Source: http://www.stock.org.uk/local/minutes/2004/6th-sept0204.htm
Timestamp: 2018-01-22 08:00:31
Document Index: 110548090

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 04', 'Application No. 04', 'Application No. 04', 'Application No. 04', 'Application No. 04', 'Application No. 04', 'Application No. 04', 'Application No. 04', 'Application No. 04', 'Application No. 04', 'Application No. 04', 'Application No. 04', 'Application No. 04', 'Application No. 04', 'Application No. 04']

On Monday 6th September 2004 At Stock Village Hall At 7.30pm.
Present: Cllrs. Johnson, Williams, Elliott, Tully, Lewis, Easton, Lusty & Otter
Also Present: 6 Members of the Public and Chelmsford Borough Councillor Ian Grundy
1067 DEMOCRATIC TIME.
A parishioner spoke on behalf of some horse riders in the village with regard to the bridleway off Swan Lane near Fristling Lane that was being obstructed. She reported that the signpost has been removed which she believes could be due to an accident but her main concern was that a fence had been erected which was obstructing the bridleway. The parishioner explained that the gap left between the fence and bridleway was 44 inches wide and that it was not suitable for horse riders to remove the fence and put it back again every time they wanted to use the bridleway. The parishioner also reported that further down the bridleway there are bollards to stop cars going in. The parishioner said she wondered whether the person responsible for erecting the fence knew the legal position regarding bridleways. Cllr. Elliott advised that she had reported the matter to Chris Romer at Chelmsford Borough Council and that he had been to the site and taken photographs. The Chairman reported that the Enforcement Officers had been informed of the situation and that the matter was in hand.
A parishioner, Virginia Henderson, asked what the latest news was on the speed loops for Smallgains Lane. The Chairman advised her that to-date there was no further news. The Chairman advised that Cllr. Peacock was hoping to arrange a traffic meeting in the next couple of weeks. The Chairman advised Mrs Henderson that the Parish Council were still campaigning regarding the speeding in Smallgains Lane. Mrs Henderson asked Cllr. Grundy about the money that Chelmsford Borough Council were spending, i.e. £500,000 boost for gypsy families and £500m facelift for Chelmsford town centre when other departments were running out of cash. Cllr. Grundy explained the situation to Mrs Henderson. Mrs Henderson also reported that her recycling box had not been emptied for a month. It was reported that this was a general problem in the village.
1068 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
1069 MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING.
Cllr. Williams asked that the sentence in Minute 1046. Matters Arising From The Minutes, Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 Provisional Map Issue for East England, read 'It was agreed that Cllr. Williams would look into the problem of the Parish Boundary which seems to go onto the other side of the A12.
1070 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.
Christmas Tree - Nothing further to report.
Tree Warden Scheme - The Chairman advised that Francis Hall had asked if she could become the Tree Warden. Cllr. Peacock had given her all the relevant information. The Chairman advised Cllr. Easton that Francis Hall would be contacting her asking for her help. The Chairman reported that a gentleman from another parish had also contacted the Clerk with regard to becoming a Tree Warden.
Proposal for more posts in Mill Lane - Nothing further to report.
Village Pump in Back Lane - The Clerk advised that she had written another letter to Mr Andrews to provide a quotation and he had advised her that he had been busy but would deal with the matter soon. To-date no reply had been received.
The Larches - The Chairman advised that Mr George Hedges, the owner of The Larches, had been found and that she had spoken to him and he had agreed that if the price was right he may be willing to sell the land to the Parish Council. Mr Hedges advised that there is about 7½ acres of land. The Chairman said that Mr Hedges was interested in what the Parish Council were planning to do with the land. The Chairman reported that she had also spoken to Jane Wilkinson and neither her nor Mr Thomasin Foster have anything to do with that piece of land. The Chairman advised that Mr Hedges had put her in touch with his land agent to negotiate a deal.
Grass Outside Bungalows in Birch Lane/Faulkner Close - The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Mick Poole, the Grounds Maintenance Manager, at Chelmsford Borough Council who advised that they he felt the main grass area was o.k. but felt that the obstacles should be strimmed or weed treated. Mr Poole has arranged to have the area tidied up.
Hedge by the Zebra Crossing - The Clerk advised that she had spoken to Highways informing them of the urgency to have the hedge cut back. Cllr. Elliott advised that the work had been carried out.
Letter received from Mr Westwood with regard to Stock and Buttsbury War Memorial - The Chairman advised that the letter had been sent that day.
Letter to The Boundary Committee re Periodic Electoral Review of Essex - Parliamentary Constituencies Revised Recommendations - Nothing further to report.
Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 Provisional Map Issue for East England - Nothing further to report.
Mill Road/Downham Road Footpath - The Clerk advised that John Rackham of Highways would be carrying out a site visit. Cllr. Williams said that to-date no work had been carried out. It was agreed therefore that the situation would be monitored.
Laurel Hedge needing cutting back on Footpath 29 - Cllr. Williams advised that the work had been carried out.
Entertainment Licence for Greenwoods Estate Health and Spa - The Chairman reported that the Parish Council had been invited to an evening at Greenwoods to discuss any matters with Mr Osib and James, Mrs West's Son. Cllrs. Lewis and Easton declared interests as members of Greenwoods. Cllr. Otter and Lusty opposed to the proposed visit by the Parish Council to Greenwoods. After discussion it was agreed that the Chairman would try and organise the visit for Wednesday 15th September at 8pm. Cllr. Peacock had advised the Chairman that after discussion with Chelmsford Borough Council, they indicated that the Parish Council's proposed objections would not be considered relevant to the application and that no complaints had been received about the Friday Jazz evenings that had been held. The Chairman advised that Cllr. Peacock and herself had recently attended a meeting with Mr Osib to discuss various matters and they also spoke regarding the Entertainment Licence Application. After meeting Greenwoods Management they indicated their intent to provide only high quality low impact entertainment and so for this reason a letter was not sent. Cllr. Grundy said that he followed the matter up after the last meeting, which supported the general view of the Parish Council. Cllr. Grundy advised that the matter was being presented on the 23rd September and that other letters of objection had been put in.
Cllr. Grundy said that he would be prepared to fight the case if it was the general feeling of the Parish Council. It was therefore agreed that the Clerk should send a letter to the Licencing Officer stating the Parish Council's objections with a copy to Cllr. Grundy. Cllr. Otter also asked the Clerk to find out what licences were granted for Greenwoods last year.
Footpath between the Common and Mill Lane - The Clerk advised that she had spoken to Chris Romer of Chelmsford Borough Council and that he was going to speak to Cllr. Elliott about the matter. Cllr. Elliott said that she had spoken to him and told him that the Parish Council would arrange to have the work carried out. The Clerk had also asked Mr Tant to contact Cllr. Elliott about the matter. To-date Cllr. Elliott had not heard from Mr Tant.
Signpost at the Junction of Mill Road/Downham Road - The Clerk advised that she had reported this matter to Mr Vale at Chelmsford Borough Council who said that he would look into the matter. Cllr. Elliott said that the signpost had been replaced.
Birch Lane/Downham Road Footpath - The Clerk advised that she had reported the matter to Chris Romer at Chelmsford Borough Council who said that he would look into the matter.
Blackboard Advertisement Boards - The Clerk advised that she had reported the various issues to the Enforcement Team at Chelmsford Borough Council who said that they would send an officer out to look into the matters.
To-date the Clerk had not been notified of the Enforcement Officer's decisions.
1071 GENERAL CORRESONDENCE.
a) The Chairman read out an anonymous letter that had been received regarding a resident reporting their building to the Borough Council which does have the appropriate planning permission and has been inspected by a Planning Officer.
b) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister with regard to consultation documents on A draft Code of Conduct for Local Government Employees and a Review of Restrictions on the Political Activities of Local Authority Employees and pay of Political Assistants. Comments should be in by 19th November 2004. It was agreed that Cllr. Lusty should look at the documents and report at the next meeting.
c) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Doug Bacon, Cleansing Inspector, at Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to purchasing litterbins directly from him in future. It was agreed that the letter should be put on file, as no bins were needed at present.
d) The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Jackie Lane, NEAT Officer, at Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to Neighbourhood Environmental Action Teams. Mrs Lane said that she would welcome the opportunity of meeting with the Parish Council to discuss how she might get involved in helping residents in the parish tackle any environmental concerns they may have. It was agreed that the Parish Council did not wish to take the matter any further.
e) Cllr. Otter advised that she had completed a questionnaire about local transport and had submitted it after consultation with the Chairman because the deadline was before the meeting. Cllr. Otter had sent a copy to Cllr. Peacock with a copy for the Clerk. Cllr. Otter read her answers to the questionnaire to the Parish Council Cllr. Otter had also received a copy of the Essex Local Transport Plan - Annual Progress Report 2004 from Essex County Council. She read out her comments and it was agreed that she would send a copy to the Clerk in order that the Clerk could submit the comments in writing from the Parish Council to Essex County Council.
1072 PLANNING MATTERS.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from The Planning Inspectorate advising that the Appeal by IPE Properties Ltd at the site at Scriveners Farm, Madles Lane, had been dismissed.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from The Planning Inspectorate advising that the Appeal by Mr and Mrs Rose at the site of Ivydene, Whites Hill, had been allowed.
The Clerk advised that a Notification of Appeal had been received for Fairfields, Marigold Lane. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the Planning Inspectorate fully endorsing the Parish Council's earlier comments and asking for a copy of the Appeal decision. It was reported that someone was living in what used to be the calving sheds and was now being advertised as 'The Hawthorns' and as far as the Parish Council were concerned no planning permission had ever been granted for this. The matter was reported to the Enforcement Officer in April and to-date the Parish Council had not heard any more on the matter. It was therefore agreed that the Clerk should chase the matter up.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Maggie Stanton, Legal Services Officer, at Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to Tree Preservation Order No. 2004/53 at Little Pipers, 49 High Street. The reasons for the order were because the trees, reference T1 and T2 Rowan and Crab Apple, in the front garden, are important in the street scene of Stock. The remainder in the rear garden are important and soften the built environment around them as well as being some unusual species. The Silver Birch reference T5 is a mature specimen that could be damaged by adjacent development proposals. The trees are also visible from the adjacent Church car park.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Maggie Stanton, Legal Services Officer, at Chelmsford Borough Council with regard to Tree Preservation Order No. 2004/52 at Greentiles, Common Road. The reasons for the order were because the Beech tree can be seen from Mill Road and Common Road and maintains the rural aspect of the street scene. It is a mature specimen which has visual amenity and the Order will ensure that any pruning required will be carried out sensitively.
The Clerk read out letters that had been received from Chelmsford Borough Council's Planning Department giving the owners of 8 High Street permission to carry out a crown reduction to the Lime on the boundary with No. 10 and the owners of 3 Garden End, Common Road, permission to Crown lift and Crown clean the Common Ash at the rear boundary of the back garden. A refusal had been given to the owners of Elmbrook, 15 Myln Meadow, to fell two Sycamores near the boundary of Nos. 13 and 15. Permission had been granted for them to remove the deadwood from the Oak. Permission had been granted for the owners of Caer-Luel, The Paddock, to carry out works to the Deodar in the front garden of Caer-Luel, adjacent to Shires (overhanging).
The Clerk advised that she had written to Paul Bohannan but to-date a reply had not been received. The Chairman advised that Alan How who backs onto the footpath had telephoned her informing her that the owners of Long Gables were taking out more of the hedge and had starting taking out some of his own as well. The Chairman went to the site and looked at the situation. It would appear the owners have cleared the bit of hedge adjacent to Mr How as there is one hedge on their property and one on Mr How's. Mr How advised the Chairman that he was contacting his Solicitor as the owners of Long Gables had gone onto his land. The Chairman advised that she had reported the matter to the Enforcement Officers who were going to look into the matter. Cllr. Easton reported that the trees in the front garden had been removed and Cllr. Williams reported that the grass area had been taken up and looked as though it was going to be concreted. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the Enforcement Officer stating that since previous discussions with Chelmsford Borough Council, the Parish Council have noted that the development does not seem to comply with existing plans or current plans to their knowledge. The Clerk should also state that the Parish Council are concerned about the removal of the vegetation, trees, hedges and lawns in the front garden. Cllr. Easton stated that at the meeting with Christine Lyons it was agreed that the Parish Council would be willing to work with the new property owners to agree mutually acceptable planting. To-date the Parish Council have not been consulted on this.
The Clerk read out a letter that had been received from Lord Petre who advised that there is of course no doubt that the roadside verge along, at any rate, the north side of Mill Road belongs to him as part of Wastes and Commons of the Manor and that he does not approve of the neighbouring householders carrying out works thereto without at least first asking his permission. He stated that there is, indeed, the question of the right of vehicular access in the first place, which he is sure many of the newer properties are strictly not entitled to. The difficulty about this is the means of taking effective action.
Lord Petre said that he would be happy to write to the offending householders concerned or to support the Parish Council but felt that it is unlikely to be practical to take the matter any further than that as an awful lot of time could be wasted pursuing these matters with very little hope of success. It was agreed that the Clerk should ask Lord Petre to write to the householders concerned with a copy being sent to the Parish Council.
Application No. 04/01614/FUL. Removal of Condition 9 of permission reference 03/01614/FUL.
Applicant: Mr E. Southgate.
Comments by 25th August. Under the Clerk's delegated power, and after consultation with Cllrs. Johnson, Elliott and Williams, the comments submitted were that the Parish Council continue to support the original clause as written in the original planning consent.
\Application No. 04/01837/FUL. Loft conversion with two rear dormers.
Location: Willows Brook Cottage, Stock Road, Stock
Applicant: Mrs B.A. Hill.
Application No. 04/01821/FUL. Single storey extension, conservatory and two storey extension at the side.
Location: 6 Cambridge Close, Stock
Applicant: Mr D. Jory and Mrs M. Packham
The Parish Council commented that there is insufficient amenity space remaining with the property and it is over development. This is one of a pair of properties designed to resemble gatehouses. The proposed development breaks the symmetry.
Application No. 04/01740/FUL. Single storey side and rear extension.
Location: 35 Myln Meadow, Stock
Applicant: Mr and Mrs Weaver.
Application No. 04/01882/FUL. Original pair of cottages (now as one) to be re-converted, extended and renovated to two cottages. Demolition of side extension.
Location: 51 High Street, Stock Applicant: R. and J. Fenwick.
The Parish Council commented that for two three bedroomed properties there is no provision for off street parking. Both early 19th century cottages face the very busy B1007 where there is absolutely no off street parking.
Application No. 04/01883/LBC. Original pair of cottages (now as one) to be re-converted, extended and renovated to two cottages.
Application No. 04/01877/FUL. Formation of single storey rear extension to dining room.
Location: 39 Swan Lane, Stock Applicant: Mr and Mrs K. Blackburn.
Cllr. Williams said that she was horrified that 23 High Street had been approved and was not being kept in keeping with the conservation area. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the planning department stating that the Parish Council deplores the development taking place at 23 High Street which appears to be wholly out of keeping with its surroundings in a conservation area seemingly with disregard to materials being used on a listed building. The Clerk advised that she had contacted Mr Vale at Chelmsford Borough Council regarding the fact that the footpath was being obstructed and he was going to carry out a site visit.
It was reported that the owners of Stafford House in The Square have moved their front door from the High Street to The Square without any evident planning permission. Cllr. Lusty also reported that a dog breeding/grooming business was taking place from the property. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the Enforcement Officer as the property is in a conservation area.
Application No. 04/01057/ADV. Erection of non-illuminated sign.
Location: Greenwoods Estate, Stock Road, Stock
Applicant: Mr Ashor Osib. Refused.
Application No. 04/01132/FUL. Two storey side extension and single storey rear extension.
Location: 23 High Street, Stock
Applicant: Parkdene Ltd. Approved.
Application No. 04/01133/LBC. Two storey side extension and single storey rear extension in smooth rendering to walls. Clay plain tiles to match existing to side extension, clay pantiles to rear extension.
Application No. 04/01152/FUL. Proposed rear conservatory. Location: 55 Myln Meadow, Stock
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Mayhook. Approved.
Application No. 04/01331/OUT. Demolish existing bungalow and construct new detached bungalow and new house.
Location: 18 Birch Lane, Stock.
Applicant: Mr M. Tant. Refused .
Application No. 04/01375/FUL. Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of new 4 bed detached dwelling.
Applicant: Mr B. Radley. Approved.
Application No. 04/01320/FUL. Single storey conservatory in re-entrant angle at side rear, single storey utility room extension at set back to side front.
Applicant: John H. Gailer. Approved.
Application No. 04/01318/FUL. Replacement front boundary fence.
Location: Buttsbury Lodge Cottage, Stock Road, Stock.
Applicant: Mr P. Francis and Ms. S. Ball. Refused.
1073 FINANCE.
Clerk's Salary - The matter was discussed and it was agreed that the Clerk's salary should be increased from the 1st April 2004 to £8.209 per hour, which would move her salary from SCP 18 to the SCP 19 scale rate. It was also agreed that as from the 1st August 2004 the Clerk's hours would be increased from 16 hours per week to 18 hours per week.
Audit of Accounts 2003/04 - The Clerk advised that Lubbock Fine had contacted her for further information which she had provided to them. She advised that the paperwork was now being passed to a Senior Partner in order that the accounts could be signed off.
100986 £686.97 Mrs L.J.Green Salary 1.8.04 - 31.8.04 and backdated pay increase to 1.4.04
100987 £140.41 Inland Revenue Only PAYE and N.I.
100988 £113.21 Mrs L.J. Green Expenses
100989 £28.50 Stock Village Hall Hire of Hall
100990 £45.00 Chelmsford Borough Council Parish Sports Programme
100991 £53.28 British Telecommunications Plc Office Telephone
100992 £116.00 Mark Henderson Grass Cutting Churchyard
Transfer of Funds - On the 1st September 2004 a transfer of £2,500.00 was carried out from the Business Reserve Account to the Current Account.
1074 PARISH COUNCILLORS' ALLOWANCES.
The Clerk advised that she had spoken to Malcolm Bartlett at Chelmsford Borough Council regarding the matter. All Councillors are entitled to receive the Parish Basic Allowance of £113.00 per annum, which Mr Bartlett suggests is paid at six monthly intervals. For those Councillors not wishing to claim this allowance, or any other allowance, they must write in officially to the Clerk advising that they wish to elect to forgo any part of his/her entitlement to allowances payable under this scheme. As regards Travelling/Subsistence Allowances these must be approved at a prior meeting and minuted as an approved duty for the payment of allowances. A Councillor may not submit a bill for something that has not already been approved. After discussion a vote was taken to adopt the scheme which resulted in 3 for, 3 abstained and 2 against. The Parish Councillor Allowances Scheme was therefore adopted. It was agreed to defer the matter of claiming until the next meeting.
1075 BEST VALUE GROUP REPORT.
Traffic Management - The Chairman advised that Cllr. Peacock would try and arrange the next traffic meeting for a couple of weeks time. Cllr. Peacock had chased Chelmsford Borough Council/Essex County Council with regard to the final high street works.
Playground - The Chairman said that hopefully the Parish Council would be able to move forward with the project and that the matter would be pursued.
1076 GRASS CUTTING.
The Clerk advised that she had written to ELS regarding the various issues raised at the last meeting. To-date a reply had not been received. Cllr. Elliott advised that she had spoken to ELS and she had discussed the various matters with them.
The Clerk advised that she had written to Mr Lawrence with regard to confirming his recommendations made to the Chairman but to-date a reply had not been received.
1077 STREET LIGHTING
Proposed Street Lighting on the Paved Dakyn Drive/Swan Lane Footpath - The Clerk advised that she had received a letter back from Mr Webb of 11 Swan Lane asking which hedge needed cutting back. After speaking to Paul Crossley at Chelmsford Borough Council it transpired that he had made a mistake and the hedge in question actually belongs to Stock School. Mr Crossley advised that he has reported the matter to Essex County Council.
The Clerk advised that she had therefore sent a letter of apology to Mr Webb. The Clerk read out a note that had been received from Mr Crossley advising that the distance between columns 23 and 24 along the footpath is 50 metres and this is not ideal for a footpath and suggests that there are dark areas between these two columns at the moment. The existing lanterns are 35 watt and the new lanterns will be increased to 50 watt, which will reduce these dark areas. Consequently, the new lanterns will not create dark areas but help to reduce the ones which already exist. Once the hedge is cut back the work will be carried out.
1078 WAR ON WASTE.
Cllr. Elliott reported that a fridge had been dumped in Mill Road and that she had reported it to the Hit Squad. Cllr. Lewis had also reported this matter.
It was reported that there was a lack of bottle/can recycling collections taking place. Cllr. Easton advised that she had contacted the department and had been put on the missed list. Cllr. Otter said that the black bin collections were very good but Chelmsford Borough Council were not good with the recycling.
It was reported that the bin at the bear is smelling foul even though the owners are now using a bin cleaning company. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the owners of The Bear and also write to the Public Health Department advising that there has not been a satisfactory conclusion to the problem with the bins.
Cllr. Grundy informed the Parish Council that Chelmsford Borough Council are happy to give parishioners an additional brown bin if they would like it. Cllr. Otter said that the waiting list is 6 weeks.
Cllr. Lewis reported that two travellers' caravans have recently been parked in the layby on the Stock/Ingatestone Road just before Buttsbury Church and now they have vacated have left piles of rubbish and that the barrier gravel has been removed and the way is now open for any other travellers. It was agreed that the Clerk should contact Chelmsford Borough Council in this regard.
1079 BUS SHELTERS.
The Chairman advised that she had spoken to Mr Tant with regard to erecting the litterbin at the bus shelter opposite the Hoop Public House and that this would be done in due course.
1080 MAINTENANCE
1081 OPEN SPACES.
Cllr. Williams reported that there is a dip where the village sign has sunk on the green. The Chairman agreed to look at the site and suggested filling in with top soil.
It was agreed that the Clerk should write to Gary Sharp at Fristling Hall in Swan Lane informing him of the Parish Council's concern about the two lots of fencing that he has erected at the Swan Lane end of the bridleway which is prohibiting access for walkers and horses. Legally the gap should be 2m wide but it is actually 44 inches wide. It was agreed that a copy of the letter should be sent to Chris Romer at Chelmsford Borough Council.
1082 ROAD SIGNS AND FOOTPATHS
1083 VILLAGE HALL REPORT.
Cllr. Williams advised that the next meeting would be held next week and she asked Cllr. Elliott to attend on her behalf.
1084 REPORT BY CHELMSFORD BOROUGH COUNCILLOR IAN GRUNDY.
Cllr. Grundy reported that the new Chief Executive, Steve Packham, would like to visit all parishes and meet up with a couple of Councillors to discuss matters, probably around the 28th September. Cllr. Grundy said that he would kept the Parish Council posted on this.
Cllr. Grundy asked whether the Parish Council had ever received planning permission for microlight aircraft as there had been a lot of complaints from Margaretting. No official permission was thought to have been received through Stock for the land at Knapps.
1085 ESSEX RURAL HOUSING TRUST
1086 STOCK VILLAGE APPRAISAL.
The Chairman advised that Cllr. Peacock had a Parish Plan Workshop scheduled for 23rd September but a pre-meeting needed to be arranged with Michelle Pye. Cllr. Peacock had suggested week commencing 13th September. Cllr. Peacock had advised the Chairman that he would like a mail drop organised for the end of the week and for the Clerk to write the necessary information. The Chairman thought that this was too short notice and said that she would speak to Cllr. Peacock.
Cllr. Lewis reported that she had heard that the fish and chip shop was going to be turned into an Indian takeaway.
The next Meeting of the Parish Council is on the 27th September 2004.
The Chairman thanked everyone for coming; the meeting closed at 10.08pm.