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HALSTEAD TOWN COUNCIL |
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MINUTES OF FULL COUNCIL MEETING |
Membership:
| Councillor A Munday | Chairman | Present |
| Councillor M Radley | Vice Chairman | Present |
| Councillor Miss J Atkinson | Present | |
| Councillor P Caulfield | Present | |
| Councillor P Claydon | Present | |
| Councillor Mrs S Dingle | Apologies | |
| Councillor M Fincken | Present | |
| Councillor D Gronland | Present | |
| Councillor D Hume | Present | |
| Councillor Mrs J A Pell | Apologies | |
| Councillor Miss L Smith | Present | |
| Councillor G Warren | Present |
Also in attendance: Public: Ms Hannah Birch, George Ware (Press), Mr I Tinton, Cllr Mrs Jo Beavis (ECC) Mr P Schwier (BDC), Mr M Rust
Sarah Greatorex (Town Clerk)
Julia Smith (Minute Clerk)
191. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies of Absence received from Cllr Ms Pell (Personal reasons), and Cllr Ms Dingle (pressure of work). Cllr Munday proposed acceptance of these apologies. Proposal seconded by Cllr Warren and carried by unanimous vote.
192. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllr Hume declared NPI Agenda item 5-Planning: 20/00030/FUL and 20/00027/FUL as BDC Councillor. 20/00141/FUL as property adjacent to former member of Halstead TC 20/00154/FUL and 20/00178/HH as Agent is known. NPI Agenda Items 7b and 7b(a) as member of Courtaulds Sports Ground Management Committee (CSGMC). Cllr Gronland declared NPI Agenda item 5-Planning 19/02185/HH as relatives live close to site. NPI Agenda item 18 as employee is known. (will remain but not vote). Cllr Warren declared NPI Agenda item 7b as member of CSGMC. Cllr Claydon declared NPI Agenda items 7a and 7b as member of CGSMC. Cllr Radley declared NPI Agenda item 5-Planning. 20/00030/FUL and 20/00027/FUL as member of BDC. NPI Agenda item 7b as BDC Councillor. Cllr Munday declared NPI Agenda item 5-Planning as member of Braintree DC Planning Committee and NPI Agenda item 7b as member of BDC.
193. a) Youth Verbal Update from the HAPPY group Hannah Birch from the group noted that many group members were attending the Royal British Legion meeting to plan for a VE day celebration so the plan to make a presentation at this HTC meeting was deferred to March. Hannah was pleased to say that the group was still progressing with a great deal of interest on social media. Group will hold a further meeting on Monday 17th February at 6.30pm at the Resource Centre and Hannah invited representatives from Halstead TC to attend that meeting. Hannah was thanked for her report and Chairman said he would discuss attendance with fellow Councillors.
b) Public Questions: Cllr Mrs Jo Beavis gave a short précis of meeting earlier that day of Essex County Council where budgets for coming year had been set. Cllr Mrs Beavis said she felt that the budget had been good and had a lot to offer – it was a budget of hope and ambition. More money had been pledged for adult social care and for children’s services. It was noted that there are 1050 children in care in Essex and care quality had been rated as outstanding. Additional funds had been pledged for young children from 11-18. Climate emergency was recognised and a tree planting scheme had already been announced – other measures will follow. Cllr Finch had announced a devolution scheme giving each Councillor a sum of £10,000 to use in local projects – Cllr Mrs Beavis will attend training on this scheme in March. Each Council will receive written notice of the scheme and how the new home bonus will be effected. Cllr Beavis said that a full written report will be sent to Council in due course. Cllr Mrs Beavis also said that she had attended a meeting with Town Mayor and Sudbury Town Council about the strategic lorry route and had raised this matter at County Council level. Cllr Beavis hoped that a meeting can be arranged and Cllr Finch can be invited and she was sure he would attend. Chairman thanked Cllr Beavis for this update and said that a group meeting regarding the strategic lorry route had taken place which was very productive. He clarified that himself and Cllr Radley had been pressing for ECC to respond to a meeting that they had attended over a year ago and that he hoped that another meeting, including BDC representatives, can be arranged in the near future.
Mr Martyn Rust spoke as resident of Head Street and asked if Council knew why surveying had taken place recently in that area. It was said that the Highways Panel had asked for some ‘Give Way’ signs to be placed at the pinch point in Head Street and it was possible that a validation survey had taken place. Chairman said that he had seen the problems that occur in Head Street and stressed that the Town Council were trying to get some action to alleviate the difficulties caused by heavy goods vehicles on this route.
194. MINUTES
To approve the minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on 13th January 2020. Minutes had been circulated and proposal to adopt minutes of Town Council Meeting of 13/01/20 was proposed by Cllr Munday and seconded by Cllr Fincken Vote was taken and minutes were adopted with one abstention.
Cllr Munday left the meeting at this point.
195. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Cllr Hume took the Chair for this part of the meeting.
20/00030/FUL.- Frank Vaizey House, Colne Valley Close, Halstead. Removal of external timber railings/handrails and replace with metal railings. Councillors agreed that this would be a sensible move and Cllr Gronland proposed no objection to this application. Proposal was seconded by Cllr Fincken and carried by unanimous vote.
20/00027/FUL.- Trinity Court, Halstead, Essex. Installation of replacement railings/panels to communal area to rear courtyard elevation. Chairman noted that this was a similar application for safety reasons. Cllr Radley proposed no objection to this application. Proposal was seconded by Cllr Ms Atkinson and carried by unanimous vote.
19/02185/HH.-1 Orville, Mallows Field, Halstead. Erection of outbuilding to be used as workshop. It was noted that this would be a brick building and that there was plenty of room at the premises for such a building. Cllr Gronland proposed no objection to this application provided that the building was not to be used for residential purposes. Proposal was seconded by Cllr Warren and carried by unanimous vote.
20/00071/FUL.- Blamsters Oak, Mount Hill, Halstead. Change of use of the staff training area and a portion of the existing office area to a self-contained one bedroomed supported living unit. A portion of the office space will be retained for office purposes. It was noted that this change would be in line with the rest of the facility and Cllr Gronland proposed no objection to this application. Proposal was seconded by Cllr Ms Atkinson and carried by unanimous vote.
20/00121/HH. -1 Tidings Hill, Halstead, Essex. Single storey extension to existing outbuilding in order to create annexe accommodation. Cllr Radley proposed no objection to this application provided that it was not treated as a separate property and was for immediate family use. Proposal was seconded by Cllr Warren and carried by unanimous vote.
20/00141/FUL. – 46 Beridge Road, Halstead, Essex. Proposed extensions to form two storey two bedroom dwelling. It was noted that a previous application for an extension at this property had been granted but had now lapsed. It was also noted that no objections had been made to current application although it was now proposed to make a separate building with access via a track. Parking was thought to be an issue, since the planned parking at the rear is not convenient. Cllr Ms Atkinson proposed no objection to this application provided that Planning Officers are aware that proposed parking would not be convenient meaning additional cars would be parked on roadside. Proposal was seconded by Cllr Gronland and carried by unanimous vote.
20/00154/FUL.- 1 Windmill Road, Halstead, Essex. Erection of a detached 3-bedroom dwelling and new vehicular access. It was noted that there is room at the site for the proposed building and that ECC Highways have not lodged objections. Parking would be available for two vehicles. Cllr Gronland proposed no objection to this application. Proposal was seconded by Cllr Caulfield and carried by unanimous vote.
20/00178/HH.-21 Ozier Field, Halstead, Essex. Erection of a single storey front porch. It was said that this would be an appropriate addition and Cllr Warren proposed no objection to this application. Proposal was seconded by Cllr Ms Atkinson and carried by unanimous vote.
Cllr Munday returned to the meeting
Cllr Hume passed Chair of the meeting back to Cllr Munday.
196. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chairman thanked Deputy Mayor Cllr Radley for attending an event in his absence Cllr Munday proposed that Council note this report. Proposal seconded by Cllr Warren and carried unanimously.
197. FINANCE
Cllr Radley as Chair of Finance presented Finance Reports.
a) Income and Expenditure Report for the month of January. Cllr Radley noted that car park income was running above budget and that overall income was 2.6% over budget. There had been a higher than expected spend at Courtaulds, but expenditure was still 1.2% lower than budget. Cllr Claydon asked about an item of expenditure and was told that stock of books/calendars for sale had been purchased. Cllr Radley proposed acceptance of the Income and Expenditure Report for January. Cllr Claydon seconded the proposal and it was carried by unanimous vote.
b) and b(a) List of payments to be approved in February. Cllr Radley noted payments for lawn mower repairs and for CCTV at Courtaulds. Payment towards Police Specials was noted – this being the second contribution in current year, one more contribution may have to be made from this year’s budget. Payment for trade stand at Exhibition (Excursions 2020) was explained; this had been agreed in October 2018 and was funded from former Town Team monies. Cllr Radley proposed acceptance of items 7b and 7b(a) payments to be approved Proposal was seconded by Cllr Gronland and carried by unanimous vote.
c) Monthly Reconciliation Report – bank and petty cash accounts. Cllr Radley proposed acceptance of the report. Cllr Warren seconded this proposal and it was agreed by unanimous vote.
d) To approve the use of the Lloyds Bank account to make online payments and appoint at least one more signatory. It was explained that the Barclays account was difficult to use for online banking, but the Lloyds current account had proved easier and Lloyds staff were very helpful. It was said that there could be any number of signatories lodged but only two would be required to verify. Cllr Radley proposed that HTC used the Lloyds Bank Account to make online payments. Proposal was seconded by Cllr Caulfield and carried by unanimous vote. Cllr Radley then proposed that at least one further signatory should be appointed to Lloyds Account. This was seconded by Cllr Munday and carried by unanimous vote. Cllr Munday offered to act as signatory and this offer was unanimously accepted.
Cllr Radley handed back Chair of the meeting to Mayor Cllr Munday
198. COMMUNITY HALL
a) Verbal update from H4C : Cllr Mrs Pell was not present at the meeting so a verbal update was deferred to March meeting.
b) Verbal Update from HTC Working group for the Community Hub: Cllr Radley reported a recent meeting had taken place and a meeting with H4C trustees would be arranged for the near future. Community Hall update report was noted.
199. DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORTS.
a) Written Report from Cllr Radley had been received and circulated.
Cllr Munday had attended a skills training session but for personal reasons had not been able to attend Planning Meetings, although would be able to attend meetings in the coming month.
Cllr Hume concurred with comments made by Cllr Radley and had attended a Performance Management meeting. The budget proposal including a taxbase increase by 1.6% was noted. A local development plan meeting would be attended in the near future.
Cllr Munday asked that that District Councillor reports be noted.
200. TO RECEIVE CHAMPIONS UPDATES.
Cllrs Gronland and Radley – Surgery: Cllr Gronland said that after the presentation at January meeting it could be conceived that the project to make extra consulting rooms at the present surgery had stalled, but he and Cllr Radley had spoken again with Dr. Kreis and practice manager and they had agreed that Councillors could liaise with NHS to try to move things forward. Accordingly the Regional Estate Director for NHS had agreed to a meeting, with her assistant and Dr Kreis, Practice Manager and Councillors. Meeting had taken place and was very positive with the feeling that things could now move forward. Cllr Gronland said that the future now looked more positive and brighter. Chairman said that HTC was pleased with progress and hoped that the momentum would continue.
Cllrs Hume and Caulfield – Education: Cllr Caulfield said that he and Cllr Hume had liaised with three schools and had been made welcome. Meetings had taken place with Heads at Ramsey, St. Andrew’s and Holy Trinity and all were keen to be involved. Although this was early days it was felt to be encouraging and productive. It was noted that there is an Award Scheme at Ramsey which encourages community involvement and it was hoped that some pupils will engage in community activities such as the river clean, litter picks, etc. Holy Trinity School had invited Councillors to Friday assemblies – their WOW assemblies where good deeds and good results are applauded. It was said that it is hoped to liaise with the fourth local school in due course. Chairman thanked Councillors for their work with schools that would result in greater liaison between schools and community.
Cllr Gronland asked if the issue of parking at schools had been discussed. It was said that no discussions had taken place at present. Cllr Gronland spoke about the initiative from ECC encouraging children to get involved in monitoring of parents’ parking near to schools. He said that this was in operation in 14 places so far with astounding success. A full time official had been appointed to carry this scheme throughout the County.
Cllr Ms Smith – Tourism Cllr Ms Smith said that there was nothing to report at present.
Cllr Fincken – Open Spaces and River. Cllr Fincken reported a meeting with Nicola Murphy which was productive. It was said that the project at Ramsey Road PF was moving forward and a meeting will take place regarding Coggeshall Pieces and what is required at that location. Chairman noted the possibility of some money from the local fund from ECC where plans for spend should be made, a list of priorities should be written. Chairman noted that S106 money was available and Cllr Fincken said that a list of priorities for this spend should be drawn up as soon as possible, with one or two projects discussed at each meeting to discuss feasibility. It was noted that this spend is time limited but Cllr Atkinson said that although Nicola Murphy is relatively new in post she is dedicated to bringing projects to fruition. Cllr Radley said he would take up the matter with cabinet member as soon as possible.
Cllr Warren – Police. Cllr Warren noted a meeting with Clive Stewart from Neighbourhood Watch, Town Clerk, Chairman, himself and local Police Constable. The meeting had been interesting and it had been agreed that a Neighbourhood Watch relaunch before next Town Council Meeting should be arranged. It was said that interest had waned in recent years and a relaunch by Neighbourhood Watch and Police would be valuable. It was questioned how many ‘special constables’ are assigned to Halstead at present, and it was said that the figure changes as one constable is still unwell, one is about to join the regular police force and one is just now coming onstream. It was agreed that the presence of new police constables in Halstead has been a positive move with good results.
Cllr Caulfield commented that it is recognised that Neighbourhood Watch areas have a 60% less crime rate and that it is right that Council supports move to relaunch this valuable project. He feels that the process could be made easier, and was assured that moves are underway to make changes. Cllr Fincken said that it would be important to publicise any relaunch meeting and encourage public to attend. He suggested that perhaps an article could be written for Halstead Gazette. Cllr Warren said that format for the relaunch meeting was still under discussion but agreed that when available details should be published as widely as possible. He noted that there are many instances of vehicle crime in Halstead at the moment and hopes that this prevalence may help to galvanise residents into helping with Neighbourhood Watch. Cllr Caulfield said that the project helps to treat the fear of crime as well as crime itself.
Cllr Munday proposed acceptance of Champions’ reports
201. TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON THE RIVERSIDE BRIDGE.
Cllr Munday said that there had been misconceptions and misinformation on social media and hoped to put matters right. He thanked Cllr Ms Atkinson and Cllr Mrs Penn for putting matters into hand for stage 1 to clean the footway of the bridge on Sunday 16th February at 10am that will uplift the visual aspect of the area and encourage thoughts that something is being done. There is much more structural work to be done, so the bridge won’t be open in the near future but at least there will a positive move towards opening. Cllr Warren said that it was good to see matters moving forward and felt that it was a tragedy that ECC had inspected and then closed the bridge for 5 years causing stress to residents. Cllr Hume said that he had attended meetings with previous Town Clerk, town councillors and district councillors about the bridge and it had been said that the cost to repair the bridge would be significant, in the region of £100K to replace the bridge and therefore nothing had been done; this was appalling for the Town. Cllr Munday said that obviously there is a detailed structural report showing work that needs to be done but actually there are two areas of concern but nothing that cannot be repaired. Following the proposed clearing/cleaning work a working group will meet and assess the next move forward. It is hoped to appoint a contractor for major structural work and the rest can be managed by volunteer work. Cllr Warren asked when HTC would actually take ownership of the bridge and was told that when repairs have been completed the legal process for HTC to take ownership can begin; funds have been set aside for this purchase. Cllr Hume asked who will do the work and Cllr Munday said that consultations would take place. A BDC funded survey has taken place and it was hoped that matter could be moved forward in the near future.
Cllr Munday asked that reported be noted – accepted unanimously.
202. TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON HOLY TRINITY WALL.
Report was before Council showing that a lime tree was causing the wall adjacent to footpath to Holy Trinity School to bow. Survey had been made by Ed Morton Partnership. It was said that this wall had been surveyed some 14 years previously but that now it was thought that action should be taken to make the wall safe. Proposals were before Council regarding recommendations made by Morton Partnership and Cllr Radley said he agreed with the proposals and would support doing the design and schedule of works. He said that some monies could be found from the 19/20 budget and felt work should be put in hand as soon as possible. Cllr Munday proposed that Council go ahead with the recommendations made by the Morton Partnership, that council request an elevation and two or three cross section drawings from a local surveyor. That Council request the Morton Partnership to draw up a short specification and schedule of works based on the above and price quoted and that HTC seeks prices from appropriate locally based contractors. Proposal was seconded by Cllr Warren and carried by unanimous vote.
203. TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING
Report was before Council after proposals made at January meeting and further research that had been carried out by Town Clerk. It was noted that the original proposal, and funding agreed, would only give grants for only 22kw charging points that would take about 4 hours to charge a car fully. This was perceived to be obsolete technology and following some advice from BDC different sources of installation have been explored. Instavolt have visited the Chapel St. site and advised that they would be interested in installing 2 single chargepoints, in the area by the river, that could charge up to 80% of electric car battery in 30 minutes. Instavolt would want to enter into a 15/20 year agreement where HTC would either receive 10% of the profit or a base rent, whichever is the higher. They would cover any breakdown and costs for the period of tenure and work could be completed in 4 to 5 months from agreement. Cllr Fincken said he felt that Instavolt would give a better solution, and it would be good to start with 2 chargers and add to them later when uptake is greater. Cllr Munday said he felt this would bring people into the town and Cllr Caulfield said that there are already enquiries and requests on social media. Cllr Munday thanked Town Clerk for her work in researching this matter and Cllr Radley felt it to be a win/win situation for HTC. Cllr Radley suggested that Council move to a survey and award contract as soon as possible. Cllr Munday moved that Council approve contract with Instavolt and move ahead with installation for two electric vehicle charging points as soon as possible. Proposal was seconded by Cllr Caulfield and carried by unanimous vote.
204. TO RAISE AN OBJECTION TO PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON KINGS ROAD
Cllr Gronland noted the proposal by ECC to making parking restrictions on Kings Road and noted that about 20 cars park in this location and where would be their alternative parking place? He said that the road works at present for delivery lorries as well as for cars and felt that any further restrictions are unnecessary. He asked that HTC write to ECC Highways to rescind the parking order. Cllr Jo Beavis suggested that direct submission be made to Cllr Kevin Bentley, Cabinet Member for Highways – copied to Cllr Beavis.
Cllr Gronland then spoke about parking problems in Kings Road near to the proposed development site of the former Hunwick company. He felt that parking spaces would have to be removed to allow for ingress/access to the site when developed and thought that it might be better to widen Factory Lane West and channel all traffic from the site through that road. Discussions took place and it was thought that road widening proposals were not within Council’s remit but it was generally agreed that some work in this area is needed; not just for Kings Road and Factory Lane West but also for Parsonage Street. Cllr Warren said that the whole area needs a rethink, particularly the mini-roundabout junction opposite the Fire Station. After further discussions Cllr Munday proposed that Town Clerk and Cllr Beavis look to meet with ECC Highways and BDC Planning Department to discuss some revisions of this whole area of the town. Proposal was seconded by Cllr Fincken and carried by unanimous vote.
205. TO APPROVE THE TENDER DOCUMENT FOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS CONTRACT
The proposed tender document was to hand and had been circulated. It was agreed that this was a detailed document and Cllr Radley said that it would be good to get local electricians involved. Cllr Munday proposed that HTC approve the Tender and Contract documents as written. Proposal was seconded by Cllr Gronland and carried by unanimous vote. Cllr Munday then proposed that the invitation to tender should be advertised locally. Proposal was seconded by Cllr Ms Atkinson and carried by unanimous vote.
206. TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE EVENTS GROUP HELD ON 13TH JANUARY 2020
Cllr Munday said that it had been agreed that the meeting had been productive and proposal for Coffee with Councillors had been well received. Cllr Caulfield said that he had spoken with the Little Book Cafe who had offered an area for future similar meetings at the ‘top of the town’. This was welcomed. Cllr Munday said that he hoped Councillors would agree to take part in these efforts to engage with the public and Town Clerk asked how they would be advertised. It was agreed that they should be advertised on Council web site and social media and hoped that Halstead Gazette would publicise.
Cllr Munday proposed that minutes of the Events Group meeting be approved and accepted. Proposal was seconded by Cllr Gronland and carried by unanimous vote. Cllr Munday then proposed that the Coffee with Councillors events be advertised on Council Web Site and Social Medial and with posters and article in Halstead Gazette. Proposal was seconded by Cllr Caulfield and carried by unanimous vote.
207. 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’
208. TO CONSIDER A MAINTENANCE MATTER.
There being no other public business to discuss meeting closed at 9.05pm.