway 51 Purleigh approximately 220 metres north east of Birchwood Road, in a northerly direction for approximately 165 metres then turning east to run parallel to the northern boundary of the wood for a distance of approximately 225 metres to rejoin Bridleway 51 at a point approximately 60 metres south west of its exit into Chelmsford Road. The width of the way varied between 1 and 1.8 metres.

A copy of the Order was placed in the circulation folder for Members’ information and a copy was filed with the Definitive Map, for access by the public.

Members noted that although the Order had become effective on the 2^nd November 2006, the bridleway was not accessible on horseback, as the gate in Birchwood Road was still padlocked, leaving a gap to one side of the gatepost suitable for pedestrians but not riders. Mr. Ascott offered to inspect the bridleway over the weekend to ascertain whether the gate was also locked where users exited into Chelmsford Road (B1010), and to advise the Clerk accordingly.

It was agreed to write to Essex County Council requesting that the bridleway be made accessible to those on horseback as a matter of urgency, and to ensure that both footpath and bridleway were properly signed and way marked.

Highway safety Chelmsford Road and lodge Lane: Members noted the contents of a detailed letter from a concerned parishioner about highway safety in this part of the parish.

It was agreed to thank the parishioner for her comments which had been carefully considered and which had raised some important issues and to send her a detailed response. As a result of the correspondence it was agreed to write to Essex County Council requesting that the 30mph road marking on Lodge Lane, which had been removed during recent re-surfacing works, was urgently reinstated.

Advertising: It was agreed to inform Mr. Steve Broad (Essex County Council) that a company specialising in joinery etc. was advertising its services on telegraph poles throughout the parish (e.g. in Cold Norton Road, Marlpits Road and at Purleigh Wash) and to ask him to secure the removal of the signs which were numerous and unsightly.

6.1/11/06 Children’s Play Area: Monthly report: 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. Mr. Ascott reported that on his last inspection he had been much impressed by the cleanliness of the Play Area.

Members noted that Andrew Macmorland had sown grass seed in the Children’s Play Area, as requested.

Tower, Slide and Log Walk: In response to a question from Dr. Woodcock about the possibility of replacing the chains on the log walk prior to next year’s RoSPA inspection of the equipment, it was agreed to examine the entire piece of equipment with a view to allocating an appropriate sum of money for spare parts (e.g. chains, timbers) in the precept 2007/2008.

6.2/11/06 Spraying the Playing Field to eradicate Plantain etc: Members noted that John McLaren was not in a position to spray the playing field in the near future as he was waiting for spare parts to repair his sprayer. Billericay Farm Services (BFS) had originally quoted the sum of £250 plus VAT to carry out the work, but had been prepared to give a £50 discount if they could spray the field at the same time that they were spraying a nearby golf course, which it had been envisaged would be before the November meeting.

Members noted that with the agreement of the Chairman and Vice Chairman between meetings therefore, the Parish Council had accepted BFS’s quotation to spray the field for the sum of £200 plus VAT.

It was anticipated that the work would be carried out in the very near future.

6.3/11/06 Pavilion extension: Members noted that the Parish Council was now in possession of a key to the roller shutter and a copy of the completion certificate (No.FP/91/0625/0) issued by Maldon District Council’s Building Regulations Department, although the redundant fridge remained in the hall awaiting disposal (See Minute 3.2/10/06).

Members noted that between meetings G.J. Lynch Building Contractors had sent the Parish Council an invoice for extra work carried out in the Pavilion, which included the cost of the roller shutter (£500 plus £87.50 VAT). As it was agreed at the Parish Council meeting held on 14^th July 2006 (ref: Minute 6.2/07/06) that the Purleigh Playing Field Association (PPFA) should purchase the roller shutter, the Parish Council had asked Mr. Lynch to issue an amended invoice, which he had done. Members noted that Mr. Steeples (Chairman, PPFA) had subsequently asked the Parish Council to reconsider its decision not to purchase the roller shutter which was a fixture of the kitchen and which the Parish Council had requested a key to.

Members noted that instead of purchasing the roller shutter the Parish Council had purchased a new fridge for the kitchen at a cost of £102.08 plus VAT.

Having given the PPFA’s request due consideration, it was agreed to ask Mr. Lynch to invoice the Parish Council for the roller shutter in the sum of £500 plus VAT.

Members agreed in principle to pay Mr. Lynch’s invoice for the roller shutter between meetings.

Heater in the kitchen: Members noted that Turpin Electrical Engineers had installed a new heater in the kitchen as requested.

6.4/11/06 Caravan in Kent Wood: It was noted that the caravan in Kent Wood, which had been in situ since at least 25^th October 2006 had been reported to Essex County Council, Maldon District Council and to Woodland Investment Management Ltd.

Woodland Investment Management had subsequently advised that the caravan was very temporary and would be sited in the wood for about another week whilst a team of fencers was using it.  Woodland Investment Management had been advised that this constituted permitted development, as the caravan would not be stationed in the wood for more than 28 days in a one-year period.

6.5/11/06 Other playing field and open space matters: The need for a dog waste bin at the bottom of Church Hill: As the Parish Council understood that some dog owners were depositing dog waste in the ordinary litter bin at the bottom of Church Hill, it was agreed that the Clerk would obtain quotations for a new dog waste bin to be installed at this location, for Members’ consideration at the December meeting, with a view to immediate purchase.

Mr. Potter declared a prejudicial interest in this Agenda item and left the Pavilion whilst the matter was being discussed.

The following tenders for the grass cutting and hedge-trimming contract in Purleigh for the 2007 season were opened by the Chairman, and their contents considered by the Parish Council:

It was proposed, and agreed, to accept Andrew Macmorland’s quotation for the grass cutting and hedge-trimming contract in Purleigh for the 2007 season, given that he had been the Parish Council’s grass cutting contractor since the 2002 season and the standard of his work had always been extremely high. The Parish Council also preferred Mr. Macmorland as he lived and worked nearer to Purleigh than his closest competitor and would therefore be a more environmentally friendly choice.

It was noted that, on this occasion M. J. Hawes had not been able to submit a quotation for the Parish Council’s consideration.

Mr. Potter returned to the Pavilion at this juncture.

Members noted that Simon Quelch (Maldon District Council solicitor and Monitoring Officer) had written to advise the Parish Council that six responses had been received from Town and Parish Councils to the consultation letter he had sent out about the Council’s intention to establish a three person sub-committee to deal with allegations of misconduct against District and Parish/Town Councillors.

The District Council’s Standards Committee had considered these responses at its meeting held on 16^th October and had decided that a three person sub-committee should be established and that Councillor D. Keighley of Maldon Town Council should be invited along to attend any sub-committee meeting as an observer, to ensure that proper processes were followed whenever a Parish/Town Councillor was brought before the sub-committee on an allegation of misconduct.

It was agreed to write back to Mr. Quelch requesting some clarification. Members would like to know why an observer was required to ensure proper processes were followed whenever a Parish or Town Councillor was brought before the sub-committee and whether that meant that different procedures applied to Parish and District Councillors. There was also still some confusion about the composition of the sub-committee, which Mr. Quelch’s letter hadn’t fully explained.

9.1/11/06 To receive a report of the independent audit carried out on Friday, 27^th October 2006: Members noted that Mr. Stichbury had carried out an independent audit of the Parish Council’s accounts for the period 1^st April 2006 to 30^th September 2006, between 8.45 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. on Friday, 27^th October 2006.

There were no matters arising from the independent audit to report to the Parish Council.

9.2/11/06 To receive a report of receipts: Members received a report of the following receipt:

HM Customs & Excise VAT refund £1,789.25

9.3/11/06 To approve payment of accounts to hand: It was unanimously agreed to approve payment of the following accounts to hand:

Community Transport Away Day: Members noted that the District Council was co-hosting a Community Transport Away Day on 22^nd November 2006 between 9.15 a.m. and 3.15 p.m. at Madison Connection, Park Drive, Maldon.

The purpose of the event was to help shape the future of the community transport scheme for the Maldon District post 2007 and was aimed at stakeholders with an interest in community transport.

Dr. Woodcock volunteered to attend the event on behalf of the Parish Council

Conference Day – 28^th November 2006: Members noted that the conference would cover the following topics:

Community leadership (Joy Sheppard); The White Paper – Strong and Prosperous Communities (Justin Griggs – National Development Manager); The Essex Resilience Forum, planning for the future, helping your community (Paul Walker Essex County Council); Work Shops - Dissecting What the White Paper means to the Tier (Justin Griggs); Clustering, Myth or Viable Alternative? (Justin Griggs and Joy Sheppard); Launch of Parish and Town Council Development Fund (Joy Sheppard).

Members noted that South Woodham Ferrers Town Council had asked for the Parish Council’s support for its request to Network Rail to alter the name of the town’s railway station from Woodham Ferrers to South Woodham.

The Town Council believed that when South Woodham Ferrers was recognised as a separate parish in 1987 the station name should have been changed to reflect the fact that the station was located in South Woodham Ferrers, just a short walk from the town centre, and not in Woodham Ferrers village, which was located 2 miles to the north.

It was noted that Network Rail needed to see support from the wider area before considering the Town Council’s request. The East Essex Transport Forum supported the proposal.

It was agreed to write to South Woodham Ferrers Town Council supporting their request to Network Rail that the name of the railway station be changed from Woodham Ferrers to South Woodham.

Advance Notice: Members noted that Gerry Richardson, Emergency Planning Officer, Essex County Council was coming to brief the Parish Council about its responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 at 7.00 p.m. on Friday, 8^th December (before the December Parish Council meeting).

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 9.05 p.m.

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