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HALSTEAD TOWN COUNCIL |
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MINUTES OF TOWN COUNCIL MEETING PUBLIC SESSION MINUTES 13 October 2025: at 19:15 |
Membership:
| Councillor Andrew Munday | Chairman | Apologies |
| Councillor James Bond | Vice Chairman | Present |
| Councillor Janet Atkinson | Present | |
| Councillor Malcolm Fincken | Present | |
| Councillor Linda Hilton | Present | |
| Councillor Gemma MacAndrews | Present | |
| Councillor Grahame McCoyd | Present | |
| Councillor Paul Nunn | Present | |
| Councillor Jackie Pell | Present | |
| Councillor Felix Preston | Apologies | |
| Councillor Linda Smith | Apologies | |
| Councillor Garry Warren | Present |
Also in attendance: Chris Lozeau, Eileen Penn, Glem Lagdon, Mary Atkinson, Cllr Chris Siddall, Sarah Greatorex (Town Clerk)
094/25 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Cllrs Munday, Smith and Preston sent apologies as they were on holiday.
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Atkinson, acceptance of the apologies. This was unanimously agreed.
Chairman’s statement 13 October 2025 – on the month of September
The Chairman recognises that this month has been a quiet month but would like to note the following:
The Halstead River Improvement group installed their information board about the river on the Causeway on 9 September.
Our new horticultural apprentice has settled in well, and is being trained by our groundsman Tim.
On 29 September, the first meeting of the new Courtaulds Sports Ground user group took place, where the users had their first opportunity to say to the Town Council what they would like to achieve in future.
Finally, the Chairman would like to express his huge thanks to Stane Street Players for an incredible donation of £1000 to the Mayor’s charity, which is for Dementia friendly activities in Halstead.
095/25 DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS:
Cllr Pell declared an NPI on item 5, 25/02011/FUL, as her son-in-law works for East of England co-op, and a conflicting interest with item 10, as she is chairman of H4C which is attempting to build a community centre on land in Butler Road, and said she would leave. Cllr Fincken declared an NPI item 5 as a member of BDC planning committee.
096/25 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
1. Chris Lozeau spoke to raise the question of a dog park in Halstead.
Many dog owners in Halstead, including myself, frequently use the town’s fields for walks. However, these open spaces, while popular, often lack stimulation for dogs and, more importantly, can pose safety concerns. Sadly, my own dog was attacked in Halstead a few months ago highlighting the need for a more secure environment for our pets. We also regularly hear stories on community groups about dogs going missing after being off-lead in open fields.
A dedicated dog park would provide a much-needed safe and engaging space for dogs to exercise and socialise. At its most basic, this area could be a gated space where dogs can run freely without the risk of wandering off, equipped with benches for owners and shaded areas. Ideally, it could also offer free poo bags and a dog water fountain.
In a more enhanced vision, a dog park could include agility equipment, a sensory garden, natural features like logs, boulders, and mounds for climbing, a splash pad or shallow water play area, and even lighting for use during winter mornings and evenings.
I believe a dog park would be a significant asset to our community, promoting responsible dog ownership and enhancing the well-being of our furry friends and their owners.
2. Glen Lagdon spoke about the land East of the High Street, where there are 15 underground air-raid shelters and 1 overground shelter, which the 21st century group is trying to protect.
The purpose of this representation is to update our councillors on the current situation facing the land east of the Halstead High Street that we hope to turn into the Halstead Heritage Park.
This is the land that encompasses the 15 underground shelters and 1 over ground structure that Halstead 21st Century group has campaigned to save for the last 13 years and have appreciated the support of our councillors.
Now we are on the verge of gaining planning permission with a scheme that could be recommended by the council planning team to the council planning committee. We fear that a separate team within Braintree District council are considering a sale by auction, 2 parcels of land that encompass 1st numbers 1 and 2 Vicarage Meadow and 2 of the shelters behind them, and 2nd the St Andrew road and a large parcel of the land at the top of the site which is the only viable access to the land and 2 of the shelters that are scheduled to remain intact.
After 13 years of campaigning, and 3 years of working with the developer and Braintree District Council planning team and councillors, it seems ludicrous that a separate team responsible for property, are now on the verge of completely derailing all this hard work, to achieve very little for the council and take away a valuable future attraction and education centre for the people of Halstead, within the centre of our town, as well as prevent the building of 31 homes that the district requires.
We have written to our MP, council officers and many of yourselves to highlight this issue and would like to thank Jackie, Malcolm and Jim for seeking clarification and influencing officers to act more strategically.
We were as a result contacted by Braintree District Council officers Dominic Collins, Corporate Director of Growth and Edwina Cowley, Head of Asset Management on the 22 September. Both advised that they must seek best value for the council through any sale of the property and land, and that no auction has been agreed and will not proceed without proper consultation, although we know that auction house representatives were at the properties on 16 September to prepare the sales pack, which seems strange if they had not been given an instruction.
Edwina Cowley advised that they would be meeting with Halstead New Homes to discuss the sale of this land and properties the following week. It is now almost a month later and no meeting has yet taken place, though we understand that Halstead New Homes have submitted at BDC request an offer for the properties and land behind.
I contacted Edwina Cowley on 8 October, as did Halstead New Homes requesting a meeting to be advised they are positively considering this offer, but this is below the appraised reserve value, and therefore governance processes will take time to work through. They have commissioned engineering work to improve the drainage, and a building surveyor continues to monitor the condition of the properties. In the meantime, as was always the case, there is no auction booked.
Braintree is not discussing the 2nd parcel of lands comprising St Andrews Road and the attached strip of land at the top of the site, We fear this parcel is being considered for a separate sale to a developer, who will be in a position to hold others to ransom, as they will control the only viable access to the site, making the Heritage Park unviable.
We hope you would agree that we are getting some very mixed messages from our council officers and that is in all our interests to remain vigilant to what is happening to the land east of the High Street and the impact it could have on our community. Not just to the Heritage park, but also to the residents of St Andrews Road, if that road is sold and access becomes restricted.
This should not be a purely monetary decision made by others from a distance, and if there is any advice or support our councillors can offer, we would greatly appreciate this.
Cllrs Pell, Fincken and Bond have already given their support to this project, but they are now being asked to lend further support to prevent the sale of the land. They promised to be in touch with BDC over this matter in the next 2 weeks.
Cllr Bond proposed bringing forward item 14 so that it could be discussed without making Mr Lozeau wait. This was seconded by Cllr Fincken and unanimously agreed.
Cllr Fincken proposed that HTC explores the options for a secure dog park in Halstead, including the location of suitable land, costings and maintenance. BDC would need to be contacted as it owns most of the open spaces in Halstead. This was seconded by Cllr MacAndrews and unanimously agreed.
3. Cllr Chris Siddall gave his report. He said that the Local Highways panel will be disbanded under Local government reorganisation, so no new projects can be taken on. He also said it is likely that Essex will be divided into 3 unitary authorities. At present ECC are running a Stoptober campaign to help people to stop smoking. He also said that there had been a sharp drop in the number of potholes reported, but he still has funds to fill potholes, so they should be reported to him.
097/25 MINUTES To approve the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 8 September 2025, Minutes had been circulated. A proposal to adopt minutes of the Full Town council meeting of 8 September 2025, was put forward by Cllr Fincken, seconded by Cllr Hilton, subject to a minor amendment to note that the Earmarked reserves and balance sheet had been noted, but not the bank reconciliation. This was agreed, with 3 abstentions.
098/25 PLANNING APPLICATIONS – Cllr Pell, Lead for planning, Deputy lead Cllr Nunn
Cllr Fincken left the meeting.
25/02011/FUL – 2-8 Weavers Court, Halstead, Essex
Proposed subdivision of existing commercial (Class E) into two separate units (Class E) and associated ancillary works
Cllr Pell proposed no objection, seconded by Cllr McCoyd. This was agreed with one abstention.
25/02024/FUL – The Ramsey Academy , Colne Road, Halstead
Proposed two- storey Portakabin classroom building
Cllr Pell proposed no objection, seconded by Cllr Nunn, and agreed with 1 abstention.
25/02023/HH – 53 Conies Road, Halstead, Essex
Single- storey rear extension
Cllr Pell proposed no objection, seconded by Cllr Hilton and agreed with 1 abstention.
25/02029/ADV – 42 High Street, Halstead, Essex
Retention of 1 No. sign for advertisement
Cllr Pell proposed a strong objection, seconded by Cllr Warren, to support the Heritage statement and also as the advertisement is not in keeping on a building of significant interest in a conservation area. This was agreed with 1 abstention.
25/02154/LBC – 20 Head Street, Halstead, Essex
Repaint the exterior of the building.
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Nunn, that HTC support the Historic Buildings advisor’s recommendation that the building be painted a suitable heritage colour. This was agreed with 2 abstentions.
25/02151/ADV – Post Office, 76 – 78 High Street, Halstead
Signage to include:
4 No. non-illuminated fascia signs
1 No. non-illuminated projecting/hanging sign
Cllr Pell proposed no objection, seconded by Cllr Warren. This was agreed with 1 abstention.
Cllr Fincken returned to the meeting
099/25 MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Atkinson, that the appointments be noted. This was unanimously agreed.
100/25 FINANCE
Finance – Cllr McCoyd, Deputy Lead for Finance, led this part of the meeting.
All members of the Council are members of the Finance section
a)To consider income and expenditure for September
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Atkinson, that income and expenditure for September be approved. This was unanimously agreed.
b) To approve the lists of payments
Cllr Warren proposed, seconded by Cllr Atkinson, that the lists of payments be approved. This was unanimously agreed.
c) To approve the balance sheet, bank reconciliation and EMR report
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Atkinson, that the bank reconciliation, balance sheet and EMR report be approved. This was unanimously agreed.
d) To consider the success of the outings in 2025 and plan for 2026
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Pell, that HTC carry out a complete review of the provision of outings, the number of trips, and arrangements for payment/resale of tickets. This was agreed unanimously.
Cllr Bond proposed that HTC agree:
- to run the trips again in 2026
- To make the cost of the trips in 2026 for Halstead Residents £18.50 and for non-residents £22.50
- To accept the quotation from Kings Coaches
This was seconded by Cllr McCoyd and agreed with 2 abstentions.
To consider extra financial assistance for senior parties
Cllr Pell proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that the budget for the senior citizen parties be increased for one year only to £1000 from £500, with no guarantee that this will be repeated in future years. This was agreed with 2 abstentions.
e) To consider direct debits for Courtaulds
Cllr Warren proposed, seconded by Cllr Atkinson, that the direct debits for Courtaulds be approved. This was unanimously agreed.
f) To appoint 2 councillors to carry out internal control
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Hilton, that Cllrs MacAndrews and Bond be appointed to carry out internal control by the end of the calendar year.
g) To consider a letter from Rev Joshua Norris
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Atkinson, that HTC does not make an exception to its grant awarding policy, but asks Rev. Joshua to make an application in June along with other applicants, with a clear description of what is needed. This was unanimously agreed.
h) To consider the purchase of a urinal for Courtaulds
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr McCoyd, that the purchase of the urinal be brought to the CSG user group in January, along with a proposal for an outside toilet to be installed. This was unanimously agreed.
i) To note the external auditor’s report
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Warren, that the external auditor’s report be noted.
j) To consider upgrading Chapel Street and Butler Road carpark machines to 4G
Cllr McCoyd proposed, seconded by Cllr MacAndrews that the carpark machines be upgraded. This was agreed with 2 abstentions.
m) To consider purchasing a new van
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr MacAndrews, that HTC purchase a new van, with 4 in favour, 3 against and 1 abstention. The motion passed.
n) To consider replacing the fence demolished at the Empire Theatre
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Hilton, that HTC should not replace the demolished fence at the Empire. This was agreed with 1 abstention.
o) To consider buying the Rialtas Web and booking portal
Cllr Fincken proposed, seconded by Cllr Nunn, that HTC should not buy the Rialtas booking portal at present, but should reconsider in a couple of years.
p) To consider pruning a crab apple tree in St Andrews churchyard
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that HTC should postpone its decision on reducing the crab apple tree in the churchyard, and seek advice from the tree warden.
101/25 DISTRICT COUNCILLORS gave their reports
Cllr Fincken reported that at the Local Plan Subcommittee, the proposal to build 2770 houses on the eastern side of Halstead was accepted. This will increase the population by around 6000, but will also mean that there will be 2 new primary schools and a bypass funded by the developers.
Cllr Bond proposed that HTC should hold an Extraordinary meeting to consider the Draft Local Plan during the public consultation phase insofar as it relates to Halstead to inform any submission to the consultation.
Cllr Pell had attended a meeting on LGR, where it was explained that having a smaller number of unitary authorities would provide greater financial stability. She had also attended Cabinet, a group leaders’ meeting, a meeting on cybersecurity, a one-to-one with governance, HiB and a Public Gardens meeting.
Cllr McCoyd had attended BALC, where Dom Collins explained the arrangements for the Mayoralty and the proposed unitary authorities.
102/25 To receive reports from Champions
Surgery – Cllr McCoyd reported that triage is closed early in the day, as it is too busy, but it is still possible to phone the surgery. Halstead hospital will be used by the surgery, and there is to be one care board for Greater Essex.
Education – Cllr Bond is still waiting to meet the new headmaster at the Ramsey.
Open Spaces – Cllr Fincken reported that the Halstead River improvement group board had gone up to a mixed reception. He suggested that it would be good to arrange a meeting between HiB and HRIG.
Tourism – Cllr Pell reported that Christmas events were being planned
Halstead Community connections – Cllr Fincken reported that the group is active for the town, and that the next meeting on 3 November at 19.00 will be about social media.
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, extension of Standing Orders until the close of business. This was unanimously agreed.
Cllr Pell left the meeting.
103/25 To note the update on the proposed Community Arts Centre project
Cllr Bond reported that meetings of the trustees for the CIO will be on the first Wednesday of the month. There will also be a meeting with H4C on 27 October, which may offer an opportunity to work together. Cllr Tom Cunningham at ECC has been contacted about the strip of land opposite the Empire, which may be available for development for parking.
March 2028 is the key date for the start of the building project. The cost of building the proposed Arts Centre has been estimated at £1.7m. A Culture, Recreation and Sport strategy for the town is being worked on, as a way of managing the development of the town and to support future funding applications.
Cllr Pell returned to the meeting.
104/25 To reconsider the update to the Risk assessments.
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Fincken, that all Risk assessments (apart from iii Outings risk assessment) be approved en bloc, all to include the wording “including extreme winds and storm conditions”. This was agreed unanimously.
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Nunn, that approval for iii Outings Risk assessment be delayed until the next Full Council meeting.
105/25 To consider an update to the Health & Safety policy
Cllr Pell proposed, seconded by Cllr Hilton, that the update to the Health & Safety policy be approved. This was unanimously agreed.
106/25 To consider agreements with the allotment holders and the Mensshed
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Atkinson, that the Allotment agreements be approved, including a clause to state that the rent would be subject to review every 2 years.
107/25 To consider committee dates 26/27
Cllr Bond proposed, seconded by Cllr Nunn, that the committee dates 26/27 be noted. This was agreed with 2 abstentions.
108/25 To note the report from the CSG user meeting
Cllr Bond reported that the first meeting of the new CSG user group had gone well in a very pleasant atmosphere with good suggestions from the users.
Items for next council meeting
There were none.
110/25 EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS
To give consideration to adopting the following resolution: – “That in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted and pursuant to the provisions of section 1(2)-of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, as amended, the public and the press be temporarily excluded from the meeting”.
There were no matters in private session.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 21.55